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Xiao Y, Ouyang A, Fan L, Qin X, Li Y, Wang Z, Yuan P, Huang X, Hao J, Zhu H, Huang Q, Guo H, Jin R. Precision Delivery of Binary Cooperative Nanodrugs Self-Assembled by Berberine Glycyrrhetinic Acid Salts for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39413019 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c15320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2024]
Abstract
Berberine (BB) has demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on tumorigenesis and progression. However, its clinical application is hindered by challenges such as low bioavailability due to limited cell membrane permeability, nontargeted accumulation away from solid tumors, and increased toxicity associated with intravenous administration. To overcome these challenges, a lipophilic salt-forming strategy was employed to enhance lipophilicity, thereby promoting membrane permeability and targetability for tumor accumulation while simultaneously mitigating the toxicity associated with intravenous injection. In vitro findings revealed an almost 10-fold increase in fluorescence intensity with BB-GA NDs compared to BB alone. Furthermore, selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells exhibited a 4-fold elevation compared to normal cells. In vivo results underscored the remarkable tumor-selective accumulation of BB-GA NDs, effectively mitigating the intravenous injection toxicity associated with pure BB. The self-assembly of binary cooperative nanodrugs utilizing berberine glycyrrhetinic acid salts opens up innovative possibilities for drug delivery systems in traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Alu Ouyang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Ling Fan
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530006, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Zixin Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Pingyun Yuan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Biomedical Metal Materials, Northwest Institute for Nonferrous Metal Research, Xi'an 710016, P. R. China
| | - Xuejing Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Jie Hao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, P. R. China
| | - Qiuju Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Hongwei Guo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
| | - Ronghua Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, P. R. China
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Marin JJG, Macias RIR, Asensio M, Romero MR, Temprano AG, Pereira OR, Jimenez S, Mauriz JL, Di Giacomo S, Avila MA, Efferth T, Briz O. Strategies to enhance the response of liver cancer to pharmacological treatments. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C11-C33. [PMID: 38708523 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00176.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In contrast to other types of cancers, there is no available efficient pharmacological treatment to improve the outcomes of patients suffering from major primary liver cancers, i.e., hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. This dismal situation is partly due to the existence in these tumors of many different and synergistic mechanisms of resistance, accounting for the lack of response of these patients, not only to classical chemotherapy but also to more modern pharmacological agents based on the inhibition of tyrosine kinase receptors (TKIs) and the stimulation of the immune response against the tumor using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review summarizes the efforts to develop strategies to overcome this severe limitation, including searching for novel drugs derived from synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural products with vectorial properties against therapeutic targets to increase drug uptake or reduce drug export from cancer cells. Besides, immunotherapy is a promising line of research that is already starting to be implemented in clinical practice. Although less successful than in other cancers, the foreseen future for this strategy in treating liver cancers is considerable. Similarly, the pharmacological inhibition of epigenetic targets is highly promising. Many novel "epidrugs," able to act on "writer," "reader," and "eraser" epigenetic players, are currently being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. Finally, gene therapy is a broad field of research in the fight against liver cancer chemoresistance, based on the impressive advances recently achieved in gene manipulation. In sum, although the present is still dismal, there is reason for hope in the non-too-distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J G Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio I R Macias
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro G Temprano
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Olívia R Pereira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
- Research Centre for Active Living and Wellbeing (LiveWell), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Silvia Jimenez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria, Hospital de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose L Mauriz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Silvia Di Giacomo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Matias A Avila
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
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Huang X, Li G, Li H, Zhong W, Jiang G, Cai J, Xiong Q, Wu C, Su K, Huang R, Xu S, Liu Z, Wang M, Wang H. Glycyrrhetinic Acid as a Hepatocyte Targeting Ligand-Functionalized Platinum(IV) Complexes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy and Overcoming Multidrug Resistance. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8020-8042. [PMID: 38727048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Promising targeted therapy options to overcome drug resistance and side effects caused by platinum(II) drugs for treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma are urgently needed. Herein, six novel multifunctional platinum(IV) complexes through linking platinum(II) agents and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) were designed and synthesized. Among them, complex 20 showed superior antitumor activity against tested cancer cells including cisplatin resistance cells than cisplatin and simultaneously displayed good liver-targeting ability. Moreover, complex 20 can significantly cause DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, promote reactive oxygen species generation, activate endoplasmic reticulum stress, and eventually induce apoptosis. Additionally, complex 20 can effectively inhibit cell migration and invasion and trigger autophagy and ferroptosis in HepG-2 cells. More importantly, complex 20 demonstrated stronger tumor inhibition ability than cisplatin or the combo of cisplatin/GA with almost no systemic toxicity in HepG-2 or A549 xenograft models. Collectively, complex 20 could be developed as a potential anti-HCC agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochao Huang
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Guimei Li
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Huifang Li
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Wentian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Guiyang Jiang
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
| | - Jinyuan Cai
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
| | - Qingping Xiong
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
| | - Chuang Wu
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
| | - Kangning Su
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
| | - Rizhen Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Shiliu Xu
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Zhikun Liu
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Process Enhancement Technology, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an 223003, China
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Hengshan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
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4
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Islam MR, Rauf A, Alash S, Fakir MNH, Thufa GK, Sowa MS, Mukherjee D, Kumar H, Hussain MS, Aljohani ASM, Imran M, Al Abdulmonem W, Thiruvengadam R, Thiruvengadam M. A comprehensive review of phytoconstituents in liver cancer prevention and treatment: targeting insights into molecular signaling pathways. Med Oncol 2024; 41:134. [PMID: 38703282 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer that usually affects adults. Liver cancer is a fatal global condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in technology, the mortality rate remains alarming. There is growing interest in researching alternative medicines to prevent or reduce the effects of liver cancer. Recent studies have shown growing interest in herbal products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese medicines as potential treatments for liver cancer. These substances contain unique bioactive compounds with anticancer properties. The causes of liver cancer and potential treatments are discussed in this review. This study reviews natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, grape seed extracts, vitamin D, and selenium. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these medications reduce the risk of liver cancer through their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and antimetastatic properties. This article discusses the therapeutic properties of natural products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese compounds for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Shopnil Alash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md Naeem Hossain Fakir
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Gazi Kaifeara Thufa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbuba Sharmin Sowa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Dattatreya Mukherjee
- Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital, Pranabananda Sarani, Raiganj, 733134, West Bengal, India
| | - Harendra Kumar
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Mission Rd, New Labour Colony Nanakwara, Karachi, 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Md Sadique Hussain
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, 302017, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rekha Thiruvengadam
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea
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Zhou XQ, Li YP, Dang SS. Precision targeting in hepatocellular carcinoma: Exploring ligand-receptor mediated nanotherapy. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:164-176. [PMID: 38495282 PMCID: PMC10941735 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and poses a major challenge to global health due to its high morbidity and mortality. Conventional chemotherapy is usually targeted to patients with intermediate to advanced stages, but it is often ineffective and suffers from problems such as multidrug resistance, rapid drug clearance, nonspecific targeting, high side effects, and low drug accumulation in tumor cells. In response to these limitations, recent advances in nanoparticle-mediated targeted drug delivery technologies have emerged as breakthrough approaches for the treatment of HCC. This review focuses on recent advances in nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems, with special attention to various receptors overexpressed on HCC cells. These receptors are key to enhancing the specificity and efficacy of nanoparticle delivery and represent a new paradigm for actively targeting and combating HCC. We comprehensively summarize the current understanding of these receptors, their role in nanoparticle targeting, and the impact of such targeted therapies on HCC. By gaining a deeper understanding of the receptor-mediated mechanisms of these innovative therapies, more effective and precise treatment of HCC can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Qing Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ya-Ping Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuang-Suo Dang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Ji G, Li Y, Zhang Z, Li H, Sun P. Recent advances of novel targeted drug delivery systems based on natural medicine monomers against hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24667. [PMID: 38312669 PMCID: PMC10834828 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of liver cancer, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical interventions are often ineffective, leading HCC patients to rely on systemic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs have limited efficacy and can adversely affect vital organs, causing significant physical and psychological distress for patients. Natural medicine monomers (NMMs) have shown promising efficacy and safety profiles in HCC treatment, garnering attention from researchers. In recent years, the development of novel targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) combining NMMs with nanocarriers has emerged. These TDDS aim to concentrate drugs effectively in HCC cells by manipulating the characteristics of nanomedicines, leveraging receptor and ligand interactions, and utilizing endogenous stimulatory responses to promote specific nanomedicines distribution. This comprehensive review presents recent research on TDDS for HCC treatment using NMMs from three perspectives: passive TDDS, active TDDS, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SDDS). It consolidates the current state of research on TDDS for HCC treatment with NMMs and highlights the potential of these innovative approaches in improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, the review also identifies research gaps in the related fields to provide references for future targeted therapy research in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Zhiyue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Ping Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
- Grade Three Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
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Xu N, Wu J, Wang W, Sun S, Sun M, Bian Y, Zhang H, Liu S, Yu G. Anti-tumor therapy of glycyrrhetinic acid targeted liposome co-delivery of doxorubicin and berberine for hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-023-01512-7. [PMID: 38236508 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01512-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
During the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic stellate cells undergo activation and transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to the influence of tumor cells. The interaction between CAFs and tumor cells can compromise the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study explores the potential of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-modified liposomes (lip-GA) as a strategy for co-delivery of berberine (Ber) and doxorubicin (Dox) to treat HCC. The characterizations of liposomes, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, stability and in vitro drug release, were investigated. The study evaluated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of Dox&Ber@lip-GA on the Huh-7 + LX-2 cell model were through MTT and wound-healing assays. Additionally, the in vivo drug distribution and anti-tumor efficacy were investigated using the H22 + NIH-3T3-bearing mouse model. The results indicated that Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited a nanoscale particle size, accumulated specifically in the tumor region, and was efficiently taken up by tumor cells. Compared to other groups, Dox&Ber@lip-GA demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and lower migration rates. Additionally, it significantly reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibited tumor angiogenesis, thereby suppressing tumor growth. In conclusion, Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for combating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Jingliang Wu
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, China.
| | - Weihao Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Shujie Sun
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, China
| | - Mengmeng Sun
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Yandong Bian
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Huien Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China.
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China.
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8
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Khalil H, Nada AH, Mahrous H, Hassan A, Rijo P, Ibrahim IA, Mohamed DD, AL-Salmi FA, Mohamed DD, Elmaksoud AIA. Amelioration effect of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid on methylation inhibitors in hepatocarcinogenesis -induced by diethylnitrosamine. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1206990. [PMID: 38322013 PMCID: PMC10844948 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim suppression of methylation inhibitors (epigenetic genes) in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine using glycyrrhetinic acid. Method In the current work, we investigated the effect of sole GA combined with different agents such as doxorubicin (DOX) or probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamanosus) against hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine to improve efficiency. The genomic DNA was isolated from rats' liver tissues to evaluate either methylation-sensitive or methylation-dependent resection enzymes. The methylation activity of the targeting genes DLC-1, TET-1, NF-kB, and STAT-3 was examined using specific primers and cleaved DNA products. Furthermore, flow cytometry was used to determine the protein expression profiles of DLC-1 and TET-1 in treated rats' liver tissue. Results Our results demonstrated the activity of GA to reduce the methylation activity in TET-1 and DLC-1 by 33.6% and 78%, respectively. As compared with the positive control. Furthermore, the association of GA with DOX avoided the methylation activity by 88% and 91% for TET-1 and DLC-1, respectively, as compared with the positive control. Similarly, the combined use of GA with probiotics suppressed the methylation activity in the TET-1 and DLC-1 genes by 75% and 81% for TET-1 and DLC-1, respectively. Also, GA and its combination with bacteria attenuated the adverse effect in hepatocarcinogenesis rats by altering potential methylomic genes such as NF-kb and STAT3 genes by 76% and 83%, respectively. Conclusion GA has an ameliorative effect against methylation inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by decreasing the methylation activity genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Khalil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Alaa H. Nada
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Hoda Mahrous
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Amr Hassan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Patricia Rijo
- Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ibrahim A. Ibrahim
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Dalia D. Mohamed
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Fawziah A. AL-Salmi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa D. Mohamed
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I. Abd Elmaksoud
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
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9
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Wang L, Wang X, Chen F, Song YQ, Nao SC, Chan DSH, Wong CY, Wang W, Leung CH. A glycyrrhetinic acid-iridium(III) conjugate as a theranostic NIR probe for hepatocellular carcinoma with mitochondrial-targeting ability. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115995. [PMID: 38043488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major contributor to global mortality rates, but current treatment options have limitations. Advanced theranostics are needed to effectively integrate diagnosis and therapeutic of HCC. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has abundant binding sites with glycyrrhetinic acid receptors (GA-Rs) on the surface of HCC cells and has also been reported to possess ligands with mitochondrial-targeting capability but with limited efficacy. Herein, we report a near-infrared (NIR) luminescent theranostic complex 1 through conjugating an iridium(III) complex to GA, which exhibits the desired photophysical properties and promotes mitochondrial-targeting capability. Complex 1 was selectively taken up by HepG2 liver cancer cells and was imaged within mitochondria with NIR emission. Complex 1 targeted mitochondria and opened mitochondrial permeability transition pores (MPTPs), resulting in ROS accumulation, mitochondrial damage, disruption of Bax/Bcl-2 equilibrium, and tumor cell apoptosis, resulting in significantly improved anticancer activity compared to GA. This work offers a methodology for developing multifunctional theranostic probes with amplified specificity and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Xueliang Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Ying-Qi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Sang-Cuo Nao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
| | | | - Chun-Yuen Wong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China; Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China.
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10
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Poustforoosh A, Faramarz S, Negahdaripour M, Tüzün B, Hashemipour H. Tracing the pathways and mechanisms involved in the anti-breast cancer activity of glycyrrhizin using bioinformatics tools and computational methods. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:819-833. [PMID: 37042955 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2196347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
A complete investigation to understand the pathways that could be affected by glycyrrhizin (licorice), as anti-breast cancer (BC) agent, has not been performed to date. This study aims to investigate the pathways involved in the anti-cancer activity of glycyrrhizin against BC. For this purpose, the target genes of glycyrrhizin were obtained from the ChEMBL database. The BC-associated genes for three types of BC (breast carcinoma, malignant neoplasm of breast, and triple-negative breast neoplasms) were retrieved from DisGeNET. The target genes of glycyrrhizin and the BC-associated genes were compared, and the genes with disease specificity index (DSI) > 0.6 were selected for further evaluation using in silico methods. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed. The potential complexes were further evaluated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results revealed that among 80 common genes, ten genes had DSI greater than 0.6, which included POLK, TACR2, MC3R, TBXAS1, HH1R, SLCO4A1, NPY2R, ADRA2C, ADRA1A, and SLCO2B1. The binding affinity of glycyrrhizin to the cognate proteins and binding characteristics were assessed using molecular docking and binding free energy calculations (MM/GBSA). POLK, TBXAS1, and ADRA1A showed the highest binding affinity with -8.9, -9.3, and -9.6 kcal/mol, respectively. The final targets had an association with BC at several stages of tumor growth. By affecting these targets, glycyrrhizin could influence and control BC efficiently. MD simulation suggested the pathways triggered by the complex glycyrrhizin-ADRA1A were more likely to happen.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Poustforoosh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Faramarz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Burak Tüzün
- Plant and Animal Production Department, Technical Sciences Vocational School of Sivas, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Hassan Hashemipour
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
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11
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Ge A, He Q, Zhao D, Li Y, Chen J, Deng Y, Xiang W, Fan H, Wu S, Li Y, Liu L, Wang Y. Mechanism of ferroptosis in breast cancer and research progress of natural compounds regulating ferroptosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18044. [PMID: 38140764 PMCID: PMC10805512 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide and its incidence increases with age, posing a significant threat to women's health globally. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of breast cancer, the majority of patients develop drug resistance and metastasis following treatment. Ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death dependent on iron, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, elevated levels of iron ions and lipid peroxidation. The underlying mechanisms and signalling pathways associated with ferroptosis are intricate and interconnected, involving various proteins and enzymes such as the cystine/glutamate antiporter, glutathione peroxidase 4, ferroptosis inhibitor 1 and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. Consequently, emerging research suggests that ferroptosis may offer a novel target for breast cancer treatment; however, the mechanisms of ferroptosis in breast cancer urgently require resolution. Additionally, certain natural compounds have been reported to induce ferroptosis, thereby interfering with breast cancer. Therefore, this review not only discusses the molecular mechanisms of multiple signalling pathways that mediate ferroptosis in breast cancer (including metastasis, invasion and proliferation) but also elaborates on the mechanisms by which natural compounds induce ferroptosis in breast cancer. Furthermore, this review summarizes potential compound types that may serve as ferroptosis inducers in future tumour cells, providing lead compounds for the development of ferroptosis-inducing agents. Last, this review proposes the potential synergy of combining natural compounds with traditional breast cancer drugs in the treatment of breast cancer, thereby suggesting future directions and offering new insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ge
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Qi He
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Da Zhao
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
- Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yuwei Li
- Hunan University of Science and TechnologyXiangtanChina
| | - Junpeng Chen
- Hunan University of Science and TechnologyXiangtanChina
| | - Ying Deng
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Wang Xiang
- The First People's Hospital Changde CityChangdeChina
| | - Hongqiao Fan
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Shiting Wu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yan Li
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Lifang Liu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yue Wang
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
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12
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Mi X, Lou Y, Wang Y, Dong M, Xue H, Li S, Lu J, Chen X. Glycyrrhetinic Acid Receptor-Mediated Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 Loaded Doxorubicin as a Nanotherapeutic System for Liver Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:8131. [PMID: 38138618 PMCID: PMC10745904 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we designed and developed a DOX nanodrug delivery system (PEG-GA@ZIF-8@DOX) using ZIF-8 as the carrier and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as the targeting ligand. We confirmed that DOX was loaded and PEG-GA was successfully modified on the surface of the nanoparticles. The in vitro release profile of the system was investigated at pH 5.0 and 7.4. The cellular uptake, in vitro cytotoxicity, and lysosomal escape characteristics were examined using HepG2 cells. We established an H22 tumor-bearing mouse model and evaluated the in vivo antitumor activity. The results showed that the system had a uniform nanomorphology. The drug loading capacity was 11.22 ± 0.87%. In acidic conditions (pH 5.0), the final release rate of DOX was 57.73%, while at pH 7.4, it was 25.12%. GA-mediated targeting facilitated the uptake of DOX by the HepG2 cells. PEG-GA@ZIF-8@DOX could escape from the lysosomes and release the drug in the cytoplasm, thus exerting its antitumor effect. When the in vivo efficacy was analyzed, we found that the tumor inhibition rate of PEG-GA@ZIF-8@DOX was 67.64%; it also alleviated the loss of the body weight of the treated mice. This drug delivery system significantly enhanced the antitumor effect of doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo, while mitigating its toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Juan Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (X.M.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.D.); (H.X.); (S.L.)
| | - Xi Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (X.M.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.D.); (H.X.); (S.L.)
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13
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Diril M, Özdokur KV, Yıldırım Y, Karasulu HY. In vitro evaluation and in vivo efficacy studies of a liposomal doxorubicin-loaded glycyrretinic acid formulation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharm Dev Technol 2023; 28:915-927. [PMID: 37921920 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2023.2274394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), more than 800 000 cases reported annually, is the most common primary liver cancer globally. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox-HCl) is a widely used chemotherapy drug for HCC, but efficacy and tolerability are limited, thus critical to develop delivery systems that can target Dox-HCl to the tumour site. In this study, liver-targeting ligand glycyrrhetinic acid (Gly) was conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) via Steglich reaction and incorporated in liposomes, which were then loaded with Dox-HCl by pH gradient method. The optimal formulation Gly-Peg-Dox-ProLP-F6 showed high Dox-HCl encapsulation capacity (90.0%±1.85%), low particle size (120 ± 3.2 nm). Gly-Peg-Dox-ProLP-F6 formulation demonstrated substantially greater toxicity against HCC cells than commercial Dox-HCl formulation (greater against 1.14, 1.5, 1.24 fold against Hep G2, Mahlavu and Huh-7 cells, respectively), but was 1.86-fold less cytotoxic against non-cancerous cell line AML-12. It increased permeability from apical to basolateral (A-B) approximately 2-fold. Gly-Peg-Dox-ProLP-F6 demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy in mouse liver cancer model as evaluated by IVIS. Isolated mouse liver tissue contained 2.48-fold Dox more than Dox-HCl after administration of Gly-Peg-Dox-ProLP-F6, while accumulation in heart tissue was substantially lower. This Gly-Peg-Dox-ProLP-F6 formulation may improve HCC outcomes through superior liver targeting for enhanced tumour toxicity with lower systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mine Diril
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Kemal Volkan Özdokur
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Yıldırım
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Center for Drug R&D and Pharmacokinetic Applications (ARGEFAR), Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - H Yeşim Karasulu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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14
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Mostafaei F, Mahdinloo S, Valizadeh H, Hemmati S, Abdi M, Sarfraz M, Baradaran B, Zakeri-Milani P. An update review of smart nanotherapeutics and liver cancer: opportunities and challenges. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1855-1873. [PMID: 37991168 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, typically diagnosed in advanced stages. Chemotherapy is necessary for treating advanced liver cancer; however, several challenges affect its effectiveness. These challenges include low specificity, high dosage requirements, high systemic toxicity and severe side effects, which significantly limit the efficacy of chemotherapy. These limitations can hinder the treatment of HCC. This review focuses on the prevalence of HCC, different types of liver cancer and the staging of the disease, along with available treatment methods. Additionally, explores recent and relevant studies on smart drug- and gene-delivery systems specifically designed for HCC. These systems include targeted endogenous and exogenous stimuli-responsive platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Mostafaei
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Mahdinloo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center & Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Salar Hemmati
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Abdi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Muhammad Sarfraz
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center & Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parvin Zakeri-Milani
- Liver & Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center & Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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15
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Xu Z, Huang Y, Wu Y, Chen J, Seto SW, Leung GPH, Cai Y, Li J, Zhang J. Glycyrrhizic Acid-Lipid Framework Nanovehicle Loading Triptolide for Combined Immunochemotherapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:41337-41350. [PMID: 37615350 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite the acknowledged advantages of combined immunochemotherapy for tumor treatment, the high efficiency of co-delivery of these combined agents into the targeted tumor tissue is still challenging. Herein, based on a "three-birds-with-one-stone" strategy, a facile glycyrrhizic acid (GL)-lipid hybrid nanoplatform loading triptolide (TP/GLLNP) is designed to better address the dilemma. Differing from the traditional liposomes with dual-drug co-delivery NPs, GL with a cholesterol-like structure is primarily employed to construct the lipid membrane skeleton of the GL-based lipid nanoparticle (GLLNP), and then triptolide (TP) is readily loaded in the lipid bilayer of GLLNP. The fabricated GLLNP possessed similar drug loading efficacy, particle size, and storage stability; none of the hemolysis; even higher membrane fluidity; and lower absorbed opsonin proteins compared with the conventional liposomes. Compared to TP-loaded traditional liposomes (TP/Lipo), TP/GLLNP exhibits significantly enhanced cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis of HepG2 cells. In addition, GLLNP could ameliorate tumor immunosuppression by promoting tumor-associated macrophage polarization from M2 to M1 phenotype. Furthermore, enhanced retention and accumulation in the tumor area of GLLNP could be found. As expected, TP/GLLNP displayed synergistic anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy in vivo. In conclusion, this study provides an inspirational strategy to combine the anti-HCC benefits of GL and TP using a novel dual-drug co-delivery nanosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yihan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- Institute for advanced study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Sai-Wang Seto
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, China
| | - George Pak-Heng Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077 SAR, China
| | - Yin Cai
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077 SAR, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077 SAR, China
| | - Jinming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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16
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Lin D, Liu J, Chang X, Yang B, Gu X, Li W. Glycyrrhetinic acid ameliorates diosbulbin B-induced hepatotoxicity in mice by modulating metabolic activation of diosbulbin B. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1139-1147. [PMID: 36807597 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to diosbulbin B (DBB), the primary component of the herbal medicine Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DB), can cause liver injury in humans and experimental animals. A previous study found DBB-induced hepatotoxicity was initiated by CYP3A4-mediated metabolic activation and subsequent formation of adducts with cellular proteins. The herbal medicine licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is frequently combined with DB used in numerous Chinese medicinal formulas in an effort to protect against DB-elicited hepatotoxicity. Importantly, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), the major bioactive ingredient in licorice, inhibits CYP3A4 activity. The study aimed to investigate the protection of GA against DBB-induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying mechanism. Biochemical and histopathological analysis showed GA alleviated DBB-induced liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro metabolism assay with mouse liver microsomes (MLMs) indicated that GA decreased the generation of metabolic activation-derived pyrrole-glutathione (GSH) conjugates from DBB. Toxicokinetic studies demonstrated that GA increased maximal serum concentration (Cmax ) and area under the serum-time curve (AUC) of DBB in mice. In addition, GA attenuated hepatic GSH depletion caused by DBB. Further mechanistic studies showed that GA reduced the production of DBB-derived pyrroline-protein adducts in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that GA exerted protective effect against DBB-induced hepatotoxicity, mainly correlated with suppressing the metabolic activation of DBB. Therefore, the development of a standardized combination of DBB with GA may protect patients from DBB-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongju Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaojin Chang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Bufan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaofei Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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17
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Kaps L, Limeres MJ, Schneider P, Svensson M, Zeyn Y, Fraude S, Cacicedo ML, Galle PR, Gehring S, Bros M. Liver Cell Type-Specific Targeting by Nanoformulations for Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11869. [PMID: 37511628 PMCID: PMC10380755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes exert pivotal roles in metabolism, protein synthesis and detoxification. Non-parenchymal liver cells (NPCs), largely comprising macrophages, dendritic cells, hepatic stellate cells and liver sinusoidal cells (LSECs), serve to induce immunological tolerance. Therefore, the liver is an important target for therapeutic approaches, in case of both (inflammatory) metabolic diseases and immunological disorders. This review aims to summarize current preclinical nanodrug-based approaches for the treatment of liver disorders. So far, nano-vaccines that aim to induce hepatitis virus-specific immune responses and nanoformulated adjuvants to overcome the default tolerogenic state of liver NPCs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis have been tested. Moreover, liver cancer may be treated using nanodrugs which specifically target and kill tumor cells. Alternatively, nanodrugs may target and reprogram or deplete immunosuppressive cells of the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor-associated macrophages. Here, combination therapies have been demonstrated to yield synergistic effects. In the case of autoimmune hepatitis and other inflammatory liver diseases, anti-inflammatory agents can be encapsulated into nanoparticles to dampen inflammatory processes specifically in the liver. Finally, the tolerance-promoting activity especially of LSECs has been exploited to induce antigen-specific tolerance for the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Kaps
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - María José Limeres
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Paul Schneider
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Malin Svensson
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Silvia Fraude
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maximiliano L Cacicedo
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Gehring
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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18
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A multi-bioresponsive self-assembled nano drug delivery system based on hyaluronic acid and geraniol against liver cancer. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 310:120695. [PMID: 36925236 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Herein, a multi-bioresponsive self-assembled nano-drug delivery system (HSSG) was constructed by conjugating the anticancer drug Geraniol (GER) to hyaluronic acid (HA) via a disulfide bond. The HSSG NPs displayed a uniform spherical shape with an average diameter of ∼110 nm, maintained high stability, and realized controlled drug release in the tumor microenvironment (pH/glutathione/hyaluronidase). Results of fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry verified that HSSG NPs were selectively uptaken by human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh7 via CD44 receptor-mediated internalization. Studies on H22 tumor-bearing mice demonstrate that HSSG NPs could effectively accumulate at the tumor site for a long period. In vitro and in vivo studies show that HSSG NPs significantly promoted the death of cancer cells while reducing the toxicity as compared to GER. Therefore, the HSSG NPs have great potential in the treatment of tumors.
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Ma S, Kim JH, Chen W, Li L, Lee J, Xue J, Liu Y, Chen G, Tang B, Tao W, Kim JS. Cancer Cell-Specific Fluorescent Prodrug Delivery Platforms. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207768. [PMID: 37026629 PMCID: PMC10238224 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeting cancer cells with high specificity is one of the most essential yet challenging goals of tumor therapy. Because different surface receptors, transporters, and integrins are overexpressed specifically on tumor cells, using these tumor cell-specific properties to improve drug targeting efficacy holds particular promise. Targeted fluorescent prodrugs not only improve intracellular accumulation and bioavailability but also report their own localization and activation through real-time changes in fluorescence. In this review, efforts are highlighted to develop innovative targeted fluorescent prodrugs that efficiently accumulate in tumor cells in different organs, including lung cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, glioma, and colorectal cancer. The latest progress and advances in chemical design and synthetic considerations in fluorescence prodrug conjugates and how their therapeutic efficacy and fluorescence can be activated by tumor-specific stimuli are reviewed. Additionally, novel perspectives are provided on strategies behind engineered nanoparticle platforms self-assembled from targeted fluorescence prodrugs, and how fluorescence readouts can be used to monitor the position and action of the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of therapeutic agents in preclinical models. Finally, future opportunities for fluorescent prodrug-based strategies and solutions to the challenges of accelerating clinical translation for the treatment of organ-specific tumors are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Ma
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi UniversitiesShaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for IndustryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringShaanxi University of Science & TechnologyXi'an710021China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of EducationCollege of Emergency and TraumaHainan Medical UniversityHaikou571199China
| | - Ji Hyeon Kim
- Department of ChemistryKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Lu Li
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi UniversitiesShaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for IndustryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringShaanxi University of Science & TechnologyXi'an710021China
| | - Jieun Lee
- Department of ChemistryKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
| | - Junlian Xue
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi UniversitiesShaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for IndustryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringShaanxi University of Science & TechnologyXi'an710021China
| | - Yuxia Liu
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi UniversitiesShaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for IndustryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringShaanxi University of Science & TechnologyXi'an710021China
| | - Guang Chen
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi UniversitiesShaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for IndustryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringShaanxi University of Science & TechnologyXi'an710021China
- College of ChemistryChemical Engineering and Materials ScienceKey Laboratory of Molecular and Nano ProbesMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of ShandongInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of ChemistryChemical Engineering and Materials ScienceKey Laboratory of Molecular and Nano ProbesMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of ShandongInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of ChemistryKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
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Guo X, Zhang C, Bai Y, Che Q, Cao H, Guo J, Su Z. Synthesis of Chitosan Oligosaccharide-Loaded Glycyrrhetinic Acid Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and In Vitro Verification of the Treatment of APAP-Induced Liver Injury. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104147. [PMID: 37241887 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE the study was to find a suitable treatment for acute drug-induced liver injury. The use of nanocarriers can improve the therapeutic effect of natural drugs by targeting hepatocytes and higher loads. METHODS firstly, uniformly dispersed three-dimensional dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) were synthesized. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was covalently modified on MSN surfaces through amide bond and then loaded with COSM to form drug-loaded nanoparticles (COSM@MSN-NH2-GA). The constructed drug-loaded nano-delivery system was determined by characterization analysis. Finally, the effect of nano-drug particles on cell viability was evaluated and the cell uptake in vitro was observed. RESULTS GA was successfully modified to obtain the spherical nano-carrier MSN-NH2-GA (≤200 nm). The neutral surface charge improves its biocompatibility. MSN-NH2-GA has high drug loading (28.36% ± 1.00) because of its suitable specific surface area and pore volume. In vitro cell experiments showed that COSM@MSN-NH2-GA significantly enhanced the uptake of liver cells (LO2) and decreased the AST and ALT indexes. CONCLUSION this study demonstrated for the first time that formulation and delivery schemes using natural drug COSM and nanocarrier MSN have a protective effect on APAP-induced hepatocyte injury. This result provides a potential nano-delivery scheme for the targeted therapy of acute drug-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Guo
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yan Bai
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Qishi Che
- Guangzhou Rainhome Pharm & Tech Co., Ltd., Science City, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Hua Cao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhengquan Su
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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21
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Do TD, Pham UT, Nguyen LP, Nguyen TM, Bui CN, Oliver S, Pham P, Tran TQ, Hoang BT, Pham MTH, Pham DTN, Nguyen DT. Fabrication of a Low-Cost Microfluidic Device for High-Throughput Drug Testing on Static and Dynamic Cancer Spheroid Culture Models. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081394. [PMID: 37189495 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug development is a complex and expensive process from new drug discovery to product approval. Most drug screening and testing rely on in vitro 2D cell culture models; however, they generally lack in vivo tissue microarchitecture and physiological functionality. Therefore, many researchers have used engineering methods, such as microfluidic devices, to culture 3D cells in dynamic conditions. In this study, a simple and low-cost microfluidic device was fabricated using Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA), a widely available material, and the total cost of the completed device was USD 17.75. Dynamic and static cell culture examinations were applied to monitor the growth of 3D cells. α-MG-loaded GA liposomes were used as the drug to test cell viability in 3D cancer spheroids. Two cell culture conditions (i.e., static and dynamic) were also used in drug testing to simulate the effect of flow on drug cytotoxicity. Results from all assays showed that with the velocity of 0.005 mL/min, cell viability was significantly impaired to nearly 30% after 72 h in a dynamic culture. This device is expected to improve in vitro testing models, reduce and eliminate unsuitable compounds, and select more accurate combinations for in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung Dinh Do
- Saint Paul General Hospital, No. 12, Chu Van An St., Ba Dinh Dist, Ha Noi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Uyen Thu Pham
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Linh Phuong Nguyen
- School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, 1 Ton That Tung St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Trang Minh Nguyen
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Cuong Nguyen Bui
- Hung Yen University of Technology and Education (UTEHY), 39A St., Khoai Chau Dist., Hung Yen 17000, Vietnam
| | - Susan Oliver
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Phuong Pham
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Toan Quoc Tran
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Bich Thi Hoang
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Minh Thi Hong Pham
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Dung Thuy Nguyen Pham
- Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental and Food Engineering, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Duong Thanh Nguyen
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
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22
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Yang Z, Bian M, Lv L, Chang X, Wen Z, Li F, Lu Y, Liu W. Tumor-Targeting NHC-Au(I) Complex Induces Immunogenic Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3934-3952. [PMID: 36827091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a promising direction of cancer immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A series of novel NHC-Au(I) complexes derived from 4,5-diarylimidazole, containing glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as an efficient targeting ligand for HCC, were herein designed and synthesized. Among these, complex 4C exhibited excellent effectiveness for tumor targeting and antitumor activity, which induced the occurrence of ICD in HCC cells. Additionally, 4C can effectively inhibit TrxR enzyme activity, increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression, lead to redox homeostasis disorder, mediate mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and cause the characteristic discharge of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in HCC cells. More importantly, 4C showed a great ICD-inducing effect in a vaccination mouse model and activated antitumor immunity in a tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mouse model, which is consistent with the in vitro results. In conclusion, we found the potential of Au(I) complex with HCC-targeted capability for effective tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Yang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali 671000, P. R. China
| | - Mianli Bian
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lin Lv
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Chang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zhenfan Wen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Fuwei Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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23
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Hu J, Zheng Y, Wen Z, Fu H, Yang X, Ye X, Zhu S, Kang L, Li X, Yang X, Hu Y. Construction of redox-sensitive liposomes modified by glycyrrhetinic acid and evaluation of anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity. Chem Phys Lipids 2023; 252:105292. [PMID: 36931583 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2023.105292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to construct a bifunctional liposome with hepatic-targeting capacity by modifying with a targeting ligand and an intracellular tumor reduction response functional group to deliver drugs precisely to focal liver tissues and release them in large quantities in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. This could improve drug efficacy and reduce toxic side effects at the same time. First, the bifunctional ligand for liposome was successfully obtained by chemically synthesizing it from the hepatic-targeting glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) molecule, cystamine, and the membrane component cholesterol. Then the ligand was used to modify the liposomes. The particle size, PDI and zeta potential of the liposomes were determined with a nanoparticle sizer, and the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency and drug release behavior were also determined. Further, the stability in vitro of the liposomes and the changes in the simulated reducing environment were determined. Finally, the antitumor activity in vitro and cellular uptake efficiency of the drug-loaded liposomes were investigated by performing cellular assays. The results showed that the prepared liposomes had a uniform particle size of 143.6 ± 2.86 nm with good stability and an encapsulation rate of 84.3 ± 2.1 %. Moreover, the particle size of the liposomes significantly increased and the structure was destroyed in a DTT reducing environment. Cellular experiments showed that the modified liposoes had better cytotoxic effects on hepatocarcinoma cells than both normal liposomes and free drugs. This study has great potential for tumor therapy and provides novel ideas for the clinical use of oncology drugs in dosage forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yongsheng Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhijie Wen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hudie Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xuedan Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xuexin Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shengpeng Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Li Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaojun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xinzhou Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, South-Central MinZu University, Wuhan 430074, China.
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24
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Muthu SA, Sharma R, Qureshi A, Parvez S, Ahmad B. Mechanistic insights into monomer level prevention of amyloid aggregation of lysozyme by glycyrrhizic acid. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 227:884-895. [PMID: 36549619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As the primary bioactive compound of glycyrrhiza rhizome, the triterpene glycoside conjugate Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in vivo. This study evaluates the effectiveness of GA as an inhibitor of GuHCl-induced amyloid aggregation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL). Fibril formation as measured by Thioflavin-T fluorescence, 900 light scattering, and 8-Anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) fluorescence illustrated ∼90 % prevention of fibrils at [GA]/[HEWL] ≥2:1. Images of Transmission electron microscopy evidence for the absence of any fibril or amorphous aggregation products. The spectral characteristics of soluble HEWL were in close resemblance to unfolded monomer. Computational and fluorescence investigations performed to analyse GA-HEWL interactions demonstrated slightly higher affinity of GA to unfolded HEWL and aggregation-prone regions. The likely mechanism of monomer level aggregation prevention by GA as dermined by computational, stability, and ANS experiments illustrated that GA modulated the compactness, solvent-accessible surface, and solvent-exposed hydrophobic surfaces of aggregation-prone state of HEWL. Our findings corroborate GA as an effective inhibitor of HEWL amyloid formation. To our knowledge, GA interaction-induced inhibition of aggregation-prone states has not been previously discussed. GA's modulation of aggregation-prone states of disease-related proteins will successfully develop GA as an amyloid inhibitor for clinical trials of amyloidosis and neurodegenerative illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani A Muthu
- Protein Assembly Laboratory, Department of Medical Entomology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Afnaan Qureshi
- Protein Assembly Laboratory, Department of Medical Entomology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Medical Entomology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Basir Ahmad
- Protein Assembly Laboratory, Department of Medical Entomology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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25
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Langer D, Mlynarczyk DT, Dlugaszewska J, Tykarska E. Potential of glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids against influenza type A and B viruses: A perspective to develop new anti-influenza compounds and drug delivery systems. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114934. [PMID: 36455358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent dynamic development of medicine, influenza is still a significant epidemiological problem for people around the world. The growing resistance of influenza viruses to currently available antiviral drugs makes it necessary to search for new compounds or drug forms with potential high efficacy against human influenza A and B viruses. One of the methods of obtaining new active compounds is to chemically modify privileged structures occurring in the natural environment. The second solution, that is gaining more and more interest, is the use of modern drug carriers, which significantly improve physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters of the transported substances. Molecules known from the earliest times for their numerous therapeutic properties are glycyrrhizinic acid (GA) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GE). Both compounds constitute the main active agents of the licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Leguminosae) root and, according to a number of scientific reports, show antiviral properties against both DNA and RNA viruses. The above information prompted many scientific teams around the world to obtain and test in vitro and/or in vivo new synthetic GA and GE derivatives against influenza A and B viruses. Similarly, in recent years, a significant amount of GA and GE-based drug delivery systems (DDS) such as nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, nanocrystals, and carbon dots has been prepared and tested for antiviral activity, including those against influenza A and B viruses. This work systematizes the attempts undertaken to study the antiviral activity of new GA and GE analogs and modern DDS against clinically significant human influenza viruses, at the same time indicating the directions of their further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Langer
- Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Dariusz T Mlynarczyk
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Jolanta Dlugaszewska
- Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewa Tykarska
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780, Poznań, Poland
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Assawapanumat W, Udomphon S, Kampaengtip A, Yaset S, Han X, Nittayacharn P, Nieman MT, Chotipanich C, Sungkarat W, Sunintaboon P, Exner AA, Nasongkla N. 99mTc /SPIO-loaded polymeric micelles as MRI and SPECT imaging, cancer-targeted nanoprobe for liver cancer detection. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.104060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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27
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Zou L, Li Q, Hou Y, Chen M, Xu X, Wu H, Sun Z, Ma G. Self-assembled glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives for functional applications: a review. Food Funct 2022; 13:12487-12509. [PMID: 36413139 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02472a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a famous natural product, has been attracting more attention recently because of its remarkable biological activity, natural sweetness, and good biocompatibility. In the past few years, a considerable amount of literature has grown up around the theme of GA-based chemical modification to broaden its functional applications. Promising structures including gels, micelles, nanoparticles, liposomes, and so forth have been constantly reported. On the one hand, the assembly mechanisms of various materials based on GA derivatives have been elucidated via modern analytical techniques. On the other hand, their potential application prospects in edible additives, intelligent drug delivery, and other fields have been investigated fully due to availability, biocompatibility, and controllable degradability. Inspired by these findings, a systematic summary and classification of the materials formed by GA derivatives seems necessary and meaningful. This review sums up the new functional applications of GA derivatives for the first time and provides better prospects for their application and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjun Zou
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Qinglong Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Meiying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xudong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Haifeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Zhaocui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Guoxu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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Guo C, Su Y, Wang H, Cao M, Diao N, Liu Z, Chen D, Kong M. A novel saponin liposomes based on the couplet medicines of Platycodon grandiflorum-Glycyrrhiza uralensis for targeting lung cancer. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:2743-2750. [PMID: 35999702 PMCID: PMC9487977 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2112997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liposomes have been widely used for targeted drug delivery, but the disadvantages caused by cholesterol limit the application of conventional liposomes in cancer treatment. The compatibility basis of couplet medicines and the compatibility principle of the traditional Chinese medicine principle of ‘monarch, minister, assistant and guide’ are the important theoretical basis of Chinese medicine in the treatment of tumor and the important method to solve the problem of high toxicity. In this study, the active ingredients of the couplet medicines Platycodon grandiflorum and Glycyrrhiza uralensis were innovatively utilized, and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) was encapsulated in liposomes constructed by mixing saponin and lecithin, and cholesterol was replaced by platycodin and ginsenoside to construct saponin liposomes (RP-lipo) for the drug delivery system of Chinese medicine. Compared with conventional liposomes, PR-lipo@GA has no significant difference in morphological characteristics and drug release behavior, and also shows stronger targeting of lung cancer cells and anti-tumor ability in vitro, which may be related to the pharmacological properties of saponins themselves. Thus, PR-lipo@GA not only innovatively challenges the status of cholesterol as a liposome component, but also provides another innovative potential system with multiple functions for the clinical application of TCM couplet medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjing Guo
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao266003, P.R. China
| | - Yanguo Su
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai264005, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Gynecology Department, Affiliated hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang261053, P.R. China
| | - Min Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai264005, P.R. China
| | - Ningning Diao
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai264005, P.R. China
| | - Zhongxin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai264005, P.R. China
| | - Daquan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai264005, P.R. China
| | - Ming Kong
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao266003, P.R. China
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29
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Wei B, Wu Y, Liu F, Su M, Liang H. One-pot simultaneous extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis to prepare glycyrrhetinic acid via ionic liquid-based two-phase systems. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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30
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pH-activated nanoplatform for visualized photodynamic and ferroptosis synergistic therapy of tumors. J Control Release 2022; 350:525-537. [PMID: 36055597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To overcome drug resistance and improve precision theranostics for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a nanoplatform with an "off/on" function for multimodality imaging (near-infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and photoacoustic imaging) and synergistic therapy (photodynamic therapy and ferroptosis) activated by an acidic pH in the tumor microenvironment is proposed. Although many photosensitizers with photodynamic effects have been reported, very few of them have outstanding photodynamic effect and high stability with response to endogenous stimuli capable of NIR-II imaging. Herein, a new amphiphilic photosensitizer SR780 derived from croconaine dye, was developed with satisfactory photodynamic effects and pH-responsive NIR-II imaging. Interestingly, it was deactivated by coordination with Fe3+ (SR780@Fe) and activated during their release under mild acidic condition. Ferroptosis can generate hydroxyl free radical and lipid peroxide, which aggravate the oxidative stress of tumor cells and mediate their death while depleting glutathione (GSH) to enhance photodynamic effect. In situ pH-activatable theranostic nanoplatform, SR780@Fe-PAE-GP, was thus developed by loading SR780@Fe with pH-responsive polymers, modified by a glypican-3 (GPC-3) receptor-targeting peptide. The synergistic antitumor effects were confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, and the tumor inhibition rate of the SR780@Fe-PAE-GP + L treatment group reached 98%.
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31
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Cheng X, Yan H, Pang S, Ya M, Qiu F, Qin P, Zeng C, Lu Y. Liposomes as Multifunctional Nano-Carriers for Medicinal Natural Products. Front Chem 2022; 10:963004. [PMID: 36003616 PMCID: PMC9393238 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.963004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although medicinal natural products and their derivatives have shown promising effects in disease therapies, they usually suffer the drawbacks in low solubility and stability in the physiological environment, low delivery efficiency, side effects due to multi-targeting, and low site-specific distribution in the lesion. In this review, targeted delivery was well-guided by liposomal formulation in the aspects of preparation of functional liposomes, liposomal medicinal natural products, combined therapies, and image-guided therapy. This review is believed to provide useful guidance to enhance the targeted therapy of medicinal natural products and their derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiamin Cheng
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiamin Cheng, ; Chao Zeng, ; Yongna Lu,
| | - Hui Yan
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), Nanjing, China
| | - Songhao Pang
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), Nanjing, China
| | - Mingjun Ya
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Qiu
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), Nanjing, China
| | - Pinzhu Qin
- School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangsu Open University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiamin Cheng, ; Chao Zeng, ; Yongna Lu,
| | - Yongna Lu
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiamin Cheng, ; Chao Zeng, ; Yongna Lu,
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Cheng H, Jia X, Yuan D, Li H, Wang L, Fu T, Qiao H, Chen J, Wang Z, Cui X, Cheng J, Li J. Excipient-free nanodispersions dominated by amphiphilic glycosides for bioavailability enhancement of hydrophobic aglycones, a case of glycyrrhetinic acid with diammonium glycyrrhizinate. Int J Pharm 2022; 620:121770. [PMID: 35483618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural aglycones, a major ingredient accompanied by glycosides in plants, have played an important role in the treatment of various diseases. However, their bioavailability is limited by their poor water solubility. In contrast to previous efforts that required the use of new exotic materials which may raise concerns about biocompatibility, we report the first case of excipient-free nanodispersions in which an insoluble glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) assembled with its amphiphilic parent drug diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) into water-dispersible nanodispersions (130.8 nm for particle size and 91.74% for encapsulation efficiency). This strategy largely increased GA's water apparent solubility by hundreds of times to 549.0 μg/mL with a high cumulative dissolution percentage in vitro greater than 80% in 5 min. The study on the formation mechanism showed that the OH, C-O and C=O group stretching peaks shifted in the FTIR spectra of GA-DG nanodispersions, while the COOH peak (δ COOH 12.19 ppm) disappeared in the 1H NMR spectrum of GA-DG nanodispersions, indicating that carboxyl groups on GA may interact with the hydroxyl groups of DG in solution. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen-bond interactions contribute to the coassembly of GA and DG molecules in aqueous solution. Oral pharmacokinetic studies in rats demonstrated that such nanodispersions have a significant increase in Cmax and AUC0-t of 2.45- and 3.45-fold compared with those for GA, respectively. Therefore, this strategy, employing amphiphilic glycosides as excipients to prepare nanodispersions, not using new materials, paves the way for the further application of hydrophobic aglycone drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqing Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xiaoshun Jia
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Dandan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Huaning Li
- Medical Department, Weifang Medical College, Weifang 261042, PR China
| | - Lingchong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Tingming Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Hongzhi Qiao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Zengwu Wang
- Medical Department, Weifang Medical College, Weifang 261042, PR China
| | - Xiaobing Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
| | - Jianming Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Classical Prescription, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
| | - Junsong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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Speciale A, Muscarà C, Molonia MS, Cristani M, Cimino F, Saija A. Recent Advances in Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Functionalized Biomaterials for Liver Cancer-Targeting Therapy. Molecules 2022; 27:1775. [PMID: 35335138 PMCID: PMC8954912 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the conventional therapies generally employed in patients with liver tumors. The major issue associated with the administration of chemotherapeutics is their high toxicity and lack of selectivity, leading to systemic toxicity that can be detrimental to the patient's quality of life. An important approach to the development of original liver-targeted therapeutic products takes advantage of the employment of biologically active ligands able to bind specific receptors on the cytoplasmatic membranes of liver cells. In this perspective, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid present in roots and rhizomes of licorice, has been used as a ligand for targeting the liver due to the expression of GA receptors on the sinusoidal surface of mammalian hepatocytes, so it may be employed to modify drug delivery systems (DDSs) and obtain better liver or hepatocyte drug uptake and efficacy. In the current review, we focus on the most recent and interesting research advances in the development of GA-based hybrid compounds and DDSs developed for potential employment as efficacious therapeutic options for the treatment of hepatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (C.M.); (M.S.M.); (M.C.); (A.S.)
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34
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Mahmoud K, Swidan S, El-Nabarawi M, Teaima M. Lipid based nanoparticles as a novel treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive review on targeting and recent advances. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:109. [PMID: 35248080 PMCID: PMC8898455 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is considered one of the deadliest diseases with one of the highest disease burdens worldwide. Among the different types of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma is considered to be the most common type. Multiple conventional approaches are being used in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Focusing on drug treatment, regular agents in conventional forms fail to achieve the intended clinical outcomes. In order to improve the treatment outcomes, utilizing nanoparticles-specifically lipid based nanoparticles-are considered to be one of the most promising approaches being set in motion. Multiple forms of lipid based nanoparticles exist including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, phytosomes, lipid coated nanoparticles, and nanoassemblies. Multiple approaches are used to enhance the tumor uptake as well tumor specificity such as intratumoral injection, passive targeting, active targeting, and stimuli responsive nanoparticles. In this review, the effect of utilizing lipidic nanoparticles is being discussed as well as the different tumor uptake enhancement techniques used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo, 11837, Egypt
- The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo, 11837, Egypt
| | - Shady Swidan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo, 11837, Egypt.
- The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo, 11837, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed El-Nabarawi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud Teaima
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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35
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Li Y, Zhang R, Xu Z, Wang Z. Advances in Nanoliposomes for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:909-925. [PMID: 35250267 PMCID: PMC8893038 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s349426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of liver cancer is gradually increasing worldwide due to the increasing risk factors such as fatty liver, diabetes, and alcoholic cirrhosis. The diagnostic methods of liver cancer include ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), among others. The treatment of liver cancer includes surgical resection, transplantation, ablation, and chemoembolization; however, treatment still faces multiple challenges due to its insidious development, high rate of recurrence after surgical resection, and high failure rate of transplantation. The emergence of liposomes has provided new insights into the treatment of liver cancer. Due to their excellent carrier properties and maneuverability, liposomes can be used to perform a variety of functions such as aiding in imaging diagnoses, combinatorial therapies, and integrating disease diagnosis and treatment. In this paper, we further discuss such advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruihang Zhang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhicheng Wang, NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13843131059, Fax +86 431185619443, Email
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36
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Milan A, Mioc A, Prodea A, Mioc M, Buzatu R, Ghiulai R, Racoviceanu R, Caruntu F, Şoica C. The Optimized Delivery of Triterpenes by Liposomal Nanoformulations: Overcoming the Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1140. [PMID: 35163063 PMCID: PMC8835305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a sustained increase in the research development of modern-day chemo-therapeutics, especially for those used for high mortality rate pathologies. However, the therapeutic landscape is continuously changing as a result of the currently existing toxic side effects induced by a substantial range of drug classes. One growing research direction driven to mitigate such inconveniences has converged towards the study of natural molecules for their promising therapeutic potential. Triterpenes are one such class of compounds, intensively investigated for their therapeutic versatility. Although the pharmacological effects reported for several representatives of this class has come as a well-deserved encouragement, the pharmacokinetic profile of these molecules has turned out to be an unwelcomed disappointment. Nevertheless, the light at the end of the tunnel arrived with the development of nanotechnology, more specifically, the use of liposomes as drug delivery systems. Liposomes are easily synthesizable phospholipid-based vesicles, with highly tunable surfaces, that have the ability to transport both hydrophilic and lipophilic structures ensuring superior drug bioavailability at the action site as well as an increased selectivity. This study aims to report the results related to the development of different types of liposomes, used as targeted vectors for the delivery of various triterpenes of high pharmacological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Milan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Buzatu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Street, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Florina Caruntu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Street, 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
| | - Codruţa Şoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
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Yadav KS, Srivastava N, Rai VK, Ranjana, Tandon S, Mina PR, Chanda D, Kalleti N, Rath SK, Darokar MP, Ajayakumar PV, Shanker K, Yadav NP. Cliv-92-Loaded Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Modified Chitosan Nanoparticles for Enhanced Hepatoprotection-Preparation, Characterization, and In Vivo Evaluation. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 22:259. [PMID: 34704177 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-02130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cliv-92 is a mixture of three structurally similar coumarinolignoids and a proven hepatoprotective agent. Low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability are notable hindrances for its further use. Therefore, glycyrrhetinic acid-linked chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Cliv-92 were prepared for active targeting to the liver. The nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method to avoid the use of toxic solvents/rigorous agitation. The method of preparation was optimized using a central composite design with independent variables, namely polymer: drug ratio (3:1, w/w), crosslinker concentration (0.5%), and stirring speed (750 rpm). The optimized nanoparticles had a mean particle size of 185.17 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.41, a zeta potential of 30.93 mV, and a drug loading of 16.30%. The prepared formulation showed sustained release of approximately 63% of loaded Cliv-92 over 72 h. The nanoparticles were freeze-dried for long-term storage and further characterized. The formulation was found to be biocompatible for parenteral delivery. In vivo imaging study showed that optimized nanoparticles were preferentially accumulated in the liver and successfully targeting the liver. The present study successfully demonstrated the improved pharmacokinetic properties (≈12% relative bioavailability) and efficacy profile (evidenced by in vivo and histopathological studies) of fabricated Cliv-92 nanoparticles.
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Glycyrrhizic Acid and Its Hydrolyzed Metabolite 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid as Specific Ligands for Targeting Nanosystems in the Treatment of Liver Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111792. [PMID: 34834206 PMCID: PMC8621092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid and its hydrolyzed metabolite 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, obtained from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, have numerous pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerative, antiallergic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects, and others. In addition to the pharmacological activities, in the 1980s, an interaction and uptake of these molecules by the liver was verified, which was later confirmed by other studies through the discovery of specific receptors in the hepatocytes. The presence of these specific receptors in the liver led to vectorization and delivery of drugs, by the introduction of glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on the surface of nanosystems, for the treatment of liver diseases. This review describes experimental evidence of vectorization by conjugating glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid to nanosystems and delivery of antitumor drugs for the treatment of liver cancer and also describes the techniques used to perform this conjugation. We have shown that due to the existence of specific receptors for these molecules, in addition to the targeting of nanosystems to hepatocytes, nanosystems having glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on their surface had the same therapeutic effect in a significantly lower dose compared to the free drug and unconjugated nanosystems, with consequent reduction of side effects and toxicity.
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Xue H, Qin L, Zhang L, Li X, Wu F, Wang W, Wang C, Diao W, Jiang B, Lian B, Wu J, Bai J, Sun T, Zhao C, Qu M, Yu W, Wang Y, Gao Z. Preparation of docetaxel-loaded, glycyrrhetinic acid-modified nanoparticles and their liver-targeting and antitumor activity. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1144. [PMID: 34471430 PMCID: PMC8404033 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and poses a serious threat to human health. The most important treatment method, liver cancer chemotherapy, is limited due to its high toxicity and poor specificity. Targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as novel therapeutic strategies that deliver precise, substantial drug doses to target sites via targeting vectors and enhance the therapeutic efficacy. In the present study, glycyrrhetinic acid-modified hyaluronic acid (GA-HA) was used as a carrier for the model drug docetaxel (DTX) to prepare DTX-loaded GA-HA nanoparticles (DTX/GA-HA-NPs). The results indicated that the DTX/GA-HA-NPs exhibited high monodispersity (particle dispersity index, 0.209±0.116) and desirable particle size (208.73±5.0 nm) and zeta potential (-27.83±3.14 mV). The drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of the NPs were 12.59±0.68 and 85.38±4.62%, respectively. Furthermore, it was determined that FITC-GA-HA was taken up by cells and distributed in the cytoplasm. DTX and DTX/GA-HA (just the DTX delivered by the nanoparticle) aggregated and altered the structure of cellular microtubules. Compared with DTX alone, DTX/GA-HA-NPs had a stronger inhibitory effect on HepG2 cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HepG2 cells. All experimental results indicated that DTX/GA-HA-NPs were successfully prepared and had liver-targeting and antitumor activities in vitro, which provided a foundation for future in vivo studies of the antitumor effects of DTX/GA-HA-NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Xue
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Liya Qin
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Longxiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Xiaocheng Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Fei Wu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Weiyu Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Chen Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenbin Diao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Bo Lian
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Jingliang Wu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Jingkun Bai
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Tongyi Sun
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Chunling Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Meihua Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Yu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Yubing Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnological Medicine in Universities of Shandong, School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
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Wen Y, Chen H, Zhang L, Wu M, Zhang F, Yang D, Shen J, Chen J. Glycyrrhetinic acid induces oxidative/nitrative stress and drives ferroptosis through activating NADPH oxidases and iNOS, and depriving glutathione in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 173:41-51. [PMID: 34271106 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS)-mediated ferroptosis becomes a novel effective target for anti-cancer treatment. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), an active compound from medicinal herbal Licorice, could induce the production of ROS/RNS, increase lipid peroxidation and trigger ferroptosis in MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells. To confirm the GA's anti-cancer effects, we detected cell viability, apoptosis and ferroptosis in the MDA-MB-231 cells. To explore the effects of GA on inducing ferroptosis, we measured mitochrondrial morphology, ROS/RNS production, lipid peroxidation, ferrous ion, glutathione (GSH), System Xc-, GPX4, glutathione peroxidases (GPX), NADPH oxidase and iNOS in the MDA-MB-231 cells. The major discoveries are included as below: (1) GA treatment selectively decreased cell viability and induced ferroptosis companied with the increased lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion in the MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells. Iron chelator deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) and ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 abolished the effects of GA. (2) GA treatment up-regulated the expression and activity of NADPH oxidase and iNOS, and increased ROS/RNS productions (O2•-, •OH, NO and ONOO-) in the MDA-MB-231 cells; (3) GA down-regulated the expression of SLC7A11 of System Xc-, decreased glutathione (GSH) level and inhibited GPX activity. Taken together, GA could promote the productions of ROS and RNS via activating NADPH oxidases and iNOS, and decreasing GSH and GPX activity, subsequently aggravating lipid peroxidation and triggering ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hansen Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Meiling Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiangang Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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Nocca G, D’Avenio G, Amalfitano A, Chronopoulou L, Mordente A, Palocci C, Grigioni M. Controlled Release of 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid from Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Effects on Cytotoxicity and Intracellular Concentration in HepG2 Cell Line. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14143893. [PMID: 34300811 PMCID: PMC8303372 DOI: 10.3390/ma14143893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a pentacyclic triterpene with promising hepatoprotective and anti-Hepatocellular carcinoma effects. GA low water solubility however reduces its biodistribution and bioavailability, limiting its applications in biomedicine. In this work we used core-shell NPs made of PolyD-L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) coated with chitosan (CS), prepared through an osmosis-based methodology, to efficiently entrap GA. NPs morphology was investigated with SEM and TEM and their GA payload was evaluated with a spectrophotometric method. GA-loaded NPs were administered to HepG2 cells and their efficiency in reducing cell viability was compared with that induced by the free drug in in vitro tests. Cell viability was evaluated by the MTT assay, as well as with Electric Cells-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS), that provided a real-time continuous monitoring. It was possible to correlate the toxic effect of the different forms of GA with the bioavailability of the drug, evidencing the importance of real-time tests for studying the effects of bioactive substances on cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Nocca
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.M.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.N.); (L.C.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4215 (G.N.); +39-06-4991-3340 (L.C.)
| | - Giuseppe D’Avenio
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Adriana Amalfitano
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.N.); (L.C.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4215 (G.N.); +39-06-4991-3340 (L.C.)
| | - Alvaro Mordente
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.M.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, University La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- CIABC-Centro di Ricerca per le Scienze Applicate alla Protezione dell’Ambiente e dei Beni Culturali, University La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Grigioni
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (M.G.)
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Treatment for liver cancer: From sorafenib to natural products. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113690. [PMID: 34256124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, dietary carcinogens, and so forth. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found far from effective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of it. In this review, we discuss the formation process and therapeutic targets of liver cancer. Currently, targeted therapy is limited to sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab and cabozantinib which leads to a survival benefit in patients, but on the other hand is hampered by the occurrence of drug resistance. Pleasingly and importantly, there are multiple natural products undergoing clinical evaluation in liver cancer, such as polyphenols like icaritin, resveratrol, and silybin, saponins including ginsenoside Rg3 and glycyrrhizinate, alkaloid containing irinotecan and berberine and inorganic compound arsenic trioxide at present. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds inhibit liver cancer formation owing to the influence on the anti-viral, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity. Furthermore, a series of small molecule derivatives inspired by the aforementioned compounds are designed and synthesized according to structure-activity relationship studies. Drug combination and novel type of drug-targeted delivery system thereof have been well developed. This article is ended by a perspective remark of futuristic development of natural product-based therapeutic regimen for liver cancer treatment. We expect that this review is an account for current status of natural products as promising anti-liver cancer treatments and should contribute to its understanding.
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Wang F, Li Y, Jiang H, Li C, Li Z, Qi C, Li Z, Gao Z, Zhang B, Wu J. Dual-Ligand-Modified Liposomes Co-Loaded with Anti-Angiogenic and Chemotherapeutic Drugs for Inhibiting Tumor Angiogenesis and Metastasis. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:4001-4016. [PMID: 34135585 PMCID: PMC8200177 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s309804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor angiogenesis has been proven to potentiate tumor growth and metastasis; therefore, the strategies targeting tumor-related angiogenesis have great potentials in antitumor therapy. METHODS Here, the GA&Gal dual-ligand-modified liposomes co-loaded with curcumin and combretastatin A-4 phosphate (CUCA/GA&Gal-Lip) were prepared and characterized. A novel "BEL-7402+HUVEC" co-cultured cell model was established to mimic tumor microenvironment. The cytotoxicity and migration assays were performed against the novel co-cultured model. Angiogenesis ability was evaluated by tube formation test, and in vivo metastatic ability was evaluated by lung metastasis test. RESULTS The result demonstrated that dual-ligand-modified liposomes showed greater inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in comparison with other combined groups. Significantly, the mechanism analysis revealed that curcumin and combretastatin A-4 phosphate could inhibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis via down-regulation of VEGF and VEGFR2 expression, respectively, and that GA&Gal-Lip could improve antitumor effect by GA/Gal-mediated active-targeting delivery. CONCLUSION CUCA/GA&Gal-Lip hold great potentials in hepatoma-targeting delivery of antitumor drugs and can achieve anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects by simultaneously blocking VEGF/VEGFR2 signal pathway, therefore exhibiting superior anti-hepatoma efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqing Wang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanying Li
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenglei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaohuan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cuiping Qi
- School of Nursing, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingliang Wu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
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Zhao Z, Xiao Y, Xu L, Liu Y, Jiang G, Wang W, Li B, Zhu T, Tan Q, Tang L, Zhou H, Huang X, Shan H. Glycyrrhizic Acid Nanoparticles as Antiviral and Anti-inflammatory Agents for COVID-19 Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:20995-21006. [PMID: 33930273 PMCID: PMC8117399 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c02755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has been diffusely pandemic around the world, characterized by massive morbidity and mortality. One of the remarkable threats associated with mortality may be the uncontrolled inflammatory processes, which were induced by SARS-CoV-2 in infected patients. As there are no specific drugs, exploiting safe and effective treatment strategies is an instant requirement to dwindle viral damage and relieve extreme inflammation simultaneously. Here, highly biocompatible glycyrrhizic acid (GA) nanoparticles (GANPs) were synthesized based on GA. In vitro investigations revealed that GANPs inhibit the proliferation of the murine coronavirus MHV-A59 and reduce proinflammatory cytokine production caused by MHV-A59 or the N protein of SARS-CoV-2. In an MHV-A59-induced surrogate mouse model of COVID-19, GANPs specifically target areas with severe inflammation, such as the lungs, which appeared to improve the accumulation of GANPs and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Further, GANPs also exert antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, relieving organ damage and conferring a significant survival advantage to infected mice. Such a novel therapeutic agent can be readily manufactured into feasible treatment for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyan Zhao
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Southern
Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yuchen Xiao
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Lingqing Xu
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated
Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan
People’s Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department
of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital
of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Guanmin Jiang
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Bin Li
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Tianchuan Zhu
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Qingqin Tan
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Lantian Tang
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Haibo Zhou
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated
Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan
People’s Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Southern
Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Hong Shan
- Center
for Infection and Immunity, The Fifth Affiliated
Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
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Li YL, Zhu XM, Liang H, Orvig C, Chen ZF. Recent Advances in Asialoglycoprotein Receptor and Glycyrrhetinic Acid Receptor-Mediated and/or pH-Responsive Hepatocellular Carcinoma- Targeted Drug Delivery. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1508-1534. [PMID: 32368967 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200505085756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) seriously affects human health, especially, it easily develops multi-drug resistance (MDR) which results in treatment failure. There is an urgent need to develop highly effective and low-toxicity therapeutic agents to treat HCC and to overcome its MDR. Targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) for cancer therapy, including nanoparticles, lipids, micelles and liposomes, have been studied for decades. Recently, more attention has been paid to multifunctional DDS containing various ligands such as polymer moieties, targeting moieties, and acid-labile linkages. The polymer moieties such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), chitosan (CTS), hyaluronic acid, pullulan, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) protect DDS from degradation. Asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) and glycyrrhetinic acid receptor (GAR) are most often used as the targeting moieties, which are overexpressed on hepatocytes. Acid-labile linkage, catering for the pH difference between tumor cells and normal tissue, has been utilized to release drugs at tumor tissue. OBJECTIVES This review provides a summary of the recent progress in ASGPR and GAR-mediated and/or pH-responsive HCC-targeted drug delivery. CONCLUSION The multifunctional DDS may prolong systemic circulation, continuously release drugs, increase the accumulation of drugs at the targeted site, enhance the anticancer effect, and reduce side effects both in vitro and in vivo. But it is rarely used to investigate MDR of HCC; therefore, it needs to be further studied before going into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lan Li
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xiao-Min Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Hong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Chris Orvig
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Zhen-Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
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Alhalmi A, Beg S, Kohli K, Waris M, Singh T. Nanotechnology Based Approach for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Targeting. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:779-792. [PMID: 33302831 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121999201209194524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary liver cancer that has shown a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide among several types of cancers. A large variety of chemotherapeutic agents employed for the treatment have a limited success rate owing to their limited site-specific drug targeting ability. Thus, there is a demand to develop novel approaches for the treatment of HCC. With advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches, the challenges of conventional chemotherapy have been continuously decreasing. Nanomedicines constituted of lipidic and polymeric composites provide a better platform for delivering and opening new pathways for HCC treatment. A score of nanocarriers such as surface-engineered liposomes, nanoparticles, nanotubes, micelles, quantum dots, etc., has been investigated in the treatment of HCC. These nanocarriers are considered to be highly effective clinically for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs with high site-specificity ability and therapeutic efficiency. The present review highlights the current focus on the application of nanocarrier systems using various ligand-based receptor-specific targeting strategies for the treatment and management of HCC. Moreover, the article has also included information on the current clinically approved drug therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment and updates of regulatory requirements for approval of such nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam Alhalmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Sarwar Beg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Kanchan Kohli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Md Waris
- Department of Botany, Thakur Prasad Singh College, Patna, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, India
| | - Tanuja Singh
- University Department of Botany, Patliputra University, Patna, Bihar, India
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Qiao L, Han M, Gao S, Shao X, Wang X, Sun L, Fu X, Wei Q. Research progress on nanotechnology for delivery of active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicines. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:6333-6351. [PMID: 32633311 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01260b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is growing acceptance of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) as potential sources of clinical agents based on the demonstrated efficacies of numerous bioactive compounds first identified in TCM extracts, such as paclitaxel, camptothecin, and artemisinin. However, there are several challenges to achieving the full clinical potential of many TCMs, particularly the generally high hydrophobicity and low bioavailability. Recently, however, numerous studies have attempted to circumvent the limited in vivo activity and systemic toxicity of TCM ingredients by incorporation into nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Many of these formulations demonstrate improved bioavailability, enhanced tissue targeting, and greater in vivo stability compared to the native compound. This review summarizes nanoformulations of the most promising and extensively studied TCM compounds to provide a reference for further research. Combining these natural compounds with nanotechnology-based delivery systems may further improve the clinical utility of these agents, in turn leading to more intensive research on traditional medicinal compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qiao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Maosen Han
- College of Phamaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Shijie Gao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Shao
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Network Pharmacology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Linlin Sun
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Fu
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Network Pharmacology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China.
| | - Qingcong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, P. R. China.
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48
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Yan T, Hui W, Zhu S, He J, Liu Z, Cheng J. Carboxymethyl chitosan based redox-responsive micelle for near-infrared fluorescence image-guided photo-chemotherapy of liver cancer. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 253:117284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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49
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Liu MM, Zhou J, Ji D, Yang J, Huang YP, Wang Q. Diammonium glycyrrhizinate lipid ligand ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by modulating vascular endothelial barrier function. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:303. [PMID: 33717246 PMCID: PMC7885082 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate lipid ligand (DGLL) treatment on acute lung injury (ALI) and pulmonary edema induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats orally received 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg DGLL. After 1 h, the rat ALI model was established by LPS (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection. After 6 h, lung injury was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. Pulmonary edema was evaluated using lung wet-dry weight ratio, protein concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and Evans blue (EB) extravasation in lung tissue. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in lung tissues were measured using ELISA. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression levels were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Western blotting was used to measure the expression level changes of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, as well as adherent and tight junction proteins, including vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin and junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-1 that were associated with pulmonary inflammation and microvascular permeability. DGLL treatment significantly alleviated ALI induced by LPS, which was demonstrated by reduction of MPO-positive cells and expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 in rat lung tissues. In addition, DGLL abrogated LPS-induced pulmonary edema, decreased the protein concentration in BALF and reduced EB extravasation. DGLL also reversed the reduced expression of VE-cadherin and tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, occludin and JAM-1 in the lung tissues caused by LPS. In conclusion, DGLL exhibits a protective effect on LPS-induced rat ALI, which is associated with the inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration and microvascular barrier disruption. The present results provide a theoretical basis for the application of DGLL for the potential clinical treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Mei Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Dan Ji
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Ping Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
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50
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Rahman M, Almalki WH, Alrobaian M, Iqbal J, Alghamdi S, Alharbi KS, Alruwaili NK, Hafeez A, Shaharyar A, Singh T, Waris M, Kumar V, Beg S. Nanocarriers-loaded with natural actives as newer therapeutic interventions for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2021; 18:489-513. [PMID: 33225771 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1854223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer has always been a menace for the society. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and 3rdlargest causes of deaths around the world.Area covered: The emergence of natural actives is considered as the greatest boon for fighting cancer. The natural actives take precedence over the traditional chemotherapeutic drugs in terms of their multi-target, multi-level and coordinated effects in the treatment of HCC. Literature reports have indicated the tremendous potential of bioactive natural products in inhibiting the HCC via molecular drug targeting, augmented bioavailability, and the ability for both passive or active targeting and stimulus-responsive drug release characteristics. This review provides a newer treatment approaches involved in the mechanism of action of different natural actives used for the HCC treatment via different molecular pathways. Besides, the promising advantage of natural bioactive-loaded nanocarriers in HCC treatment has also been also presented in this review. Expert opinion: The remarkable outcomes have been observed with therapeutic efficacy of the nanocarriers of natural actives in the treatment of HCC.Furthermore, it requires a thorough assessment of the safety and efficacy evaluation of the nanocarriers for the delivery of targeted natural active ingredients in HCC.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahfoozur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shalom Institute of Health & Allied Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, India
| | - Waleed H Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-qura University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alrobaian
- Department of Pharmaceutics & and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawed Iqbal
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025
| | - Saad Alghamdi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil K Alruwaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Hafeez
- Glocal School of Pharmacy, Glocal University, Mirzapur Pole, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Adil Shaharyar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Tanuja Singh
- Department of Botany, T.P.S College, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Mohammad Waris
- Department of Botany, T.P.S College, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shalom Institute of Health & Allied Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, India
| | - Sarwar Beg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nanomedicine Research Lab, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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