Abstract

The aim of the present study was to access the potential of dimethyl fumarate-loaded chitosan polymeric nanoparticles for the management of multiple sclerosis. Dimethyl fumarate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by polyelectrolyte complex coaservation technique. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized and found to have an average particle size of 324 nm, zeta potential of –34.85 mv and a poly dispersity index of 0.367. The entrapment efficiency was found to be 65.36 % and the drug loading was 28 %. The formulation’s in vitro drug release profile and stability parameters were also evaluated. Cumulative percent drug release was found to be 84 % up to 24 hours and the formulation was found to be stable at 28° for 90 days. In vitro neuroprotective effect of the nanoformulation was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay on human neuroblast SH-SY5Y cells and the treated cells showed improved cell viability under hydrogen peroxide-induced cell apoptosis. In vivo cuprizone model for multiple sclerosis in rodents also confirmed these findings by showing a significant increase in locomotion score.