Title:Fabrication and Evaluation of Colon Targeted Uricase Containing Microbeads for Treatment of Gout
Volume: 3
Issue: 1
Author(s): Harinath Dwivedi, Kusum Agarwal and Shubhini A Saraf
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Colon targeting, Enzyme, Enzyme therapy, Gout, Hyperuricemia, Microbeads, Uricase.
Abstract: Gout is a painful disease of joints generated because of the deposition of urate crystals within the joints. Uricase
is an enzyme capable of degrading less water soluble urate crystals into a compound allantoin, which is more water
soluble and hence is easily excreted. Uricase being proteinaceous is degraded by the protein digestive enzymes of gastro
intestinal tract (GIT) when administered orally. Colonic part of GIT lacks protein digestive enzymes and thus provides
suitable conditions for the absorption of uricase. Colon consists of several microbial flora which secrete enzymes capable
of degradation of alginates and pectin which are not digested by upper GI tract. Eudragit S-100 (pH sensitive polymer)
coated alginate – pectinate microbeads were found to be effective for delivery of uricase directly to the colonic site. Sodium
taurocholate, a bile salt, was found to be suitable for the effective absorption of uricase from colonic site into the
systemic circulation.
