Utilization of response surface design for development and optimization of rosuvastatin calcium-loaded nano-squarticles for hair growth stimulating VEGF and IGF production: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

Abstract

Introduction

Countless individuals experience negative emotions as hair loss pattern affects their self-esteem and well-being. Rosuvastatin calcium (Ca-RUV) was reported to stimulate the growth of the hair in the applied area, hence, it was selected as a potential hair loss treatment drug.

Significance

This study aims to develop and optimize (Ca-RUV) loaded squarticles (SQRs) and assess their ability to deliver and release Ca-RUV in the hair follicle for the promotion of hair growth.

Methods

A response surface design was utilized to study the effect of varying Pluronic® F68 (PF68) and the percentage of liquid lipids within the core of the SQRs and the effects of particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug released percentage after 24 h (%Q24) were assessed. The optimized formula was subjected to DSC, XRD, and in-vivo evaluation in rats.

Results

SQRs stabilized by 0.8% PF68 and contained 37.5% liquid lipids showed an acceptable particle size (250 nm), drug entrapment efficiency (75%), and %Q24 (100%). The in-vivo studies illustrated the ability of the formula to regrow hair in animals after 10 days due to the elevation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to their normal values and by 9% and 54%, respectively, relative to standard therapy minoxidil (5%).

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the optimized formula of Ca-RUV loaded SQRs showed superior in-vivo results in the promotion of hair growth in a shorter period relative to the marketed product. Therefore, the formula can offer a viable option for the treatment of hair loss.

Keywords:

• Rosuvastatin calcium
• Squalene
• squarticles
• Hair growth
• response surface methodology
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
• Insulin growth factor (IGF)

Author contributions

Mervat Ibrahim conducted the experiments, prepared, analyzed the samples and prepared the manuscript, Nihal Elsayyad performed the data analysis, prepared and reviewed the manuscript. Abeer Salama conducted the experiments and analyzed the data, Shereen Noshi conceptualized the project and determined the experimental methods, analyzed and discussed the results. All authors have given approval to the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.