Comparative Study of Different Nano-Formulations of Curcumin for Reversal of Doxorubicin Resistance in K562R Cells

Hetero-Trifunctional Malonate-Based Nanotheranostic System for Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy

Designing multifunctional linkers is crucial for tricomponent theranostic targeted nanomedicine development as they are essential to enrich polymeric systems with different functional moieties. Herein, we have obtained a hetero-trifunctional linker from malonic acid and demonstrated its implication as an amphiphilic targeted nanotheranostic system (CB DX UN PG FL). We synthesized it with varying hydrophilic segment to fine-tune the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio to optimize its self-assembly. pH-responsive hydrazone-linked doxorubicin was conjugated to the backbone (UN PG FL) containing folate as a targeting ligand. Cobalt carbonyl complex was used for T₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Electron micrographs of optimized molecule CB DX UN PG_(4 kDa) FL in an aqueous system have demonstrated about 50-60 nm-sized uniform micelles. The relaxivity study and the one-dimensional (1D) imaging experiments clearly revealed the effect of the nanotheranostics system on transverse relaxation (T₂) of water molecules, which validated the system as a T₂-weighted MRI contrast agent. The detailed in vitro biological studies validated the targeted delivery and anticancer potential of CB DX UN PG_(4 kDa) FL. Combining the data on transverse relaxation, folate mediated uptake, and anticancer activity, the designed molecule will have a significant impact on the development of targeted theranostic.

Selection of P-Glycoprotein Inhibitor and Formulation of Combinational Nanoformulation Containing Selected Agent Curcumin and DOX for Reversal of Resistance in K562 Cells

PURPOSE

To select P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor from natural source for reversal of DOX resistance in K562 cells and to develop selected one in to nanoformulation in combination with DOX.

METHODS

DOX resistant K562 (K562R) cells were developed and reversal of resistance by P-gp inhibitor was validated by co-treatment with verapamil. The p-gp inhibitors were evaluated for their potential to inhibit P-gp (calcein assay) and to reverse drug resistance (XTT cell viability assay). The selected agent, curcumin was formulated in to liposome along with DOX and characterized for size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and release rate. Uptake, P-gp inhibition and reversal of acquired drug resistance in K562R cells were performed.

RESULTS

P-gp inhibitors such as biochanin-A and curcumin were marked suitable for combination with DOX. However, only curcumin could increase the sensitivity of DOX at all dosing levels, therefore used for further studies. Liposomes loaded with curcumin were formulated and characterized where a prolonged release was observed. The uptake of liposomal curcumin was comparable to nanodispersed curcumin but had lower cytotoxicity. DOX and curcumin coloaded liposomes successfully reversed DOX resistance in K562 cells.

CONCLUSION

The coloaded liposomes increased the safety of curcumin with improved efficacy thus can be employed for reversal of acquired DOX resistance.