Lutein Encapsulated in PLGA–Phospholipid Nano-Carrier Effectively Mitigates Cytokines by Inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor TNF-alpha and Nuclear Factor NF-kB in Mice Retina.

Lutein, a photo- and thermo-labile macular pigment, prevents the retina from suffering
ocular inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its biological
activity is poor due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed a PLGA NCs (+PL),
(poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocarrier with phospholipid) to improve the biological availability
and bioefficacy of lutein in the retina of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lutein-devoid (LD) mice.
The effect of lutein-loaded NCs with/without PL was studied in comparison with micellar lutein. The
induction of inflammation by LPS significantly increased the production of nitrites in the LPS-induced
group, revealing higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the serum (760%) and retina (891%) compared
to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum (93%) and retina (205%) of the
LPS-induced group were higher compared to the control group. LPS induction resulted in increased
protein carbonyls in the serum (481%) and retina (487%) of the LPS group compared to the control
group. Further, to conclude, lutein-PLGA NCs (+PL) effectively down-regulated inflammatory
complications in the retina.