Effects of gold compounds, free or incorporated in liposomes, on human synovial cells in culture

Two gold compounds with anti-inflammatory action are separately introduced into fluid negative liposomes : Aurol-sulfide (colloidal gold compound) into the aqueous phase of liposomes, Auranofin (soluble organic compound) into the lipidic phase. Their effects are analysed in synovial cells in culture. Aurol-sulfide, given alone, rapidly enters into the cells where it is found inside membrane limited inclusions. Under our experimental conditions, this agent is atoxic and has no effect on the cell cycle. When transported inside liposomes, Aurol-sulfide is found free, at least in part, in the cytoplasm and rapidly induces cell degeneration. Auranofin, given alone, is very cytotoxic under some experimental conditions. On the contrary, synovial cells are less sensitive to Auranofin whe encapsulated in liposomes.