This study aimed at evaluating whether derivatization of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) peptide with an amphiphilic lipoamino acid moiety could allow, along with other technological and/or pharmacokinetic advantages, to improve its encapsulation in liposomes, potentially driving its further body distribution and cellular uptake. Experimental data confirmed that a lipophilic derivative of LHRH was efficiently incorporated in various liposomal systems, differing in lipid composition and surface charge, and obtained using different methods of production. Incubation of liposomes, loaded with a fluorescent derivative of the LHRH prodrug, with NCTC keratinocytes or Caco-2 cell cultures showed that the carriers can be rapidly internalized. Conversely, the internalization of the free prodrug occurred only at very high concentrations.
Keywords: Amphiphilicity; LUVET liposomes; MLV liposomes; REV liposomes; cell uptake; fluorescence microscopy; lipoamino acids.