Omega3 Fatty Acid Based Nanolipid Formulation of Atorvastatin for Treating Hyperlipidemia

Purpose: In the current study, attempts have been made to formulate an omega3 fatty acid based nanostructured lipid carriers of atorvastatin (AT), for treating hyperlipidemia; and to evaluate their antihyperlipidemic activity using in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods: Omega3 fatty acid based ATloaded nanolipid carriers (NLC) were formulated by the melt emulsification ultrasonication technology. The prepared NLC consist of stearic acid (as solid lipid), omega3 fatty acid (as liquid lipid), Tween 80, poloxamer 188 (surfactants) and soyalecithin (cosurfactant). Results: AT loaded NLCs have a particle size of 74.76 ± 4.266 nm, a zeta potential value of 36.03 ± 1.504 mV and a high drug entrapment efficiency (EE) of 86.70 % ± 0.155. The release of AT from NLCs exhibited a sustained behaviour, which made it an ideal vehicle for drug delivery. MTT assay results indicated that NLCs are compatible with L929 (mouse fibroblast) cell lines. Antihyperlipidemic study showed a significant reduction in LDL and TG levels in serum with the orally administered Omega3 fatty acid based AT loaded NLCs when compared to marketed formulation. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the omega3 fatty acid based NLC has the potential to be a promising nanomedicine for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.