NANO GEL BASED CO-DELIVERY OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM AND LUTEOLIN: A PROMISING THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY FOR SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY

Dr. Saravanan V. S., Karthiraja A. S., Sankaranarayanan A., Gowtham Prakash U., Gunavathy V., Guna V., Muniyan N., Metilda Stella Rani G.*

ABSTRACT

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by degeneration of lower motor neurons as a result of SMN1 gene deletion and inadequate SMN protein production. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction further expedite muscle atrophy and motor decline. Diclofenac sodium is a widely used NSAID, exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity; however, its oral administration is limited due to gastrointestinal toxicity and poor CNS penetration. Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, looks promising in modulating inflammatory pathways, improving mitochondrial function, and supporting neuronal regeneration. Nanogel-based drug delivery offers enhanced stability, controlled release, improved tissue penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity for CNS-targeted therapy. This review explores the mechanistic benefits of diclofenac sodium and luteolin in SMA pathology and highlights the potential synergistic role of their co-delivery via nanogel technology. Such a combined nanogel formulation may provide targeted neuroprotection, reduced inflammation, and improved patient compliance, representing a promising future therapeutic strategy for SMA management.

Keywords: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Diclofenac sodium, Luteolin, Neuroinflammation, Neuroprotection, SMN1 gene deletion.