Co-delivery with nano-quercetin enhances doxorubicin-mediated cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells

Double Imprinted Nanoparticles for Sequential Membrane-to-Nuclear Drug Delivery

Efficient and site-specific delivery of therapeutics drugs remains a critical challenge in cancer treatment. Traditional drug nanocarriers such as antibody-drug conjugates are not generally accessible due to their high cost and can lead to serious side effects including life-threatening allergic reactions. Here, these problems are overcome via the engineering of supramolecular agents that are manufactured with an innovative double imprinting approach. The developed molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) are targeted toward a linear epitope of estrogen receptor alfa (ERα) and loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. These nanoMIPs are cost-effective and rival the affinity of commercial antibodies for ERα. Upon specific binding of the materials to ERα, which is overexpressed in most breast cancers (BCs), nuclear drug delivery is achieved via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Consequentially, significantly enhanced cytotoxicity is elicited in BC cell lines overexpressing ERα, paving the way for precision treatment of BC. Proof-of-concept for the clinical use of the nanoMIPs is provided by evaluating their drug efficacy in sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) cancer models, which capture the complexity of the tumor microenvironment in vivo without requiring animal models. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of nanoMIPs as a promising class of novel drug compounds for use in cancer treatment.

Quercetin and Kaempferol as Multi-Targeting Antidiabetic Agents against Mouse Model of Chemically Induced Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes, a multifactorial metabolic disorder, demands the discovery of multi-targeting drugs with minimal side effects. This study investigated the multi-targeting antidiabetic potential of quercetin and kaempferol. The druggability and binding affinities of both compounds towards multiple antidiabetic targets were explored using pharmacokinetic and docking software (AutoDock Vina 1.1.2). Our findings showed that quercetin and kaempferol obey Lipinski's rule of five and exhibit desirable ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism excretion, and toxicity) profiles. Both compounds showed higher binding affinities towards C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 (IL-1), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), and sodium-glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT-1) compared to metformin (the positive control). Both quercetin and kaempferol inhibited α-amylase activity (in vitro) up to 20.30 ± 0.49 and 37.43 ± 0.42%, respectively. Their oral supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose levels (p < 0.001), improved lipid profile (p < 0.001), and enhanced total antioxidant status (p < 0.01) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic mice. Additionally, both compounds significantly inhibited the proliferation of Huh-7 and HepG2 (cancer cells) (p < 0.0001) with no effect on the viability of Vero cell line (non-cancer). In conclusion, quercetin and kaempferol demonstrated higher binding affinities towards multiple targets than metformin. In vitro and in vivo antidiabetic potential along with the anticancer activities of both compounds suggest promise for further development in diabetes management. The combination of both drugs did not show a synergistic effect, possibly due to their same target on the receptors.

Quercetin prophylaxis protects the kidneys by modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis under acute hypobaric hypoxic stress

The study presented here aims at assessing the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on RAAS pathway and its components along with mitigation of anomalies with quercetin prophylaxis. One hour prior to hypobaric hypoxia exposure, male SD rats were orally supplemented with quercetin (50 mg/kg BW) and acetazolamide (50 mg/kg BW) and exposed them to 25,000 ft. (7,620 m) in a simulated environmental chamber for 12 h at 25 ± 2 °C. Different biochemical parameters like renin activity, aldosterone, angiotensin I, ACE 2 were determined in plasma. As a conventional response to low oxygen conditions, oxidative stress parameters (ROS and MDA) were elevated along with suppressed antioxidant system (GPx and catalase) in plasma of rats. Quercetin prophylaxis significantly down regulated the hypoxia induced oxidative stress by reducing plasma ROS & MDA levels with efficient enhancement of antioxidants (GPx and Catalase). Further, hypoxia mediated regulation of renin and ACE 2 proves the outstanding efficacy of quercetin in repudiating altercations in RAAS cascade due to hypobaric hypoxia. Furthermore, differential protein expression of HIF-1α, NFκB, IL-18 and endothelin-1 analyzed by western blotting approves the biochemical outcomes and showed that quercetin significantly aids in the reduction of inflammation under hypoxia. Studies conducted with Surface Plasmon Resonance demonstrated a binding among quercetin and ACE 2 that indicates that this flavonoid might regulate RAAS pathway via ACE 2. Henceforth, the study promotes the prophylaxis of quercetin for the better adaptability under hypobaric hypoxic conditions via modulating the RAAS pathway.

Application of Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery of Quercetin in Cancer Cells

Quercetin (Qu, 3,5,7,3', 4'-pentahydroxyflavanone) is a natural polyphenol compound abundantly found in health food or plant-based products. In recent decades, Qu has gained significant attention in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutic industries owning to its wide beneficial therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Despite the favorable roles of Qu in cancer therapy due to its numerous impacts on the cell signaling axis, its poor chemical stability and bioavailability, low aqueous solubility as well as short biological half-life have limited its clinical application. Recently, drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology have been developed to overcome such limitations and enhance the Qu biodistribution following administration. Several investigations have indicated that the nano-formulation of Qu enjoys more remarkable anticancer effects than its free form. Furthermore, incorporating Qu in various nano-delivery systems improved its sustained release and stability, extended its circulation time, enhanced its accumulation at target sites, and increased its therapeutic efficiency. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the anticancer properties of various Qu nano-formulation to augment their effects on different malignancies. Various targeting strategies for improving Qu delivery, including nanoliposomes, lipids, polymeric, micelle, and inorganic nanoparticle NPs, have been discussed in this review. The results of the current study illustrated that a combination of appropriate nano encapsulation approaches with tumor-oriented targeting delivery might lead to establishing QU nanoparticles that can be a promising technique for cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Effectiveness of Quercetin: A Dietary Supplement

Fruits and vegetables (like apples, citrus, grapes, onions, parsley, etc.) are the primary dietary sources of quercetin. In addition, isolated quercetin is also available on the market as a dietary supplement with a daily dose of up to 1000 mg/d. The objective of the present study is to explore the therapeutic potential and clinical efficacy of quercetin as a dietary supplement. The present paper highlights the safety parameters and clinical trial studies with several targets reviewed from the data available on PubMed, Science Direct, ClinicalTrails. gov, and from many reputed foundations. The results of the studies prove the unique position of quercetin in the treatment of various disorders and the possibility of using phytochemicals such as quercetin for an efficient cure. As evidenced by the numerous published reports on human interventions, it has been concluded that quercetin intake significantly improves disease conditions with minimal adverse effects.

Nanophytosome formulation of β-1,3-glucan and Euglena gracilis extract for drug delivery applications

Euglena gracilis (EG) is a unicellular freshwater alga known for its high β-1,3-glucan (BG) content with well-known biological properties and immune response. The high molecular weight structure of BG traditionally poses a challenge in terms of its size and absorption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a novel drug delivery mechanism of BG and EG to nanophytosomes (NPs) by converting the heavy molecular weight of BG and EG into lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC), which plays an important role in improving their bioavailability and entrapment in captivity. The BG and EG NPs were developed by the solvent evaporation method while varying time and temperature to optimize their drug delivery ability. The size of BG-PC and EG-PC obtained by the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method was 134.62 and 158.38 nm, respectively. Chemical (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) and structural (X-Ray Diffraction) characterization of NPs improved the binding capacity and the amorphous nature of both NPs. The shape of the NPs by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed their spherical, vesicular nature. The encapsulation efficiency of BG-PC and EG-PC was 82 ± 1.62 % and 87 ± 3.22 %, respectively, which improves the bioavailability. The developed methodology has thus proven effective in synthesizing BG-PC and EG-PC, which may be useful as NP drug delivery carriers. Future research could demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of long-term storage conditions for medical and pharmaceutical applications.•Nanophytosomes are tailored in size, shape and composition to optimize the delivery of phytochemicals/phytocompounds through nanoscale size and surface modification for better physiological absorption.•Nanophytosomes increase the stability of phytochemicals/phytocompounds and protect them from degradation due to heat or chemical reactions, leading to longer shelf life and improved therapeutic efficacy.•In this method, optimal conditions were created for the formation of β-1,3-glucan and Euglena gracilis extract nanophytosomes for successful development of drug delivery system that can effectively deliver bioactive compounds.

The neuroprotective effect of quercetin nanoparticles in the therapy of neuronal damage stimulated by acrolein

A gradual loss of neuronal function or structure causes neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Neurological damage might cause cell death. Acrolein is a high-risk air and water contaminant that causes neurodegenerative disorders. Quercetin has several strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders but has limited bioavailability inside the body. One of the hypotheses offered to improve quercetin's bioavailability is to convert it into quercetin nanoparticles. This study aims to comprehend the immunohistochemical devastation that might arise in the cerebellum because of acrolein treatment. Furthermore, the protective and ameliorative roles of quercetin nanoparticles against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced in mice by acrolein were assessed. Ninety male albino rats weighing 120 to 200 g were used in the present investigation. The animals were split up into the following six groups: the control group, the acrolein-treated group: animals were given acrolein (3 mg/kg) for 30 days, quercetin nanoparticles treated group: animals were given quercetin nanoparticles (30 mg/kg) for 30 days. The administration of acrolein was found to be connected to immunohistochemical abnormalities in the cerebellum. Marked differences were observed in Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, and GFAP expressions in the cerebellum. Treatment of rats with quercetin nanoparticles either before or after treatment with acrolein has been found to preserve the cerebellum tissues from the toxic impacts and oxidative stress induced by acrolein. This may open the door to more nanomedicine studies and a new avenue for employing nanoparticles as a therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative illnesses.

Recent Advances in Potential Health Benefits of Quercetin

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, has been a part of human diets for centuries. Its numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, have been extensively studied. Its strong antioxidant properties enable it to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against cellular damage. Quercetin's anti-inflammatory properties involve inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, making it a potential therapeutic agent for various inflammatory conditions. It also exhibits anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Finally, quercetin has cardiovascular benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving endothelial function, making it a promising candidate for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an overview of the chemical structure, biological activities, and bioavailability of quercetin, as well as the different delivery systems available for quercetin. Incorporating quercetin-rich foods into the diet or taking quercetin supplements may be beneficial for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. As research progresses, the future perspectives of quercetin appear promising, with potential applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods to promote overall well-being and disease prevention. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action, optimize its bioavailability, and assess its long-term safety for widespread utilization.

Quercetin can be a more reliable treatment for metastatic prostate cancer than the localized disease: An in vitro study

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid that has been recognized to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effects of quercetin against prostate malignancy in vitro and the underlying resistance mechanism. IC50 values of quercetin were determined by MTT assay. Annexin-V/PI staining was used to measure the rate of apoptosis. DNA cell cycle was analysed by PI staining method. Real-time PCR was performed to assess mRNA levels of OPN isoforms, VEGF isoforms, P53 and KLK2. Migration potential, proliferative capability and nucleus morphology of cells were evaluated by the scratch-wound assay, colony-forming assay and Hoechst staining, respectively. Quercetin significantly increased the apoptosis rate of PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines, arrested the cell cycle at the sub-G1/G1 phase, and reduced the migration potential and colony-forming capability. Moreover, upregulation of apoptosis-related genes and downregulation of genes involved in proliferation and angiogenesis was also observed. Although our results elucidated that quercetin has antitumor effects on PC-3 and LNCaP, for the first time, we showed that quercetin treatment causes alterations in the expression of OPN and VEGF isoforms, which are cancer-promoting modulators through various processes such as angiogenesis and drug-resistance. Prostate malignant cells can dodge the anti-carcinogenic properties of quercetin via modulation of OPN and VEGF isoforms in vitro. Therefore, quercetin acts as a double-edged sword in prostate cancer treatment.

Natural Compounds: Co-Delivery Strategies with Chemotherapeutic Agents or Nucleic Acids Using Lipid-Based Nanocarriers

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and latest predictions indicate that cancer- related deaths will increase over the next few decades. Despite significant advances in conventional therapies, treatments remain far from ideal due to limitations such as lack of selectivity, non-specific distribution, and multidrug resistance. Current research is focusing on the development of several strategies to improve the efficiency of chemotherapeutic agents and, as a result, overcome the challenges associated with conventional therapies. In this regard, combined therapy with natural compounds and other therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapeutics or nucleic acids, has recently emerged as a new strategy for tackling the drawbacks of conventional therapies. Taking this strategy into consideration, the co-delivery of the above-mentioned agents in lipid-based nanocarriers provides some advantages by improving the potential of the therapeutic agents carried. In this review, we present an analysis of the synergistic anticancer outcomes resulting from the combination of natural compounds and chemotherapeutics or nucleic acids. We also emphasize the importance of these co-delivery strategies when reducing multidrug resistance and adverse toxic effects. Furthermore, the review delves into the challenges and opportunities surrounding the application of these co-delivery strategies towards tangible clinical translation for cancer treatment.

Advanced Phytochemical-Based Nanocarrier Systems for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

As the world's most prevalent cancer, breast cancer imposes a significant societal health burden and is among the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. Despite the notable improvements in survival in countries with early detection programs, combined with different modes of treatment to eradicate invasive disease, the current chemotherapy regimen faces significant challenges associated with chemotherapy-induced side effects and the development of drug resistance. Therefore, serious concerns regarding current chemotherapeutics are pressuring researchers to develop alternative therapeutics with better efficacy and safety. Due to their extremely biocompatible nature and efficient destruction of cancer cells via numerous mechanisms, phytochemicals have emerged as one of the attractive alternative therapies for chemotherapeutics to treat breast cancer. Additionally, phytofabricated nanocarriers, whether used alone or in conjunction with other loaded phytotherapeutics or chemotherapeutics, showed promising results in treating breast cancer. In the current review, we emphasize the anticancer activity of phytochemical-instigated nanocarriers and phytochemical-loaded nanocarriers against breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Since diverse mechanisms are implicated in the anticancer activity of phytochemicals, a strong emphasis is placed on the anticancer pathways underlying their action. Furthermore, we discuss the selective targeted delivery of phytofabricated nanocarriers to cancer cells and consider research gaps, recent developments, and the druggability of phytoceuticals. Combining phytochemical and chemotherapeutic agents with nanotechnology might have far-reaching impacts in the future.

Dual role of Nrf2 in cancer: molecular mechanisms, cellular functions and therapeutic interventions

BACKGROUND

Nrf2 regulates oxidative stress, which is essential for cellular function. Fundamental initiation of Nrf2 in many malignancies increases prosurvival genes & endorses tumour cell propagation via metabolic reprogramming, suppression of tumour programmed cell death, & increased cancer stem cell self-renewal potential. More specifically, Nrf2 has been associated with cancer cell chemoresistance, radioresistance & inflammation-induced carcinogenesis.  METHODS AND RESULTS: Many Nrf2 inhibitors have been revealed for tumour treatment and targeting Nrf2 could be an effective cancer therapeutic method. Before spreading, cancer cells adapt to their surroundings. Cancer cells usually have mutations in tumor suppressor genes. In a variety of malignancies, somatic mutations & other anomalies in the Nrf2 genes, as well as renowned cancer suppressor genes including TP53, CDKN2A, PTEN & PIK3CA, have been found. In tumour cells, somatic mutations in the Nrf2 genes, as well as additional mechanisms that affect Nrf2 binding, and produce aberrant Nrf2 activation. Uncontrolled Nrf2 causes tumour cells to become resistant to antineoplastic drugs & reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as guiding them toward metabolic reprogramming.  CONCLUSIONS: As a result, Nrf2 has been studied as potential malignancy treatment target. We covered the pathways, mechanisms, and dual characteristics of Nrf2 in malignancy in this article. We also discussed how Nrf2 inhibitors are targeted against cancer in this review.

Nano-Nutraceuticals for Health: Principles and Applications

The use of nanotechnological products is increasing steadily. In this scenario, the application of nanotechnology in food science and as a technological platform is a reality. Among the several applications, the main use of this technology is for the development of foods and nutraceuticals with higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and better sustainability. In the health field, nano-nutraceuticals are being used as supplementary products to treat an increasing number of diseases. This review summarizes the main concepts and applications of nano-nutraceuticals for health, with special focus on treating cancer and inflammation.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-022-00338-7.

Combination of 7-O-geranylquercetin and microRNA-451 enhances antitumor effect of Adriamycin by reserving P-gp-mediated drug resistance in breast cancer

Although there are a lot of chemical drugs to treat breast cancer, increasing drug resistance of cancer cells has strongly hindered the effectiveness of chemotherapy. ATP-binding cassette transporters represented by P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) play an important role in drug resistance. This study aims to investigate the effect of 7-O-geranylquercetin (GQ) combining microRNA-451(miR-451) on reversing drug resistance of breast cancer and reveal the mechanism related to P-gp. Real-time RT-PCR and western blot assays showed that miR-326, miR-328, miR-451 and miR-155 inhibitor down-regulated the expression of genes MRP1, BCRP, MDR1 and the corresponding proteins MRP1, BCRP, P-gp, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay indicated that these miRNAs reversed the resistance of MCF-7/ADR cells to Adriamycin (ADR), and miR-451 showed the greatest reversal effect. Combination of GQ and miR-451 enhanced the inhibitory effects of ADR on the proliferation and migration of MCF-7/ADR cells, and attenuated the expression of MDR1 and P-gp in MCF-7/ADR cells. A xenograft tumor model was used to show that GQ and miR-451 amplified the antitumor effect of ADR in nude mice, while western blot and immunohistochemical assays revealed the decreased expression of P-gp in tumor tissues. These results suggest that GQ and miR-451 have synergistic effect on reversing drug resistance through reducing the expression of MDR1 and P-gp in breast cancer MCF-7/ADR cells.

Recent Trends in Nanomedicine-Based Strategies to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Tumors

Cancer is the leading cause of economic and health burden worldwide. The commonly used approaches for the treatment of cancer are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy frequently results in undesirable side effects, and cancer cells may develop resistance. Combating drug resistance is a challenging task in cancer treatment. Drug resistance may be intrinsic or acquired and can be due to genetic factors, growth factors, the increased efflux of drugs, DNA repair, and the metabolism of xenobiotics. The strategies used to combat drug resistance include the nanomedicine-based targeted delivery of drugs and genes using different nanocarriers such as gold nanoparticles, peptide-modified nanoparticles, as well as biomimetic and responsive nanoparticles that help to deliver payload at targeted tumor sites and overcome resistance. Gene therapy in combination with chemotherapy aids in this respect. siRNA and miRNA alone or in combination with chemotherapy improve therapeutic response in tumor cells. Some natural substances, such as curcumin, quercetin, tocotrienol, parthenolide, naringin, and cyclosporin-A are also helpful in combating the drug resistance of cancer cells. This manuscript summarizes the mechanism of drug resistance and nanoparticle-based strategies used to combat it.

Combination Anticancer Therapies Using Selected Phytochemicals

Cancer is still one of the most widespread diseases globally, it is considered a vital health challenge worldwide and one of the main barriers to long life expectancy. Due to the potential toxicity and lack of selectivity of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, discovering alternative treatments is a top priority. Plant-derived natural products have high potential in cancer treatment due to their multiple mechanisms of action, diversity in structure, availability in nature, and relatively low toxicity. In this review, the anticancer mechanisms of the most common phytochemicals were analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of the anticancer effect of combinations consisting of natural product or natural products with chemotherapeutic drugs was provided. This review should provide a strong platform for researchers and clinicians to improve basic and clinical research in the development of alternative anticancer medicines.

Phytofabricated Nanoparticle Formulation for Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

In recent times, nanotechnology has made significant advances in the field of cancer. The majority of chemotherapeutic drugs do not selectively target cancer cells, and they might cause side effects and damage to healthy cells, resulting in a variety of adverse effects. Having a thorough understanding of nanoparticles may improve drug targeting and administration. The nano-engineering of pharmacological and natural compounds can improve the diagnosis and treatment. Polymeric micelles, liposomes, and dendrimers are examples of innovative cancer therapeutic nano-formulations. It has been demonstrated that quantum dots, nano-suspensions, and gold nanoparticles can improve drug delivery. Nanomedicines may be delivered more effectively, focusing on cancerous cells instead of healthy tissues, which minimizes undesirable side effects and drug resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. However, limited water solubility, low stability, poor absorption, and quick metabolism limit their therapeutic effectiveness. Nanotechnology has generated unique formulations to optimise the potential use of phytochemicals in anticancer therapy. Nanocomposites can improve phytochemical solubility and bioavailability, extend their half-life in circulation, and even transport phytochemicals to specific locations. The progress in using phytochemical-based nanoparticles in cancer treatment is summarized in this paper.

Quercetin- and rutin-based nano-formulations for cancer treatment: A systematic review of improved efficacy and molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Natural products, with incredible chemical diversity, have been widely studied for their antitumor potential. Quercetin (QU) and quercetin glycoside (rutin), both polyphenolic flavonoids, stick out amongst the natural products, through various studies. Rutin (RU) and its aglycone (QU) have various biological properties that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities. However, several side effects have restricted the efficacy of these polyphenolic flavonoids, which makes it necessary to use new strategies involving low and pharmacological doses of QU and RU, either alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the anticancer ability of different nano-formulations of RU and QU for improved treatment of various malignancies.

METHODS

Studies were recognized via systematic searches of ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Eligibility checks were conducted based upon predefined selection criteria. Ninety articles were included in this study.

RESULTS

There was conclusive evidence for the association between anticancer activity and treatment with RU or QU. Furthermore, studies indicated that nano-formulations of RU and QU have greater anticancer activities in comparison to either agent alone, which leads to increased efficiency for treating cancer.

CONCLUSION

The results of this systematic review demonstrate the anticancer activities of nano-formulations of RU and QU and their molecular mechanisms through preclinical studies. This paper also attempts to contribute to further research by addressing the current limitations/challenges and proposing additional studies to realize the full potential of RU- and QU-based formulations for cancer treatment.

Formulation of Nano/Micro-Carriers Loaded with an Enriched Extract of Coffee Silverskin: Physicochemical Properties, In Vitro Release Mechanism and In Silico Molecular Modeling

Designing strategies for an effective transformation of food waste into high-value products is a priority to address environmental sustainability concerns. Coffee silverskin is the major by-product of the coffee roasting industry, being rich in compounds with health benefits. Such composition gives it the potential to be transformed into high-value products. In this study, coffee silverskin extracts were enriched, regarding caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents, by adsorbent column chromatography. The compounds content increased 3.08- and 2.75-fold, respectively, compared to the original extract. The enriched fractions were loaded into nano-phytosomes or cholesterol-incorporated nano-phytosomes (first coating layers) to improve the physiochemical properties and permeation rate. These nano-lipid carriers were also subjected to a secondary coating with different natural polymers to improve protection and stability against degradation. In parallel, and for comparison, different natural polymers were also used as first coating layers. The produced particles were evaluated regarding product yield, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, particle size, surface charge, and in vitro release simulating gastrointestinal conditions. All samples exhibited anionic surface charge. FTIR and molecular docking confirmed interactions between the phytoconstituents and lipid bilayers. The best docking score was observed for 5-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid) exhibiting a stronger hydrogen binding to the lipid bilayer. Among several kinetic models tested, the particle release mechanism fitted well with the First-order, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Higuchi models. Moreover, most of the formulated particles followed the diffusion-Fick law and anomalous transport.

Scorpion Venom-Functionalized Quercetin Phytosomes for Breast Cancer Management: In Vitro Response Surface Optimization and Anticancer Activity against MCF-7 Cells

Breast cancer is a dangerous type of cancer in women. Quercetin (QRT), a naturally occurring flavonoid, has wide biological effects including antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antiviral activities. The anticancer activity is considered the most valuable effect of QRT against several types of cancer, including prostate, liver, lung, colon, and breast cancer. Scorpion venom peptides (SV) has been found to induce apoptosis and aggravate cancer cells, making it a promising anticancer agent. QRT, SV, and Phospholipon^® 90H (PL) were incorporated in a nano-based delivery platform to assess QRT's cellular uptake and antiproliferative efficacy against a lung cancer cell line derived from human breast cancer cells MCF-7. Several nanovesicles were prepared and optimized, using four-factor Box-Behnken, in an experimental design. The optimized phytosomes showed vesicle size and zeta potential values of 116.9 nm and 31.5 mV, respectively. The IC50 values revealed that MCF-7 cells were significantly more sensitive to the optimized QRT formula than the plain formula and raw QRT. Cell cycle analysis revealed that optimized QRT formula treatment resulted in significant cell cycle arrest at the S phase. The results also indicated that treatment with QRT formula significantly increased caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 mRNA expression, compared with the plain formula and QRT. In terms of the inflammatory markers, the QRT formula significantly reduced the activity of TNF-α and NF-κB, in comparison with the plain formula and QRT only. Overall, the findings from the study proved that a QRT formulation could be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer.

Effects and mechanisms of dietary bioactive compounds on breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer among females globally and has become an increasing global health issue over the last decades. Despite the substantial improvement in screening methods for initial diagnosis, effective therapy remains lacking. Still, there has been high recurrence and disease progression after treatment of surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Considering this view, there is a crucial requirement to develop safe, freely accessible, and effective anticancer therapy for BC. The dietary bioactive compounds as auspicious anticancer agents have been recognized to be active and their implications in the treatment of BC with negligible side effects. Hence, this review focused on various dietary bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of BC with the mechanisms of action. Bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive properties as they inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, downregulate the expression of estrogen receptors, and cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptotic settings in tumor cells. Therapeutic drugs or natural compounds generally incorporate engineered nanoparticles with ideal sizes, shapes, and enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution. All data of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of dietary bioactive compounds and their impact on BC were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The data of chemopreventive and anticancer activity of dietary bioactive compounds were collected and orchestrated in a suitable place in the review. These shreds of data will be extremely beneficial to recognize a series of additional diet-derived bioactive compounds to treat BC with the lowest side effects.

Targeting Engineered Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer in women globally after lung cancer. Presently, the most important approach for BC treatment consists of surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The latter therapeutic methods are often unsuccessful in the treatment of BC because of their various side effects and the damage incurred to healthy tissues and organs. Currently, numerous nanoparticles (NPs) have been identified and synthesized to selectively target BC cells without causing any impairments to the adjacent normal tissues or organs. Based on an exploratory study, this comprehensive review aims to provide information on engineered NPs and their payloads as promising tools in the treatment of BC. Therapeutic drugs or natural bioactive compounds generally incorporate engineered NPs of ideal sizes and shapes to enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution, while reducing their side effects and immunogenicity. Furthermore, ligands such as peptides, antibodies, and nucleic acids on the surface of NPs precisely target BC cells. Studies on the synthesis of engineered NPs and their impact on BC were obtained from PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. This review provides insights on the importance of engineered NPs and their methodology for validation as a next-generation platform with preventive and therapeutic effects against BC.

Phytosomes as Innovative Delivery Systems for Phytochemicals: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Nowadays, medicinal herbs and their phytochemicals have emerged as a great therapeutic option for many disorders. However, poor bioavailability and selectivity might limit their clinical application. Therefore, bioavailability is considered a notable challenge to improve bio-efficacy in transporting dietary phytochemicals. Different methods have been proposed for generating effective carrier systems to enhance the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Among them, nano-vesicles have been introduced as promising candidates for the delivery of insoluble phytochemicals. Due to the easy preparation of the bilayer vesicles and their adaptability, they have been widely used and approved by the scientific literature. The first part of the review is focused on introducing phytosome technology as well as its applications, with emphasis on principles of formulations and characterization. The second part provides a wide overview of biological activities of commercial and non-commercial phytosomes, divided by systems and related pathologies. These results confirm the greater effectiveness of phytosomes, both in terms of biological activity or reduced dosage, highlighting curcumin and silymarin as the most formulated compounds. Finally, we describe the promising clinical and experimental findings regarding the applications of phytosomes. The conclusion of this study encourages the researchers to transfer their knowledge from laboratories to market, for a further development of these products.

The Impact of Nrf2 Silencing on Nrf2-PD-L1 Axis to Overcome Oxaliplatin Resistance and Migration in Colon Cancer Cells

Background:

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a key role in promoting chemoresistance in various cancers. PD-L1 is one of the downstream targets of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This molecule has some beneficial impacts on tumors growth by inhibition of the immune system. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of the Nrf2-PD-L1 axis in the promotion of oxaliplatin resistance in colon cancer cells.

Methods:

We examined Nrf2, PD- L1, and CD80 expression in the tumor and margin tissue samples from CRC patients. After that role of the Nrf2-PD-L1 axis in promotion of Oxaliplatin resistance was investigated.

Results:

Our data revealed that Nrf2 and PD-L1 mRNA expressions were markedly higher in tumor tissues compared to margin tissues. The PD-L1 mRNA expression level was also increased in the resistant cells. However, Nrf2 expression was decreased in SW480/Res cells and increased in LS174T/Res cells. The inhibition of Nrf2 through siRNA treatment in SW480/Res and LS174T/Res cells has decreased the IC50 values of oxaliplatin. Inhibition of the Nrf2 has significantly increased the oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis, and reduced the migration in SW480/Res cells.

Conclusion:

It is suggested that effective inhibition of Nrf2-PD-L1 signaling pathways can be considered as a novel approach to improve oxaliplatin efficacy in colon cancer patients.

Enhancement of bioavailability and bioactivity of diet-derived flavonoids by application of nanotechnology: a review

Flavonoids, which are a class of polyphenols widely existing in food and medicine, have enormous pharmacological effects. The functional properties of flavonoids are mainly distributed to their anti-oxidative, anticancer, and anti-inflammatoryeffects, etc. However, flavonoids' low bioavailability limits their clinical application, which is closely related to their intestinal absorption and metabolism. In addition, because of the short residence time of oral bioactive molecules in the stomach, low permeability and low solubility in the gastrointestinal tract, flavonoids are easy to be decomposed by the external environment and gastrointestinal tract after digestion. To tackle these obstacles, technological approaches like microencapsulation have been developed and applied for the formulation of flavonoid-enriched food products. In the light of these scientific advances, the objective of this review is to establish the structural requirements of flavonoids for appreciable anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and elucidate a comprehensive mechanism that can explain their activity. Furthermore, the novelty in application of nanotechnology for the safe delivery of flavonoids in food matrices is discussed. After a literature on the flavonoids and their health attributes, the encapsulation methods and the coating materials are presented.

Quercetin inhibited the proliferation and invasion of hepatoblastoma cells through facilitating SIRT6-medicated FZD4 silence

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a malignant liver tumor that occurs during childhood. The histone deacetylase SIRT6 functions as a tumor suppressor in diverse cancers. Quercetin, as activators and antioxidants of sirtuins, exhibits remarkable anticancer activity in many tumors. However, whether quercetin ameliorates HB is still unclear. In our study, we found that SIRT6 was downregulated in HB tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of SIRT6 observably suppressed cell proliferation and invasion, promoted cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, SIRT6 suppressed frizzled 4 (FZD4) transcription by deacetylating histone H3K9. Upregulation of SIRT6 reduced the protein levels of FZD4 and H3K9ac. Additionally, quercetin treatment could enhance the expression of SIRT6, repress FZD4 level, cell viability and invasion, and promote apoptosis. Overexpression of FZD4 signally reversed quercetin-treated the promotion effect on cell apoptosis, and the inhibition effects on FZD4 expression, cell viability, invasion and Wnt/β-catenin pathway related proteins. In addition, LiCl, an agonist of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, could recover the inhibition effects of quercetin on Wnt/β-catenin pathway related proteins, cell viability and invasion, and promotion effect on cell apoptosis. In vivo mouse xenograft tumor growth assay revealed that quercetin markedly suppressed tumor growth. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the molecular mechanism of quercetin suppressing HB cell proliferation and invasion, promoting apoptosis was to promote the deacetylation of SIRT6 on FZD4 and inhibit the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

A new combination strategy to enhance apoptosis in cancer cells by using nanoparticles as biocompatible drug delivery carriers

Some experimental and clinical studies have been conducted for the usage of chemotherapeutic drugs encapsulated into nanoparticles (NPs). However, no study has been conducted so far on the co-encapsulation of doxorubicin (Dox) and epoxomicin (Epo) into NPs as biocompatible drug delivery carriers. Therefore, we investigated if co-encapsulation of doxorubicin (Dox) and/or epoxomicin (Epo) into NPs enhance their anticancer efficiency and prevent drug resistance and toxicity to normal cells. We synthesized Dox and/or Epo loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs using a multiple emulsion solvent evaporation technique and characterized them in terms of their particle size and stability, surface, molecular, thermal, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release properties. We studied the effects of drug encapsulated NPs on cellular accumulation, intracellular drug levels, oxidative stress status, cellular viability, drug resistance, 20S proteasome activity, cytosolic Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB-p65), and apoptosis in breast cancer and normal cells. Our results proved that the nanoparticles we synthesized were thermally stable possessing higher encapsulation efficiency and particle stability. Thermal, morphological and molecular analyses demonstrated the presence of Dox and/or Epo within NPs, indicating that they were successfully loaded. Cell line assays proved that Dox and Epo loaded NPs were less cytotoxic to single-layer normal HUVECs than free Dox and Epo, suggesting that the NPs would be biocompatible drug delivery carriers. The apoptotic index of free Dox and Epo increased 50% through their encapsulation into NPs, proving combination strategy to enhance apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that the co-encapsulation of Dox and Epo within NPs would be a promising treatment strategy to overcome multidrug resistance and toxicity to normal tissues that can be studied in further in vivo and clinical studies in breast cancer.

Diabetes and Cancer: Metabolic Association, Therapeutic Challenges, and the Role of Natural Products

Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death worldwide and in 2018 it was responsible for approximately 9.6 million deaths. Globally, about one in six deaths are caused by cancer. A strong correlation was found between diabetes mellitus and carcinogenesis with the most evident correlation was with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Research has proven that elevated blood glucose levels take part in cell proliferation and cancer cell progression. However, limited studies were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of conventional therapies in diabetic cancer patients. In this review, the correlation between cancer and diabetes will be discussed and the mechanisms by which the two diseases interact with each other, as well as the therapeutics challenges in treating patients with diabetes and cancer with possible solutions to overcome these challenges. Natural products targeting both diseases were discussed with detailed mechanisms of action. This review will provide a solid base for researchers and physicians to test natural products as adjuvant alternative therapies to treat cancer in diabetic patients.

Oil-In-Water Microemulsion Encapsulation of Antagonist Drugs Prevents Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Developing new therapeutic drugs to prevent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced renal injuries is highly pursued. Liposomal encapsulation of spironolactone (SP) as a mineralocorticoid antagonist increases dissolution rate, bioavailability and prevents the drug from degradation. In this context, this work develops a new formulation of oil-in-water type microemulsions to enhance the bioavailability of SP. The size of the SP-loaded microemulsion was about 6.0 nm by dynamic light scattering analysis. Briefly, we investigated the effects of nano-encapsulated SP (NESP) on renal oxidative stress, biochemical markers and histopathological changes in a rat model of renal I/R injury. Forty eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Two groups served as control and injury model (I/R). Two groups received “conventional” SP administration (20 mg/kg) and NESP (20 mg/kg), respectively, for two days. The remaining two groups received SP (20 mg/kg) and NESP (20 mg/kg) two days before induction of I/R. At the end of the experiments, serum and kidneys of rats underwent biochemical, molecular and histological examinations. Our results showed that I/R induces renal oxidative stress, abnormal histological features and altered levels of renal biomarkers. Administration of SP in healthy animals did not cause any significant changes in the measured biochemical and histological parameters compared to the control group. However, SP administration in the I/R group caused some corrections in renal injury, although it could not completely restore I/R-induced renal oxidative stress and kidney damage. On the contrary, NESP administration restored kidney oxidative injury via decreasing renal lipid peroxidation and enhancing glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in kidneys of the I/R group. The deviated serum levels of urea, creatinine, total proteins and uric acid were also normalized by NESP administration. Furthermore, NESP protected against renal abnormal histology features induced by I/R. Therefore, NESP has beneficial effects in preventing kidney damage and renal oxidative stress in a rat model of I/R, which deserves further evaluations in the future.

Phyto-drug conjugated nanomaterials enhance apoptotic activity in cancer

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is a major obstacle to increased life expectancy. However, survival has not improved significantly with average cancer standard treatment strategies over the past few decades; survival rates have remained low, with tumor metastasis, adverse drug reactions, and drug resistance. Therefore, substitute therapies are essential to treat this dreadful disease. Recently, research has shown that natural compounds in plants, such as phytochemicals, are extensively exploited for their anticarcinogenic potential. Phytochemicals may show their anticancer activity different cancer cell markers may alter molecular pathways, which promote in cellular events such as cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, regulate antioxidant status, cell proliferation, migration, invasion and toxicity. Although their outstanding anticancer activity, however, their pharmacological budding is hindered by their low aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability, and poor penetration into cells, hepatic disposition, narrow therapeutic index, and rapid uptake by normal tissues. In this situation, nanotechnology has developed novel inventions to increase the potential use of phytochemicals in anticancer therapy. Nanoparticles can improve the solubility and stability of phytochemicals, specific tumor cell/tissue targeting, enhanced cellular uptake, reduction of phytochemicals. Therapeutic doses of phytochemicals for a long time. Additional benefits include better blood stability, multifunctional design of nanocarriers and improvement in countermeasures. This review summarizes the advances in the use of nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer, as well as various nano-drug deliveries of phytochemicals against cancer. In particular, we are introducing several applications of nanoparticles in combination with phyto-drug for the treatment of cancer.

Potentiation of the Effect of Lonidamine by Quercetin in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells through downregulation of MMP-2/9 mRNA Expression

Combination therapies are becoming increasingly important to develop an effective treatment in cancer. Lonidamine is frequently used in cancer treatment, but it's often preferred to be used in combination with other drugs because of its side effects. In the present study, the efficacy of the combination of lonidamine with quercetin, a flavonoid of natural origin, on human MCF-7 breast cancer cells was evaluated. The results showed that the combined use of the compounds significantly increased cytotoxicity compared to administration alone (p<0.0001). In addition, while lonidamine induced a cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, administration of quercetin and its combination with lonidamine arrested the cell division at S point, indicating the synergistic strength of quercetin on cytotoxicity. The combination of quercetin and lonidamine significantly induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells (p<0.0001) and increased caspase levels (p<0.0001). In this study, the combination of quercetin and lonidamine has been evaluated for the first time and the combination treatment decreased MMP-2/-9 mRNA expression more potently than the effects of the compounds alone. The results showed that lonidamine was more effective when combined with quercetin, and their combination may be a candidate for a novel strategy of treatment for breast cancer.

Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer Research: Extraction, Mechanism of Action, and Drug Formulation

Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies.

Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin: New Insights and Perspectives for Human Health

Quercetin (Que) and its derivatives are naturally occurring phytochemicals with promising bioactive effects. The antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-Alzheimer's, antiarthritic, cardiovascular, and wound-healing effects of Que have been extensively investigated, as well as its anticancer activity against different cancer cell lines has been recently reported. Que and its derivatives are found predominantly in the Western diet, and people might benefit from their protective effect just by taking them via diets or as a food supplement. Bioavailability-related drug-delivery systems of Que have also been markedly exploited, and Que nanoparticles appear as a promising platform to enhance their bioavailability. The present review aims to provide a brief overview of the therapeutic effects, new insights, and upcoming perspectives of Que.

Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oil-based nanofibrous scaffold through downregulation of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α pro-inflammatory cytokines

Background Inflammation is one of the most important responses of the body against infection or disease, and it protects tissues from injury; however, it causes redness, swelling, pain, fever and loss of function. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of emu oil (Eu) formulated nanofibrous scaffold in HFFF2 fibroblast cells. Materials and methods Eu was formulated successfully in nanofibers through the electrospinning method. Besides, the morphological and structural properties of Eu nanofibres were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MTT assay (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) was performed to evaluate the HFFF2 fibroblast cells' viability. Also, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in treated HFFF2 cells with Eu nanofiber. Results Our study showed that the Eu nanofiber increased the viability of fibroblast HFFF2 cells (p < 0.05). Also, the expression of interleukin1 (IL1), IL6 and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory cytokines genes were significantly decreased in treated HFFF2 cells with Eu nanofiber (p < 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, Eu nanofiber scaffold potentially can reduce the inflammation process through downregulation of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines.

Nanoparticles guided drug delivery and imaging in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer represents a deadly malignancy worldwide, yet current therapeutic regimens remain ineffective. Nanoparticle (NP) -based solutions could allow the design of novel therapeutic methods to eliminate this fatal disease. NPs typically carry out a significant role in multifunctional, multimodal imaging, and drug delivery carriers. In the recent decade, they have emerged as candidate approaches for the design of novel treatment strategies. Tumor nanotherapeutics characteristically possess various distinct advantages compared to conventional anti-cancer medications, which suffer from nonspecific bio-distribution, low solubility, and poor bioavailability. In this review, we will discuss the application of NPs in diagnosis and controlled drug delivery in gastric cancer (GC). We will focus on various NPs-based strategies employed against GC.

The Application of Nanotechnology in the Codelivery of Active Constituents of Plants and Chemotherapeutics for Overcoming Physiological Barriers during Antitumor Treatment

Antitumor therapy using a combination of drugs has shown increased clinical efficacy. Active constituents derived from plants can offer several advantages, such as high efficiacy, low toxicity, extensive effects, and multiple targets. At present, the combination of plants' active constituents and chemotherapeutic drugs has attracted increased attention. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) have been widely used in tumor-targeted therapy because of their efficacy of delivering antitumor drugs. The in vivo process of tumor-targeted NDDSs has several steps. They include blood circulation, tumor accumulation and penetration, target cell internalization and uptake, and drug release and drug response. In each step, NDDSs encounter multiple barriers that prevent their effective delivery to target sites. Studies have been performed to find alternative strategies to overcome these barriers. We reviewed the recent progress of codelivery of active constituents of plants and chemotherapeutics using NDDSs. Progress into transversing the physiological barriers for more effective in vivo antitumor delivery will be discussed in this review.

Contemporary Formulations for Drug Delivery of Anticancer Bioactive Compounds

BACKGROUND

The immense development in the field of anticancer research has led to an increase in the research of bioactive compounds with anticancer potential. It has been known that many bioactive natural compounds have low solubility (and low bioavailability) as their main drawback when it comes to the formulation and drug delivery to specific sites.

OBJECTIVE

As many attempts have been made to overcome this issue, this review gives a summary of the current accomplishments regarding the development of new Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) represented by nanoparticles (NPs) and exosomes.

METHODS

We analyzed the published data concerning selected compounds that present the most prominent plant secondary metabolites with anticancer potential, specifically flavone (quercetin), isoflavone (genistein and curcumin) and stilbene (resveratrol) groups that have been formulated as NPs and exosomes. In addition, we summarized the patent literature published from 2015-2018 that address these formulations.

RESULTS

Although the exact mechanism of action for the selected natural compounds still remains unclear, the anticancer effect is evident and the main research efforts are directed to finding the most suitable delivery systems. Recent patents in this field serve as evidence that these newly designed natural compound delivery systems could be powerful new anticancer agents in the very near future if the noted difficulties are overcome.

CONCLUSION

The focus of recent research is not only to clarify the exact mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects, but also to answer the issue of suitable delivery systems that can transport sufficient doses of bioactive compounds to the desired target.

Phytofabrication of Nanoparticles as Novel Drugs for Anticancer Applications

Cancer is one of the foremost causes of death globally and also the major stumbling block of increasing life expectancy. Although the primary treatment of surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have greatly reduced the mortality of cancer, the survival rate is still low because of the metastasis of tumor, a range of adverse drug reactions, and drug resistance. For all this, it is relevant to mention that a growing amount of research has shown the anticarcinogenic effect of phytochemicals which can modulate the molecular pathways and cellular events include apoptosis, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, their pharmacological potential is hindered by their low water solubility, low stability, poor absorption, and rapid metabolism. In this scenario, the development of nanotechnology has created novel formulations to maximize the potential use of phytochemicals in anticancer treatment. Nanocarriers can enhance the solubility and stability of phytochemicals, prolong their half-life in blood and even achieve site-targeting delivery. This review summarizes the advances in utilizing nanoparticles in cancer therapy. In particular, we introduce several applications of nanoparticles combined with apigenin, resveratrol, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, 6-gingerol, and quercetin in cancer treatment.

Natural product-based nanoformulations for cancer therapy: Opportunities and challenges

Application of natural product-based nanoformulations for the treatment of different human diseases, such as cancer, is an emerging field. The conventional cancer therapeutic modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy has limited achievements. A larger number of drawbacks are associated with these therapies, including damage to proliferating healthy tissues, structural deformities, systemic toxicity, long-term side effects, resistance to the drug by tumor cells, and psychological problems. The advent of nanotechnology in cancer therapeutics is recent; however, it has progressed and transformed the field of cancer treatment at a rapid rate. Nanotherapeutics have promisingly overcome the limitations of conventional drug delivery system, i.e., low aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, multidrug resistance, and non-specificity. Specifically, natural product-based nanoformulations are being intentionally studied in different model systems. Where it is found that these nanoformulations has more proximity and reduced side effects. The nanoparticles can specifically target tumor cells, enhancing the specificity and efficacy of cancer therapeutic modalities which in turn improves patient response and survival. The integration of phytotherapy and nanotechnology in the clinical setting may improve pharmacological response and better clinical outcome of patients.

Application of ɑ-Tocotrienol-Loaded Biocompatible Precirol in Attenuation of Doxorubicin Dose-Dependent Behavior in HUH-7 Hepatocarcinoma Cell Line

Tumor-targeted nanoparticle delivery system has been known as a substitute and capable achievement in cancer treatment compared to conventional methods. In this study, we examined potential application of ɑ-tocotrienol-Precirol formulation to enhance efficiency of doxorubicin (DOX) in induction of apoptosis in HUH-7 hepatocarcinoma cells. ɑ-tocotrienol-loaded nanoparticles were characterized at the point of zeta potential, particle size, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and cell internalization. To evaluate antiproliferative effects of formulation, apoptosis, cell cycle procedure, flow cytometry, and MTT assays were employed. Optimum size of the ɑ-tocotrienol formulation revealed narrow size distribution with mean average of 78 ± 3 nm. IC₅₀ values for ɑ-tocotrienol and ɑ-tocotrienol-nano structured lipid carriers after 24 h were 15 ± 0.6 and 10 ± 0.03 µM, respectively. After incubation of cells with ɑ-tocotrienol-loaded careers, the rate of cell proliferation decreased from 53 ± 6.1 to 34 ± 7.1% (P < 0.05). A significant improvement in the apoptosis percentage was revealed after treatment of the HUH-7 cell line with DOX and ɑ-tocotrienol careers (P < 0.05). Gene expression results demonstrated a marked decrease in survivin and increase in Bid and Bax levels. Our findings suggest that ɑ-tocotrienol-loaded nanoparticles elevate DOX efficacy in HUH-7 hepatocarcinoma cell.

Sensitization of MDA-MBA231 breast cancer cell to docetaxel by myricetin loaded into biocompatible lipid nanoparticles via sub-G1 cell cycle arrest mechanism

The harmful dose-dependent side effects of chemotherapy drugs have caused the discovery of novel perspective to evaluate chemotherapy protocols. In this study, the potential application of Compritol was investigated as a major scaffold into nanostructured lipid careers to highlight myricetin efficiency in treatment of breast cancer cells along with codelivery of docetaxel (DXT). Characterization of myricetin-loaded NLCs was carried out by measuring the particle size and zeta potential, using the scanning electron microscopy. MTT, DAPI staining, flow cytometric, and RT-PCR (real-time) assays were used to recognize novel formulation behavior on cell cytotoxicity as well as recognizing molecular mechanism of formulation concerning apoptosis phenomenon. Myricetin-loaded NLCs reduced the cell viability from 50 ± 2.3 to 40 ± 1.3% (p < 0.05). Percentage of apoptosis improved with combination treatment of myricetin-loaded NLCs and DXT in the MDA-MBA231 breast cancer cells. Expression of antiapoptotic genes (survivin, Cyclin B1, and Mcl1) indicated a significant reduction in factor along with increment in proapoptotic factor Bax and Bid mRNA rates. Overall, our results represented that the NLC delivery system could be a promising strategy to enhance the effect of anticancer agents such as DXT on breast cancer.

Flavonoids nanoparticles in cancer: Treatment, prevention and clinical prospects

The conventional therapies for cancer have a major concern of poor accessibility to tumor tissues. Furthermore, the requirement of higher doses and non-selective nature of therapeutic are associated with a range of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). However, flavonoids are documented to be effective against various types of cancer, but they are not evaluated for their safety profile and tumor site-specific action. Low solubility, rapid metabolism and poor absorption of dietary flavonoids in gastrointestinal tract hinder their pharmacological potential. Some studies have also suggested that flavonoids may act as pro-oxidant in some cases and may interact with other therapeutic agents, especially through biotransformation. Nanocarriers can alter pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic profile of incorporating drug. Moreover, nanocarriers are designed for targeted drug delivery, improving the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, delivery of macromolecules to site of action within the cell, combining therapeutic agents with imaging techniques which may visualize the site of drug delivery and co-delivery of two or more drugs. Combining two or more anti-cancer agents can reduce ADRs and nanotechnology played a pivotal role in this regard. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown the potential of flavonoids nano-formulations, especially quercetin, naringenin, apigenin, catechins and fisetin in the prevention and treatment of several types of cancer. Similarly, clinical trials have been conducted using flavonoids alone or in combination, however, the nano-formulations effect still needs to be elucidated. This review focuses on the impact of flavonoids nano-formulations on the improvement of their bioavailability, therapeutic and safety profile and will open new insights in the field of drug discovery for cancer therapeutics.

Poly (ɛ-Caprolactone) Nanoparticles with pH-Responsive Behavior Improved the In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Methotrexate

A promising approach to achieve a more efficient antitumor therapy is the conjugation of the active molecule to a nanostructured delivery system. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to prepare nanoparticles (NPs), with the polymer poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), as a carrier for the antitumor drug methotrexate (MTX). A pH-responsive behavior was obtained through conjugation of the amino acid-based amphiphile, 77KL, to the NP matrix. The NPs showed mean hydrodynamic diameter and drug entrapment efficiency of 178.5 nm and 20.52%, respectively. Owing to its pH-sensitivity, the PCL-NPs showed membrane-lytic behavior upon reducing the pH value of surrounding media to 5.4, which is characteristic of the endosomal compartments. The in vitro antitumor assays demonstrated that MTX-loaded PCL-NPs have higher antiproliferative activity than free drug in MCF-7 cells and, to a lesser extent, in HepG2 cells. This same behavior was also achieved at mildly acidic conditions, characteristic of the tumor microenvironment. Altogether, the results evidenced the pH-responsive properties of the designed NPs, as well as the higher in vitro cytotoxicity compared to free MTX, representing thus a promising alternative for the antitumor therapy.