LAUSR

Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. ABSTRACT In the present work curcumin loaded hyalurosomes were proposed as innovative systems for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Vesicles were prepared using a one‐step and environmentally friendly method. Aiming at finding the most suitable formulation in terms of size, surface charge and stability on storage, an extensive pre‐formulation study was performed using different type and amount of phospholipids. Curcumin loaded vesicles prepared with 180 mg/ml of Phospholipon 90G (P90G) and immobilized with sodium hyaluronate (2 mg/ml) were selected because of their small size (189 nm), homogeneous dispersion (PI 0.24), negative charge (−35 mV), suitable ability to incorporate high amount of curcumin (E% ˜88%) and great stability on storage. The in vitro study using fibroblast‐like synovial cells cultured in synovial fluid, demonstrated the ability of these vesicles to downregulate the production of anti‐apoptotic proteins IAP1 and IAP2 and stimulate the production of IL‐10, while the production of IL‐6 and IL‐15 and reactive oxygen species was reduced, confirming their suitability in counteracting pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.