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Younis MA, Harashima H. Understanding Gene Involvement in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2024; 17:193-213. [PMID: 38737776 PMCID: PMC11088404 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s431346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancers and is one of the deadliest health threats globally. The conventional therapeutic options for HCC are hampered by low efficiency and intolerable side effects. Gene therapy, however, now offers hope for the treatment of many disorders previously considered incurable, and gene therapy is beginning to address many of the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, we summarize the involvement of genes in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC, with a special focus on dysregulated signaling pathways, genes involved in immune evasion, and non-coding RNAs as novel two-edged players, which collectively offer potential targets for the gene therapy of HCC. Herein, the opportunities and challenges of HCC gene therapy are discussed. These include innovative therapies such as genome editing and cell therapies. Moreover, advanced gene delivery technologies that recruit nanomedicines for use in gene therapy for HCC are highlighted. Finally, suggestions are offered for improved clinical translation and future directions in this area of endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
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2
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Abdellatif AAH, Alshubrumi AS, Younis MA. Targeted Nanoparticles: the Smart Way for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:23. [PMID: 38267656 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02734-9] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a widespread cancer that starts in the digestive tract. It is the third most common cause of cancer deaths around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates an expected death toll of over 1 million cases annually. The limited therapeutic options as well as the drawbacks of the existing therapies necessitate the development of non-classic treatment approaches. Nanotechnology has led the evolution of valuable drug delivery systems thanks to their ability to control drug release and precisely target a wide variety of cancers. This has also been extended to the treatment of CRC. Herein, we shed light on the pertinent research that has been performed on the potential applications of nanoparticles in the treatment of CRC. The various types of nanoparticles in addition to their properties, applications, targeting approaches, merits, and demerits are discussed. Furthermore, innovative therapies for CRC, including gene therapies and immunotherapies, are also highlighted. Eventually, the research gaps, the clinical potential of such delivery systems, and a future outlook on their development are inspired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A H Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt.
| | | | - Mahmoud A Younis
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
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3
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Abdellatif AAH, Scagnetti G, Younis MA, Bouazzaoui A, Tawfeek HM, Aldosari BN, Almurshedi AS, Alsharidah M, Rugaie OA, Davies MPA, Liloglou T, Ross K, Saleem I. Non-coding RNA-directed therapeutics in lung cancer: Delivery technologies and clinical applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 229:113466. [PMID: 37515959 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadliest health threats. There has been an increasing interest in non-coding RNA (ncRNA) recently, especially in the areas of carcinogenesis and tumour progression. However, ncRNA-directed therapies are still encountering obstacles on their way to the clinic. In the present article, we provide an overview on the potential of targeting ncRNA in the treatment of lung cancer. Then, we discuss the delivery challenges and recent approaches enabling the delivery of ncRNA-directed therapies to the lung cancer cells, where we illuminate some advanced technologies including chemically-modified oligonucleotides, nuclear targeting, and three-dimensional in vitro models. Furthermore, advanced non-viral delivery systems recruiting nanoparticles, biomimetic delivery systems, and extracellular vesicles are also highlighted. Lastly, the challenges limiting the clinical trials on the therapeutic targeting of ncRNAs in lung cancer and future directions to tackle them are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A H Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Giulia Scagnetti
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Mahmoud A Younis
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Abdellatif Bouazzaoui
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; Medical Clinic, Hematology/Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Hesham M Tawfeek
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Basmah N Aldosari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alanood S Almurshedi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour Alsharidah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osamah Al Rugaie
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, P.O. Box 991, Unaizah, Al Qassim 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael P A Davies
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Kehinde Ross
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; Institute for Health Research, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Imran Saleem
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; Institute for Health Research, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK.
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4
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Younis MA, Sato Y, Elewa YHA, Harashima H. Reprogramming activated hepatic stellate cells by siRNA-loaded nanocarriers reverses liver fibrosis in mice. J Control Release 2023; 361:592-603. [PMID: 37579975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
We report on a novel strategy for treating liver fibrosis through reprogramming activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (aHSCs) into quiescent Hepatic Stellate Cells (qHSCs) using siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The in vivo screening of an array of molecularly-diverse ionizable lipids identified two candidates, CL15A6 and CL15H6, with a high siRNA delivery efficiency to aHSCs. Optimization of the composition and physico-chemical properties of the LNPs enabled the ligand-free, selective, and potent siRNA delivery to aHSCs post intravenous administration, with a median effective siRNA dose (ED50) as low as 0.08 mg/Kg. The biosafety of the LNPs was confirmed by escalating the dose to 50-fold higher than the ED50 or by chronic administration. The recruitment of the novel LNPs for the simultaneous knockdown of Hedgehog (Hh) and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFβ1) signaling pathways using an siRNA cocktail enabled the reversal of liver fibrosis and the restoration of the normal liver function in mice. Analysis of the key transcription factors in aHSCs suggested that the reprogramming of aHSCs into qHSCs mediated the therapeutic outcomes. The scalable ligand-free platform developed in this study as well as the novel therapeutic strategy reported herein are promising for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt; Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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Tawfeek HM, Younis MA, Aldosari BN, Almurshedi AS, Abdelfattah A, Abdel-Aleem JA. Impact of the Functional Coating of Silver Nanoparticles on their In Vivo Performance and Biosafety. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37184200 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2023.2214207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND SIGNIFICANCE Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become an interesting therapeutic modality and drug delivery platform. Herein, we aimed to investigate the impact of functional coating on the in vivo performance of AgNPs as an economic and scalable method to modulate their behavior. METHODS AgNPs were coated with chitosan (CHI) as a model biopolymer using a one-pot reduction-based method, where CHI of two molecular weight ranges were investigated. The resultant CHI-coated AgNPs (AgNPs-CHI) were characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, DLS, and TEM. AgNPs were administered intravenously to rats and their biodistribution and serum levels of hepato-renal function markers were monitored 24 h later compared to plain AgNO3 as a positive control. RESULTS UV-VIS spectroscopy confirmed the successful coating of AgNPs with CHI. DLS revealed the superiority of medium molecular weight CHI over its low molecular weight counterpart. AgNPs-CHI demonstrated a semi-complete clearance from the systemic circulation, a liver-dominated tissue tropism, and a limited renal exposure. On the other hand, AgNO3 was poorly cleared from the circulation, with a relatively high renal exposure and a non-specific tissue tropism. AgNPs-CHI were well-tolerated by the liver and kidney without signs of toxicity or inflammation, in contrary with AgNO3 which resulted in a significant elevation of Creatinine (CRE), Urea, and Total Protein (TP), suggesting a significant nephrotoxicity and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Functional coating of AgNPs with CHI substantially modulated their in vivo behavior, promoting their hepatic selectivity and biotolerability, which can be invested in the development of drug delivery systems for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham M Tawfeek
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Younis
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Basma Nasser Aldosari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed Abdelfattah
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Jelan A Abdel-Aleem
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
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6
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Lipid nanoparticles technology in vaccines: Shaping the future of prophylactic medicine. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 222:113111. [PMID: 36586237 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.113111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Throughout decades, the intrinsic power of the immune system to fight pathogens has inspired researchers to develop techniques that enable the prevention or treatment of infections via boosting the immune response against the target pathogens, which has led to the evolution of vaccines. The recruitment of Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as either vaccine delivery platforms or immunogenic modalities has witnessed a breakthrough recently, which has been crowned with the development of effective LNPs-based vaccines against COVID-19. In the current article, we discuss some principles of such a technology, with a special focus on the technical aspects from a translational perspective. Representative examples of LNPs-based vaccines against cancer, COVID-19, as well as other infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and allergies are highlighted, considering the challenges and promises. Lastly, the key features that can improve the clinical translation of this area of endeavor are inspired.
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7
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Self-homing nanocarriers for mRNA delivery to the activated hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis. J Control Release 2023; 353:685-698. [PMID: 36521688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report on the development of a platform for the selective delivery of mRNA to the hard-to-transfect Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (aHSCs), the fundamental player in the progression of liver fibrosis. Using a microfluidic device (iLiNP), we prepared a series of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) based on a diverse library of pH-sensitive lipids. After an in-depth in vivo optimization of the LNPs, their mRNA delivery efficiency, selectivity, potency, robustness, and biosafety were confirmed. Furthermore, some mechanistic aspects of their selective delivery to aHSCs were investigated. We identified a promising lipid candidate, CL15A6, that has a high affinity to aHSCs. Tweaking the composition and physico-chemical properties of the LNPs enabled the robust and ligand-free mRNA delivery to aHSCs in vivo post intravenous administration, with a high biosafety at mRNA doses of up to 2 mg/Kg, upon either acute or chronic administrations. The mechanistic investigation suggested that CL15A6 LNPs were taken up by aHSCs via Clathrin-mediated endocytosis through the Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) and showed a pKa-dependent cellular uptake. The novel and scalable platform reported in this study is highly promising for clinical applications.
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8
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Shaabani E, Sharifiaghdam M, Faridi-Majidi R, De Smedt SC, Braeckmans K, Fraire JC. Gene therapy to enhance angiogenesis in chronic wounds. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:871-899. [PMID: 36159590 PMCID: PMC9464651 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Skin injuries and chronic non-healing wounds are one of the major global burdens on the healthcare systems worldwide due to their difficult-to-treat nature, associated co-morbidities, and high health care costs. Angiogenesis has a pivotal role in the wound-healing process, which becomes impaired in many chronic non-healing wounds, leading to several healing disorders and complications. Therefore, induction or promotion of angiogenesis can be considered a promising approach for healing of chronic wounds. Gene therapy is one of the most promising upcoming strategies for the treatment of chronic wounds. It can be classified into three main approaches: gene augmentation, gene silencing, and gene editing. Despite the increasing number of encouraging results obtained using nucleic acids (NAs) as active pharmaceutical ingredients of gene therapy, efficient delivery of NAs to their site of action (cytoplasm or nucleus) remains a key challenge. Selection of the right therapeutic cargo and delivery methods is crucial for a favorable prognosis of the healing process. This article presents an overview of gene therapy and non-viral delivery methods for angiogenesis induction in chronic wounds.
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Nakamura T, Sato Y, Yamada Y, Abd Elwakil MM, Kimura S, Younis MA, Harashima H. Extrahepatic targeting of lipid nanoparticles in vivo with intracellular targeting for future nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114417. [PMID: 35787389 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A new era of nanomedicines that involve nucleic acids/gene therapy has been opened after two decades in 21st century and new types of more efficient drug delivery systems (DDS) are highly expected and will include extrahepatic delivery. In this review, we summarize the possibility and expectations for the extrahepatic delivery of small interfering RNA/messenger RNA/plasmid DNA/genome editing to the spleen, lung, tumor, lymph nodes as well as the liver based on our studies as well as reported information. Passive targeting and active targeting are discussed in in vivo delivery and the importance of controlled intracellular trafficking for successful therapeutic results are also discussed. In addition, mitochondrial delivery as a novel strategy for nucleic acids/gene therapy is introduced to expand the therapeutic dimension of nucleic acids/gene therapy in the liver as well as the heart, kidney and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yuma Yamada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Mahmoud M Abd Elwakil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Seigo Kimura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Mahmoud A Younis
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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Abdellatif AAH, Younis MA, Alsharidah M, Al Rugaie O, Tawfeek HM. Biomedical Applications of Quantum Dots: Overview, Challenges, and Clinical Potential. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:1951-1970. [PMID: 35530976 PMCID: PMC9076002 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s357980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the massive advancements in the nanomedicines and their associated research, their translation into clinically-applicable products is still below promises. The latter fact necessitates an in-depth evaluation of the current nanomedicines from a clinical perspective to cope with the challenges hampering their clinical potential. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductors-based nanomaterials with numerous biomedical applications such as drug delivery, live imaging, and medical diagnosis, in addition to other applications beyond medicine such as in solar cells. Nevertheless, the power of QDs is still underestimated in clinics. In the current article, we review the status of QDs in literature, their preparation, characterization, and biomedical applications. In addition, the market status and the ongoing clinical trials recruiting QDs are highlighted, with a special focus on the challenges limiting the clinical translation of QDs. Moreover, QDs are technically compared to other commercially-available substitutes. Eventually, we inspire the technical aspects that should be considered to improve the clinical fate of QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A H Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Younis
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Mansour Alsharidah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osamah Al Rugaie
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Al Qassim, 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M Tawfeek
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
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11
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Younis MA, Tawfeek HM, Abdellatif AAH, Abdel-Aleem JA, Harashima H. Clinical translation of nanomedicines: Challenges, opportunities, and keys. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114083. [PMID: 34929251 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the massive interest and recent developments in the field of nanomedicine, only a limited number of formulations have found their way to the clinics. This shortcoming reveals the challenges facing the clinical translation of this technology. In the current article, we summarize and evaluate the status, market situation, and clinical profiles of the reported nanomedicines, the shortcomings limiting their clinical translation, as well as some approaches designed to break through this barrier. Moreover, some emerging technologies that have the potential to compete with nanomedicines are highlighted. Lastly, we identify the key factors that should be considered in nanomedicine-related research to be clinically-translatable. These can be classified into five areas: rational design during the research and development stage, the recruitment of representative preclinical models, careful design of clinical trials, development of specific and uniform regulatory protocols, and calls for non-classic sponsorship. This new field of endeavor was firmly established during the last two decades and more in-depth progress is expected in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Hesham M Tawfeek
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed A H Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Jelan A Abdel-Aleem
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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12
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Younis MA, Khalil IA, Elewa YHA, Kon Y, Harashima H. Ultra-small lipid nanoparticles encapsulating sorafenib and midkine-siRNA selectively-eradicate sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo. J Control Release 2021; 331:335-349. [PMID: 33484779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease with limited therapeutic choices. The stroma-rich tumor microenvironment hinders the in vivo delivery of most nanomedicines. Ultra-small lipid nanoparticles (usLNPs) were designed for the selective co-delivery of the cytotoxic drug, sorafenib (SOR), and siRNA against the Midkine gene (MK-siRNA) to HCC in mice. The usLNPs composed of a novel pH-sensitive lipid, a diversity of phospholipids and a highly-selective targeting peptide. A microfluidic device, iLiNP, was used and a variety of factors were controlled to tune particle size aiming at maximizing tumor penetration efficiency. Optimizing the composition and physico-chemical properties of the usLNPs resulted in an enhanced tumor accumulation, selectivity and in vivo gene silencing. The optimized usLNPs exerted potent gene silencing in the tumor (median effective dose, ED50~0.1 mg/Kg) with limited effect on the healthy liver. The novel combination synergistically-eradicated HCC in mice (~85%) at a surprisingly-low dose of SOR (2.5 mg/Kg) which could not be achieved via individual monotherapy. Toxicity studies revealed the biosafety of the usLNPs upon either acute or chronic treatment. Furthermore, the SOR-resistant HCC established in mice was eradicated by 70% using this approach. We conclude that our strategy is promising for potential clinical applications in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Ikramy A Khalil
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt; Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kon
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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