Surface-modified Polyurethane Structures Used as a Carrier for Simvastatin for the Possible Treatment of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Hepatic Arterial Variations

Abstract

Simvastatin, a lipid-lowering drug from the statins group, is used in various dyslipidemias. It appears like a very useful medication to decrease the level of total cholesterol, of the low-density-lipids and triglycerides from blood, but it is well-known that the administration of statins have serious side effects, like muscle pain and weakness that can lead to kidney damage, rash on the skin and inflammation of the joints and of the blood vessels, shortness of breath, inflammation of the liver, dark urine, anemia, memory and sleep disorders, and problems in performing the sexual act. The main aims of this research were to obtain and to characterize a polymer carrier used for the transmembrane transfer of simvastatin. Hepatic arterial variations are common knowledge and it has been studied that these types of arteries have a narrower endoluminal diameter, therefore the patients may be prone to develop atherosclerosis more rapid that the ones with standard hepatic arterial patterns. The samples based on polyurethane structures with and respectively without the active agent were synthesized and characterized by measurements of pH, encapsulation efficacy, cumulative drug release in a simulated body fluid, scanning electron microscopy, Zetasizer measurements, thermal stability, cytotoxicity assay, and non-invasive skin irritation assessment. The results indicate the obtaining of heterogenous polyurethane structures with mean sizes between 80-440 nm and neutral pH, that have a good stability against the agglomeration tendency and a prolonged release rate. The results on structures cytotoxicity and their non-irritative potential are important clues that can be used in further clinical investigations.