Synergistic antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin and gambogic acid-encapsulated albumin nanocomposites

Enhanced Tumor Site Accumulation and Therapeutic Efficacy of Extracellular Matrix-Drug Conjugates Targeting Tumor Cells

The extracellular matrix (ECM) engages in regulatory interactions with cell surface receptors through its constituent proteins and polysaccharides. Therefore, nano-sized extracellular matrix conjugated with doxorubicin (DOX) is utilized to produce extracellular matrix-drug conjugates (ECM-DOX) tailored for targeted delivery to cancer cells. The ECM-DOX nanoparticles exhibit rod-like morphology, boasting a commendable drug loading capacity of 4.58%, coupled with acid-sensitive drug release characteristics. Notably, ECM-DOX nanoparticles enhance the uptake by tumor cells and possess the ability to penetrate endothelial cells and infiltrate tumor multicellular spheroids. Mechanistic insights reveal that the internalization of ECM-DOX nanoparticle is facilitated through clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis, intricately involving hyaluronic acid receptors and integrins. Pharmacokinetic assessments unveil a prolonged blood half-life of ECM-DOX nanoparticles at 3.65 h, a substantial improvement over the 1.09 h observed for free DOX. A sustained accumulation effect of ECM-DOX nanoparticles at tumor sites, with drug levels in tumor tissues surpassing those of free DOX by several-fold. The profound therapeutic impact of ECM-DOX nanoparticles is evident in their notable inhibition of tumor growth, extension of median survival time in animals, and significant reduction in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The ECM platform emerges as a promising carrier for avant-garde nanomedicines in the realm of cancer treatment.

Application of natural products in regulating ferroptosis in human diseases

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis is a type of cell death caused by excessive iron-induced peroxidation. It has been found to be involved in a variety of diseases, and natural products can be used to target ferroptosis in treatments. Natural products are biologically active compounds extracted or synthesized from nature. It is an important resource for the discovery of skeletons with a high degree of structural diversity and a wide range of bioactivities, which can be developed directly or used as a starting point for the optimization of new drugs.

PURPOSE

In this review, we aim to discuss the interactions between natural products and ferroptosis in the treatment of human diseases.

METHODS

Literature was searched in Pubmed, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases for the 11-year period from 2012 to 2023 using the search terms "natural products", "ferroptosis", "human disease", "neurodegenerative disease", "cardiovascular disease", and "cancer".

RESULTS

In this research, the roles of natural products and ferroptosis were investigated. We suggest that natural products, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and saponins, can be used in therapeutic applications for human diseases, as well as in ferroptosis. Additionally, the main mechanisms of ferroptosis were summarized and discussed. Furthermore, we propose that natural products can be utilized to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to ferroptosis, thus helping to overcome drug resistance and inhibit metastasis. Moreover, natural products have the potential to modulate the expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors. Finally, the future directions of this field were highlighted.

CONCLUSION

The potential of natural products which focus on ferroptosis to treat human illnesses, particularly cancer, is very encouraging for human wellbeing.

Natural products and the balancing act of autophagy-dependent/independent ferroptosis in cancer therapy

The control of biological cell death is essential for the body's appropriate growth. The resistance of cells to the apoptotic process presents a new difficulty in the treatment of cancer. To combat cancer cells, researchers are working to find new apoptotic pathways and components to activate. One of the processes of regulated cell death (RCD) is referred to as ferroptosis marked by a decline in the activity of lipid glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) after the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since lipid peroxidation is a crucial component of ferroptosis and is required for its start, numerous medicines have been studied, particularly for the treatment of cancer. In this context, autophagy is an additional form of RCD that can govern ferroptosis through shared signaling pathways/factors involved in both mechanisms. In this review, we will explore the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and its association with autophagy, to gain fresh insights into their interplay in cancer advancement, and the potential of natural products for its treatment.

Emerging tendencies for the nano-delivery of gambogic acid: a promising approach in oncotherapy

Despite the advancements in cancer therapies during the past few years, chemo/photo resistance, severe toxic effects, recurrence of metastatic tumors, and non-selective targeting remain incomprehensible. Thus, much effort has been spent exploring natural anticancer compounds endowed with biosafety and high effectiveness in cancer prevention and therapy. Gambogic acid (GA) is a promising natural compound in cancer therapy. It is the major xanthone component of the dry resin extracted from the Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. tree. GA has significant antiproliferative effects on different types of cancer, and it exerts its anticancer activities through various pathways. Nonetheless, the clinical translation of GA has been hampered, partly due to its water insolubility, low bioavailability, poor pharmacokinetics, rapid plasma clearance, early degradation in blood circulation, and detrimental vascular irritation. Lately, procedures have been invented demonstrating the ability of nanoparticles to overcome the challenges associated with the clinical use of natural compounds both in vitro and in vivo. This review sheds light on the recent emerging trends for the nanodelivery of GA to cancer cells. To the best of our knowledge, no similar recent review described the different nanoformulations designed to improve the anticancer therapeutic activity and targeting ability of GA.

Advanced Drug Carriers: A Review of Selected Protein, Polysaccharide, and Lipid Drug Delivery Platforms

Studies on bionanocomposite drug carriers are a key area in the field of active substance delivery, introducing innovative approaches to improve drug therapy. Such drug carriers play a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability of active substances, affecting therapy efficiency and precision. The targeted delivery of drugs to the targeted sites of action and minimization of toxicity to the body is becoming possible through the use of these advanced carriers. Recent research has focused on bionanocomposite structures based on biopolymers, including lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins. This review paper is focused on the description of lipid-containing nanocomposite carriers (including liposomes, lipid emulsions, lipid nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers), polysaccharide-containing nanocomposite carriers (including alginate and cellulose), and protein-containing nanocomposite carriers (e.g., gelatin and albumin). It was demonstrated in many investigations that such carriers show the ability to load therapeutic substances efficiently and precisely control drug release. They also demonstrated desirable biocompatibility, which is a promising sign for their potential application in drug therapy. The development of bionanocomposite drug carriers indicates a novel approach to improving drug delivery processes, which has the potential to contribute to significant advances in the field of pharmacology, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Caged Polyprenylated Xanthones in Garcinia hanburyi and the Biological Activities of Them

The previous phytochemical analyses of Garcinia hanburyi revealed that the main structural characteristic associated with its biological activity is the caged polyprenylated xanthones with a unique 4-oxatricyclo [4.3.1.03,7] dec-2-one scaffold, which contains a highly substituted tetrahydrofuran ring with three quaternary carbons. Based on the progress in research of the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and modification methods of the caged polyprenylated xanthones, this paper presents a preliminary predictive analysis of their drug-like properties based on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME/T) properties. It was found out that these compounds have very similar pharmacokinetic properties because they possess the same caged xanthone structure, the 9,10-double bond in a,b-unsaturated ketones are critical for the antitumor activity. The author believes that there is an urgent need to seek new breakthroughs in the study of these caged polyprenylated xanthones. Thus, the research on the route of administration, therapeutic effect, structural modification and development of such active ingredients is of great interest. It is hoped that this paper will provide ideas for researchers to develop and utilize the active ingredients derived from natural products.

Recent advance in phytonanomedicine and mineral nanomedicine delivery system of the treatment for acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an invasive hematopoietic malignancy caused by excessive proliferation of myeloblasts. Classical chemotherapies and cell transplantation therapies have remarkable efficacy in AML treatment; however, 30-40% of patients relapsed or had refractory disease. The resistance of AML is closely related to its inherent cytogenetics or various gene mutations. Recently, phytonanomedicine are found to be effective against resistant AML cells and have become a research focus for nanotechnology development to improve their properties, such as increasing solubility, improving absorption, enhancing bioavailability, and maintaining sustained release and targeting. These novel phytonanomedicine and mineral nanomedicine, including nanocrystals, nanoemulsion, nanoparticles, nanoliposome, and nanomicelles, offer many advantages, such as flexible dosages or forms, multiple routes of administration, and curative effects. Therefore, we reviewed the application and progress of phytomedicine in AML treatment and discussed the limitations and future prospects. This review may provide a solid reference to guide future research on AML treatment.

Development of Carvedilol-Loaded Albumin-Based Nanoparticles with Factorial Design to Optimize In Vitro and In Vivo Performance

Carvedilol, an anti-hypertensive medication commonly prescribed by healthcare providers, falls under the BCS class II category due to its low-solubility and high-permeability characteristics, resulting in limited dissolution and low absorption when taken orally. Herein, carvedilol was entrapped into bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based nanoparticles using the desolvation method to obtain a controlled release profile. Carvedilol-BSA nanoparticles were prepared and optimized using 3² factorial design. The nanoparticles were characterized for their particle size (Y₁), entrapment efficiency (Y₂), and time to release 50% of carvedilol (Y₃). The optimized formulation was assessed for its in vitro and in vivo performance by solid-state, microscopical, and pharmacokinetic evaluations. The factorial design showed that an increment of BSA concentration demonstrated a significant positive effect on Y₁ and Y₂ responses with a negative effect on Y₃ response. Meanwhile, the carvedilol percentage in BSA nanoparticles represented its obvious positive impact on both Y₁ and Y₃ responses, along with a negative impact on Y₂ response. The optimized nanoformulation entailed BSA at a concentration of 0.5%, whereas the carvedilol percentage was 6%. The DSC thermograms indicated the amorphization of carvedilol inside the nanoparticles, which confirmed its entrapment into the BSA structure. The plasma concentrations of carvedilol released were observable from optimized nanoparticles up to 72 h subsequent to their injection into rats, revealing their longer in vivo circulation time compared to pure carvedilol suspension. This study offers new insight into the significance of BSA-based nanoparticles in sustaining the release of carvedilol and presents a potential value-added in the remediation of hypertension.

Proteins and their functionalization for finding therapeutic avenues in cancer: Current status and future prospective

Despite the remarkable advancement in the health care sector, cancer remains the second most fatal disease globally. The existing conventional cancer treatments primarily include chemotherapy, which has been associated with little to severe side effects, and radiotherapy, which is usually expensive. To overcome these problems, target-specific nanocarriers have been explored for delivering chemo drugs. However, recent reports on using a few proteins having anticancer activity and further use of them as drug carriers have generated tremendous attention for furthering the research towards cancer therapy. Biomolecules, especially proteins, have emerged as suitable alternatives in cancer treatment due to multiple favourable properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural flexibility for easy surface functionalization. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that various proteins derived from animal, plant, and bacterial species, demonstrated strong cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties against malignant cells in native and their different structural conformations. Moreover, surface tunable properties of these proteins help to bind a range of anticancer drugs and target ligands, thus making them efficient delivery agents in cancer therapy. Here, we discuss various proteins obtained from common exogenous sources and how they transform into effective anticancer agents. We also comprehensively discuss the tumor-killing mechanisms of different dietary proteins such as bovine α-lactalbumin, hen egg-white lysozyme, and their conjugates. We also articulate how protein nanostructures can be used as carriers for delivering cancer drugs and theranostics, and strategies to be adopted for improving their in vivo delivery and targeting. We further discuss the FDA-approved protein-based anticancer formulations along with those in different phases of clinical trials.

Brain extracellular matrix attenuates photodynamic cytotoxicity of glioma cells

Glioma is the most common tumor in the central nervous system, which is often accompanied by poor prognosis. Brain extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in regulating the growth and migration of glioma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been an effective method for the treatment of solid tumors by oxidative modifications in recent years, and ECM may have an impact on the cytotoxicity of photodynamic therapy. In this work, we prepared decellularized brain ECM by chemical method to investigate the influence of the photodynamic effect of glioma C6 cells. Compared with decellularized liver ECM, brain ECM reduces PDT cytotoxicity. By observing the content of reactive oxygen species produced by near-infrared light active indocyanine green in cells, it was found that ECM did not affect the production of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, it is speculated that brain ECM may enhance the oxidative stress adaptability of glioma cells through potential signal regulation, or protect photodynamic targeting biomolecules (such as proteins and other cellular components) from oxidation in PDT mediated by indocyanine green and 808 nm laser in glioma cells.

Ultrasound-triggered drug delivery for glioma therapy through gambogic acid-loaded nanobubble-microbubble complexes

Glioma is one of the most common primary brain tumors. Gambogic acid (GA) is widely used in tumor chemotherapy. However, GA has poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and difficult permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to poor efficacy against brain tumors. In our study, we developed negatively charged GA-loaded PLGA nanobubbles [GA/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)] and conjugated them onto the surface of cationic lipid microbubbles (CMBs) through electrostatic interactions. The resulting GA/PLGA-CMB complex was characterized for its particle size, distribution, drug encapsulation efficiency, and ultrasound imaging property, revealing a high drug encapsulation efficiency and excellent contrast imaging capability. Importantly, significantly enhanced GA delivery into the brain could be observed after the intravenous administration of GA/PLGA-CMBs combined with low-intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) due to the cavitation from CMBs, which mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening. Taking advantage of the opened BBB, GA/PLGA nanobubbles could be delivered into the tumor. Then, the second FUS irradiation at higher energy was used to induce the cavitation of GA/PLGA nanobubbles, producing the second cavitation on tumor cells, significantly enhancing the ability of GA to enter tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth inhibition efficacy.

Traditional herbal medicine and nanomedicine: Converging disciplines to improve therapeutic efficacy and human health

Traditional herbal medicine (THM), an ancient science, is a gift from nature. For thousands of years, it has helped humans fight diseases and protect life, health, and reproduction. Nanomedicine, a newer discipline has evolved from exploitation of the unique nanoscale morphology and is widely used in diagnosis, imaging, drug delivery, and other biomedical fields. Although THM and nanomedicine differ greatly in time span and discipline dimensions, they are closely related and are even evolving toward integration and convergence. This review begins with the history and latest research progress of THM and nanomedicine, expounding their respective developmental trajectory. It then discusses the overlapping connectivity and relevance of the two fields, including nanoaggregates generated in herbal medicine decoctions, the application of nanotechnology in the delivery and treatment of natural active ingredients, and the influence of physiological regulatory capability of THM on the in vivo fate of nanoparticles. Finally, future development trends, challenges, and research directions are discussed.

Application of natural products for inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells

Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death pathway based on the deposition of lipid-based reactive oxygen species (L-ROS) in the presence of iron ions. The term was first coined in 2012 by Dixon. Decreased glutathione (GSH) synthesis and low glutathione-dependent antioxidant peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity are the major causes of ferroptosis. Sensitivity to ferroptosis for example in tumor cells may be further enhanced by high cellular iron concentrations and/or high p53 levels. Therefore, driving ferroptosis in tumor cells could be a new way to treat tumors. Thus far, natural products have played considerable roles in antitumor research and treatment, and some drugs, such as paclitaxel, have proven beneficial in many cancer patients. According to current research, natural products can induce ferroptosis when used alone or in conjunction with other cancer therapies. This review mainly elaborates the main mechanism of ferroptosis and the regulating effects of some natural products on ferroptosis, aiming to create a new space for the research and development of novel anticancer drugs.