Transport of digoxin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles across BeWo cells, an in vitro model of human placental trophoblast
Albekairi, Norah A . 2015
Background: Fetal arrhythmias can lead to fetal congestive heart failure and hydrops fetalis. Digoxin (the first-line treatment) has low transplacental permeability and high risk of maternal side effects. Biodegradable digoxin-loaded PEGylated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles may increase digoxin transport across BeWo b30 cell monolayers (an in vitro model of trophoblast in human placenta) by reducing the drug's interaction with P-gp. Results/methodology: The nanoparticles showed high encapsulation efficiency and sustained release over 48 h. Transport studies revealed significantly increased permeability across BeWo cell layers of digoxin-loaded nanoparticles when compared with free digoxin. P-gp inhibition also increased the permeability of digoxin, but not digoxin-loaded nanoparticles. Conclusion: This represents a novel treatment strategy for fetal cardiovascular disease which may improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
The placenta serves as the interface between the maternal and fetal circulations and regulates the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
This chapter provides an overview of cell culture models that may be used to predict drug transport across relevant biological barriers.
Background: Fetal arrhythmias can lead to fetal congestive heart failure and hydrops fetalis. Digoxin (the first-line treatment) has low transplacental permeability and high risk of maternal side…