Pharmacokinetic behaviors of soft nanoparticulate formulations of chemotherapeutics

Preparation of Biomimetic Selenium-Baicalein Nanoparticles and Their Targeted Therapeutic Application in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

In this study, we prepared bionic selenium-baicalein nanoparticles (ACM-SSe-BE) for the targeted treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer. Due to the coating of the A549 membrane, the system has homologous targeting capabilities, allowing for the preparation of target tumor cells. The borate ester bond between selenium nanoparticles (SSe) and baicalein (BE) is pH-sensitive and can break under acidic conditions in the tumor microenvironment to achieve the targeted release of BE at the tumor site. Moreover, SSe further enhances the antitumor effect of BE by increasing the production of ROS in tumor cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that the ACM-SSe-BE had a particle size of approximately 155 ± 2 nm. FTIR verified the successful coupling of SSe and BE. In vitro release experiments indicated that the cumulative release of ACM-SSe-BE at pH 5.5 after 24 h was 69.39 ± 1.07%, which was less than the 20% release at pH 7.4, confirming the pH-sensitive release of BE in ACM-SSe-BE. Cell uptake experiments and in vivo imaging showed that ACM-SSe-BE had good targeting ability. The results of MTT, flow cytometry, Western blot, and cell immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that ACM-SSe-BE promoted A549 cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. The in vivo antitumor results were consistent with those of the cell experiments. These results clearly suggested that ACM-SSe-BE will be a promising bionic nanosystem for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Paclitaxel in colon cancer management: from conventional chemotherapy to advanced nanocarrier delivery systems

Paclitaxel, a potent chemotherapeutic agent derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, has demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of various cancers, including colon cancer. This comprehensive review delves into the conventional treatments for colon cancer, emphasizing the crucial role of paclitaxel in contemporary management strategies. It explores the intricate process of sourcing and synthesizing paclitaxel, highlighting the importance of its structural properties in its anticancer activity. The review further elucidates the mechanism of action of paclitaxel, its pharmacological effects, and its integration into chemotherapy regimens for colon cancer. Additionally, novel drug delivery systems, such as nanocarriers, liposomes, nanoparticles, microspheres, micelles, microemulsions, and niosomes, are examined for their potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel. The discussion extends to recent clinical trials and patents, showcasing advancements in paclitaxel formulations aimed at improving treatment outcomes. The review concludes with prospects in the field underscoring the ongoing innovation and potential breakthroughs in colon cancer therapy.

Accumulation of liposomes in metastatic tumor sites is not necessary for anti-cancer drug efficacy

BACKGROUND

The tumor microenvironment is profoundly heterogeneous particularly when comparing sites of metastases. Establishing the extent of this heterogeneity may provide guidance on how best to design lipid-based drug delivery systems to treat metastatic disease. Building on our previous research, the current study employs a murine model of metastatic cancer to explore the distribution of ~ 100 nm liposomes.

METHODS

Female NCr nude mice were inoculated with a fluorescently labeled, Her2/neu-positive, trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cell line, JIMT-1mkate, either in the mammary fat pad to create an orthotopic tumor (OT), or via intracardiac injection (IC) to establish tumors throughout the body. Animals were dosed with fluorescent and radio-labeled liposomes. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescent imaging was used to track liposome distribution over a period of 48 h. Liposome distribution in orthotopic tumors was compared to sites of tumor growth that arose following IC injection.

RESULTS

A significant amount of inter-vessel heterogeneity for DiR distribution was observed, with most tumor blood vessels showing little to no presence of the DiR-labelled liposomes. Further, there was limited extravascular distribution of DiR liposomes in the perivascular regions around DiR-positive vessels. While all OT tumors contained at least some DiR-positive vessels, many metastases had very little or none. Despite the apparent limited distribution of liposomes within metastases, two liposomal drug formulations, Irinophore C and Doxil, showed similar efficacy for both the OT and IC JIMT-1mkate models.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that liposomal formulations achieve therapeutic benefits through mechanisms that extend beyond the enhanced permeability and retention effect.

Sorafenib tosylate-loaded nanosuspension: preparation, optimization, and in vitro cytotoxicity study against human HepG2 carcinoma cells

This study aimed to optimize nanosuspension of sorafenib tosylate (an anticancer hydrophobic drug molecule) using a central composite design. Nanosuspension was prepared using a nanoprecipitation-ultrasonication approach. FTIR and DSC analyses demonstrated that the drug and excipients were physicochemically compatible. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed amorphous form of the payload in the formulation. The optimized formulation (batch NSS6) had a zeta potential of -18.1 mV, a polydispersity of 0.302, and a particle size of 97.11 nm. SEM analysis confirmed formation of rod-shaped particles. After 24 h, about 64.45% and 86.37% of the sorafenib tosylate was released in pH 6.8 and pH 1.2, respectively. The MTT assay was performed on HepG2 cell lines. IC50 value of the optimized batch was 39.4 µg/mL. The study concluded that sorafenib tosylate nanosuspension could be a promising approach in the treatment of hepatocellular cancer.

Codelivery of CPT and siPHB1 with GSH/ROS Dual-Responsive Hybrid Nanoparticles Based on a [12]aneN3-Derived Lipid for Synergistic Lung Cancer Therapy

The combination of small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing and chemotherapeutic agents for lung cancer treatment has attracted widespread attention in terms of a greater therapeutic effect, minimization of systemic toxicity, and inhibition of multiple drug resistance (MDR). In this work, three amphiphiles, CBN1-CBN3, were first designed and synthesized as a camptothecin (CPT) conjugate and gene condensation agents by the combination of CPT prodrugs and di(triazole-[12]aneN3) through the ROS-responsive phenylborate ester and different lengths of alkyl chains (with 6, 9, 12 carbon chains for CBN1-CBN3, respectively). CBN1-CBN3 were able to be self-assembled into liposomes with an average diameter in the range of 320-240 nm, showing the ability to effectively condense siRNA. Among them, CBN2, with a nine-carbon alkyl chain, displayed the best anticancer efficiency in A549 cells. In order to give nanomedicines a stealth property and PEGylation/dePEGylation transition, a GSH-responsive PEGylated TPE derivative containing a disulfide linkage (TSP) was further designed and prepared. A combination of CBN2/siRNA complexes and DOPE with TSP resulted in GSH/ROS dual-responsive lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CBN2-DP/siRNA NPs). In present GSH and H2O2, CBN2-DP/siRNA NPs were decomposed, resulting in the controlled release of CPT drug and siRNA. In vitro, CBN2-DP/siPHB1 NPs showed the best anticancer activity for suppression of about 75% of A549 cell proliferation in a serum medium. The stability of CBN2-DP/siRNA NPs was significantly prolonged in blood circulation, and they showed effective accumulation in the A549 tumor site through an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. In vivo, CBN2-DP/siPHB1 NPs demonstrated enhanced synergistic cancer therapy efficacy and tumor inhibition as high as 71.2%. This work provided a strategy for preparing lipid-polymer hybrid NPs with GSH/ROS dual-responsive properties and an intriguing method for lung cancer therapy.

Innovative Encapsulation Strategies for Food, Industrial, and Pharmaceutical Applications

Bioactive metabolites obtained from fruits and vegetables as well as many drugs have various capacities to prevent or treat various ailments. Nevertheless, their efficiency, in vivo, encounter many challenges resulting in lower efficacy as well as different side effects when high doses are used resulting in many challenges for their application. Indeed, demand for effective treatments with no or less unfavorable side effects is rising. Delivering active molecules to a particular site of action within the human body is an example of targeted therapy which remains a challenging field. Developments of nanotechnology and polymer science have great promise for meeting the growing demands of efficient options. Encapsulation of active ingredients in nano-delivery systems has become as a vitally tool for protecting the integrity of critical biochemicals, improving their delivery, enabling their controlled release and maintaining their biological features. Here, we examine a wide range of nano-delivery techniques, such as niosomes, polymeric/solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nano-emulsions. The advantages of encapsulation in targeted, synergistic, and supportive therapies are emphasized, along with current progress in its application. Additionally, a revised collection of studies was given, focusing on improving the effectiveness of anticancer medications and addressing the problem of antimicrobial resistance. To sum up, this paper conducted a thorough analysis to determine the efficacy of encapsulation technology in the field of drug discovery and development.

Neuroprotection of Rodent and Human Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vitro/Ex Vivo by the Hybrid Small Molecule SA-2

The mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of the hybrid antioxidant-nitric oxide donating compound SA-2 in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration models were evaluated. The in vitro trophic factor (TF) deprivation model in primary rat RGCs and ex vivo human retinal explants were used to mimic glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Cell survival was assessed after treatment with vehicle or SA-2. In separate experiments, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) were used in ex vivo rat retinal explants and primary rat RGCs, respectively, to induce oxidative damage. Mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed following treatments. In the TF deprivation model, SA-2 treatment produced a significant decrease in apoptotic and dead cell counts in primary RGCs and a significant increase in RGC survival in ex vivo human retinal explants. In the oxidative stress-induced models, a significant decrease in the production of ROS was observed in the SA-2-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group. Compound SA-2 was neuroprotective against various glaucomatous insults in the rat and human RGCs by reducing apoptosis and decreasing ROS levels. Amelioration of mitochondrial and cellular oxidative stress by SA-2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing neurodegeneration in glaucomatous RGCs.