Objectives: In this study, the preparation, stability and anti-cataract effect of cationic freeze-dried liposomes containing cytochrome c, along with nicotinamide and adenosine, are described.
Methods: Cytochrome c-loaded cationic liposomes (CC-L) were prepared by the thin-layer evaporation technique and lyophilized to obtain freeze-dried cytochrome c liposomes (CC-F). The influence of the preparation components on the liposomal encapsulation efficiency and the stability were studied. The anti-cataract effect of the CC-F was demonstrated through attenuating lens opacity development with slit lamp examination in rats with selenite-induced cataract.
Key findings: Our study indicates that: (1) the liposomal encapsulation efficiency increased with increasing phosphatidylcholine content and reduced in the presence of stearylamine. Moreover, optimal encapsulation efficiency was obtained at an appropriate ratio of phosphatidylcholine to cholesterol; (2) CC-F was stable for at least 12 months at 4 degrees C; (3) satisfactory improvements in lens opacity were shown in the cytochrome c-treated groups, especially for the CC-F-treated group with the decreased percentage of lens opacity at about 28% at the final examination.
Conclusions: CC-F were shown to be stable superior ophthalmic carriers and were able to markedly retard the onset of cataract development.