biostudies-literatureHasani MGolestan University of Medical Sciences635-644https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC6895356biostudies-literatureUnknown27(2)<h4>Background</h4>Leflunomide (LFD) is an Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist and immunomodulatory drug with several side effects. Niosomes are novel drug delivery systems used to reduce the unfavorable effects of drugs by enhancing their bioavailability, controlling their release and targeting specific sites.<h4>Objectives</h4>Here, we prepared niosomal formulations of LFD, evaluated their properties and delivered to THP-1 monocytic cells to study the activation and nuclear translocation of AhR.<h4>Methods</h4>Four types of non-ionic surfactants were utilized to formulate niosomes by thin film hydration (TFH) method. Entrapment efficiency (EE %) of niosomes were quantified and dynamic light scattering (DLS) was performed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to identify thDaru : journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical SciencesEncapsulation of Leflunomide (LFD) in a novel niosomal formulation facilitated its delivery to THP-1 monocytic cells and enhanced Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) nuclear translocation and activation.PMC6895356960129002Mohammadi SYazdani YArabi MSSani NAHasani MKhodabakhshi BfalseEncapsulation of Leflunomide (LFD) in a novel niosomal formulation facilitated its delivery to THP-1 monocytic cells and enhanced Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) nuclear translocation and activation.<h4>Background</h4>Leflunomide (LFD) is an Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist and immunomodulatory drug with several side effects. Niosomes are novel drug delivery systems used to reduce the unfavorable effects of drugs by enhancing their bioavailability, controlling their release and targeting specific sites.<h4>Objectives</h4>Here, we prepared niosomal formulations of LFD, evaluated their properties and delivered to THP-1 monocytic cells to study the activation and nuclear translocation of AhR.<h4>Methods</h4>Four types of non-ionic surfactants were utilized to formulate niosomes by thin film hydration (TFH) method. Entrapment efficiency (EE %) of niosomes were quantified and dynamic light scattering (DLS) was performed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to identify th2019-01-01T00:00:00Z2019 Dec2025-04-25T20:15:39.839Z2020-08-24T07:08:39ZS-EPMC68953563143246710.1007/s40199-019-00293-0