Aptamer-conjugated nanoliposomes containing COL1A1 siRNA sensitize CRC cells to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs

Aptamer-mediated therapeutic strategies provide a potential approach for cancer

The treatment of tumors still faces considerable challenges. While conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy provide some curative effects, their side effects and limitations highlight the importance of finding more precise treatment strategies. Aptamers have become an important target molecule in the field of drug delivery systems due to their good affinity and targeting, and they have gradually become an important link from basic research to clinical application. In this paper, we discussed the latest progress of aptamer-mediated nanodrugs, as well as aptamer-mediated photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy strategies for tumor treatment, and explored the possibility of aptamer-mediated therapy for accurate tumor treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide novel insights for treating tumors with aptamer-mediated therapies by summarizing these innovative strategies, thereby ultimately enhancing the therapeutic efficacy for cancer patients.

Identification of ROS and KEAP1-related genes and verified targets of α-hederin induce cell death for CRC

In this study, we analyzed and verified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ROS and KEAP1 crosstalk in oncogenic signatures using GEO data sets (GSE4107 and GSE41328). Multiple pathway enrichment analyses were finished based on DEGs. The genetic signature for colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) was identified by using the Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to explore the prognosis value of specific genes in COAD. The potential immune signatures and drug sensitivity prediction were also analyzed. Promising small-molecule agents were identified and predicted targets of α-hederin in SuperPred were validated by molecular docking. Also, expression levels of genes and Western blot analysis were conducted. In total, 48 genes were identified as DEGs, and the hub genes such as COL1A1, CXCL12, COL1A2, FN1, CAV1, TIMP3, and IGFBP7 were identified. The ROS and KEAP1-associated gene signatures comprised of hub key genes were developed for predicting the prognosis and evaluating the immune cell responses and immune infiltration in COAD. α-hederin, a potential anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) agent, was found to enhance the sensitivity of HCT116 cells, regulate CAV1 and COL1A1, and decrease KEAP1, Nrf2, and HO-1 expression significantly. KEAP1-related genes could be an essential mediator of ROS in CRC, and KEAP1-associated genes were effective in predicting prognosis and evaluating individualized CRC treatment. Therefore, α-hederin may be an effective chemosensitizer for CRC treatments in clinical settings.

Potential JAK2 Inhibitors from Selected Natural Compounds: A Promising Approach for Complementary Therapy in Cancer Patients

Background

Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) plays a pivotal role in numerous essential biological processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis in human cells. Prior studies have indicated that inhibiting JAK2 could be a promising strategy to mitigate cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in tumor cells.

Objectives

This study aimed to estimate the binding affinity of 79 herbal compounds, comprising 46 flavonoids, 21 anthraquinones, and 12 cinnamic acids, to the ATP-binding cleft of JAK2 to identify potential herbal inhibitors of JAK2.

Methods

The binding affinities between ligands and JAK2 were calculated utilizing AutoDock 4.0 software in conjunction with the Cygwin environment. Cross-validation was conducted using the Schrödinger tool. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to evaluate the stability of docked poses for the most significant JAK2 inhibitors. Furthermore, the Discovery Studio Visualizer tool was utilized to elucidate interactions between the top-ranked JAK2 inhibitors and residues within the JAK2 ATP-binding site.

Results

Twelve flavonoids, two anthraquinones, and three cinnamic acids demonstrated substantial binding affinities to the protein kinase domain of the receptor, with a criterion of ΔGbinding < -10 kcal/mol. Among the studied flavonoids, anthraquinones, and cinnamic acid derivatives, orientin, chlorogenic acid, and pulmatin emerged as the most potent JAK2 inhibitors, exhibiting ΔGbinding scores of -14.49, -11.87, and -10.76 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, the docked poses of orientin, pulmatin, and chlorogenic acid remained stable throughout 60 ns computer simulations. The average root mean square deviation values calculated for JAK2 when complexed with orientin, chlorogenic acid, and pulmatin were 2.04 Å, 2.06 Å, and 1.95 Å, respectively.

Conclusion

This study underscores the robust inhibitory potential of orientin, pulmatin, and chlorogenic acid against JAK2. The findings hold promise for the development of novel and effective drugs for cancer treatment.

Aptamer-Modified Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructures as Drug Delivery System for Cancer Targeted Therapy

Improving the selective delivery and uptake efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs remains a challenge for cancer-targeted therapy. In this work, a DNA tetrahedron is constructed as a targeted drug delivery system for efficient delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) into cancer cells. The DNA tetrahedron is composed of a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure (TDN) with two strands of AS1411 aptamer as recognition elements which can target the nucleolin protein on the cell membrane of cancer cells. The prepared DNA tetrahedron has a high drug-loading capacity and demonstrates pH-responsive Dox release properties. This enables efficient delivery of Dox into targeted cancer cells while reducing side effects on nontarget cells. The proposed drug delivery system exhibits significant therapeutic efficacy in vitro compared to free Dox. Accordingly, this work provides a good paradigm for developing a targeted drug delivery system for cancer therapy based on DNA tetrahedrons.

Mechanisms Involved in Therapeutic Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Systems Biology and Structural Bioinformatics Approaches

Objective

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral cancer, constituting more than 90% of all oral carcinomas. The 5-year survival rate of OSCC patients is not satisfactory, and therefore, there is an urgent need for new practical therapeutic approaches besides the current therapies to overcome OSCC. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) is a plant of the family Lamiaceae with several pharmaceutical properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Previous studies have demonstrated the curative effects of SBG in OSCC.

Methods

A systems biology approach was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in OSCC patients with a dismal prognosis compared to OSCC patients with a favorable prognosis. A protein interaction map (PIM) was built based on DEMs targets, and the hub genes within the PIM were indicated. Subsequently, the prognostic role of the hubs was studied using Kaplan-Meier curves. Next, the binding affinity of SBG's main components, including baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin-A, salvigenin, and norwogonin, to the prognostic markers in OSCC was evaluated using molecular docking analysis.

Results

Survival analysis showed that overexpression of CAV1, SERPINE1, ACTB, SMAD3, HMGA2, MYC, EIF2S1, HSPA4, HSPA5, and IL6 was significantly related to a poor prognosis in OSCC. Besides, molecular docking analysis demonstrated the ΔGbinding and inhibition constant values between SBG's main components and SERPINE1, ACTB, HMGA2, EIF2S1, HSPA4, and HSPA5 were as <-8.00 kcal/mol and nanomolar concentration, respectively. The most salient binding affinity was observed between wogonin and SERPINE1 with a criterion of ΔGbinding < -10.02 kcal/mol.

Conclusion

The present results unraveled potential mechanisms involved in therapeutic effects of SBG in OSCC based on systems biology and structural bioinformatics analyses.

Aptamer-Based Smart Targeting and Spatial Trigger-Response Drug-Delivery Systems for Anticancer Therapy

In recent years, the field of drug delivery has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by the quest for more effective and precise therapeutic interventions. Among the myriad strategies employed, the integration of aptamers as targeting moieties and stimuli-responsive systems has emerged as a promising avenue, particularly in the context of anticancer therapy. This review explores cutting-edge advancements in targeted drug-delivery systems, focusing on the integration of aptamers and stimuli-responsive platforms for enhanced spatial anticancer therapy. In the aptamer-based drug-delivery systems, we delve into the versatile applications of aptamers, examining their conjugation with gold, silica, and carbon materials. The synergistic interplay between aptamers and these materials is discussed, emphasizing their potential in achieving precise and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, we explore stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems with an emphasis on spatial anticancer therapy. Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles are elucidated, and their capacity to exploit the dynamic conditions within cancerous tissues for controlled drug release is detailed. External stimuli-responsive strategies, including ultrasound-mediated, photo-responsive, and magnetic-guided drug-delivery systems, are examined for their role in achieving synergistic anticancer effects. This review integrates diverse approaches in the quest for precision medicine, showcasing the potential of aptamers and stimuli-responsive systems to revolutionize drug-delivery strategies for enhanced anticancer therapy.

Mucoadhesive Carrier-Mediated Oral Co-delivery of Bcl2 Inhibitors Improves Gastric Cancer Treatment

Gastric cancer treatment is challenging due to the lack of early-stage diagnostic technology and targeted delivery systems. Currently, the available treatments for gastric cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. These strategies are either invasive or require systemic delivery, exerting toxicities within healthy tissues. By creation of a targeted delivery system to the stomach, gastric cancer can be treated in the early stages. Such an approach reduces the negative effects on the rest of the body by minimizing systemic absorbance and random localization. With this in mind, we developed a mucoadhesive vehicle composed of β-Glucan And Docosahexaenoic Acid (GADA) for controlled drug/gene delivery. In the current study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of codelivery Bcl2 inhibitors navitoclax (NAVI) and siRNA (Bcl2) via oral using GADA. The therapeutic efficacy of the GADA-mediated oral NAVI/siRNA was investigated in a gastric cancer mouse model. Higher Bcl2 inhibition efficacy was observed in Western blotting and TUNEL assay in mice treated with GADA/NAVI/siRNA compared to free NAVI, siRNA, and NAVI/siRNA. Histology (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (Ki67, TUNEL, and BCl2) analyses confirmed a significant reduction of the tumor region. Interaction between GADA and mucus resulted in retention for over 6 h and thereby sustained local payload release. The developed oral carrier GADA is an emerging vehicle that has promising potential in oral delivery of both small and large molecules, and their mucoadhesive property results in improved therapeutic efficacy with minimal side effects compared to conventional treatment. This study opens a new window for the effective delivery of oral medicine for the treatment of gastric cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Unraveling the Multifaceted Roles of Extracellular Vesicles: Insights into Biology, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Applications for Drug Delivery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released from various cell types that have emerged as powerful new therapeutic option for a variety of diseases. EVs are involved in the transmission of biological signals between cells and in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, highlighting them as potential novel targets/platforms for therapeutics intervention and/or delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new aspects of EVs' biogenesis, biodistribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as safety/compatibility of both unmodified and engineered EVs upon administration in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and delivery systems. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of essential physiological and pathological roles of EVs in different organs and organ systems. We provide an overview regarding application of EVs as therapeutic targets, therapeutics, and drug delivery platforms. We also explore various approaches implemented over the years to improve the dosage of specific EV products for different administration routes.

In vitro co-delivery of 5-fluorouracil and all-trans retinoic acid by PEGylated liposomes for colorectal cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Single-target inhibitors have not been successful in cancer treatment due to the development of drug resistance. Nevertheless, therapeutic agents capable of simultaneously inhibiting multiple targets have revealed encouraging results in inducing apoptosis and overcoming drug resistance in cancerous cells. Here, we designed a composite liposomal nano-carrier co-loading 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to assess anticancer efficacy of the combined drugs in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

A PEGylated liposomal nano-carrier with phospholipid/cholesterol/DSPE-PEG (2000) was synthesized by the thin film hydration technique for co-delivery of ATRA and 5-FU. After characterizing, the role of 5-FU and ATRA co-loaded liposomal nano-carrier in proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) were investigated by using colony forming and MTT assay, RT-qPCR and Annexin V/PI kit.

RESULTS

The average size of liposomes (LPs) was < 150 nm with uniform size distribution. Drug release analyses indicated that both ATRA and 5-FU could simultaneously release from LPs in a sustained release manner. The synergistic inhibitory effects of ATRA and 5-FU loaded in LPs were verified with a combination index of 0.43. Dual drug LPs showed the highest cytotoxicity, enhanced inhibition of cell proliferation, increased apoptotic potential, decreased CSCs, and attenuated EMT-associated biomarkers. Also, dual drug LPs decreased β-catenin gene expression more than other liposomal formulations.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that using LPs to achieve a synergistic effect of ATRA and 5-FU is an effectual approach to increase the therapeutic effect of 5-FU toward CRC cells.

BBOX1-AS1: A novel oncogenic long non-coding RNA in human cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that contain more than 200 nucleotides. Despite the fact that they cannot encode proteins, many studies have identified roles they play in human cancers through diverse mechanisms. BBOX1-AS1, an oncogenic lncRNA, has recently been demonstrated to participate in tumorigenesis and progression of numerous cancers. Experimental evidence has determined that it participates in diverse biological process, including cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. The dysregulation of BBOX1-AS1 exerts its oncogenicity by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) or by directly impacting downstream molecules and signaling pathways. Here we summarize the current understanding of the biological functions and clinical significance of BBOX1-AS1 for human cancers.

Polysaccharide hydrogel platforms as suitable carriers of liposomes and extracellular vesicles for dermal applications

Lipid-based nanocarriers have been extensively investigated for their application in drug delivery. Particularly, liposomes are now clinically established for treating various diseases such as fungal infections. In contrast, extracellular vesicles (EVs) - small cell-derived nanoparticles involved in cellular communication - have just recently sparked interest as drug carriers but their development is still at the preclinical level. To drive this development further, the methods and technologies exploited in the context of liposome research should be applied in the domain of EVs to facilitate and accelerate their clinical translation. One of the crucial steps for EV-based therapeutics is designing them as proper dosage forms for specific applications. This review offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art polysaccharide-based hydrogel platforms designed for artificial and natural vesicles with application in drug delivery to the skin. We discuss their various physicochemical and biological properties and try to create a sound basis for the optimization of EV-embedded hydrogels as versatile therapeutic avenues.

Nanoliposomal oxaliplatin ameliorates chemotherapy-induced neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an important adverse effect of treatment with oxaliplatin (OXA). We have developed PEGylated nanoliposomal oxaliplatin (OXA-LIP) and tested its activity in an animal model of CIPN. OXA-LIPs were prepared using a combination of egg yolk lecithin, cholesterol, and DSPE-mPEG2000 (at ratios 400, 80, and 27 mg). These liposomes were characterized using several different methods (e.g., polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential, FESEM). The in vivo study was performed in 15 male rats comprising three groups: a negative control (normal saline) OXA, and OXA-LIP. These were injected intraperitoneally at a concentration of 4 mg/kg on two consecutive days every week, for 4 weeks. After that, CIPN was assessed using the hotplate and acetonedropmethods. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as SOD, catalase, MDA, and TTG were measured in the serum samples. The functional disturbances of the liver and kidney were assessed by measuring the serum levels of ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, and bilirubin. Furthermore, hematological parameters were determined in the three groups. The OXA-LIP had an average particle size, PDI, and zeta potential of 111.2 ± 1.35 nm, 0.15 ± 0.045, and -52.4 ± 17 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of OXA-LIP was 52% with low leakage rates at 25 °C.Thermal hyperalgesia changes showed OXA has significant effects in the induction of neuropathy on days 7, 14, and 21 compared to the control group. OXA had a significantly greater sensitivity than the OXA-LIP and control groups in the thermal allodynia test (P < 0.001). OXA-LIP administration did not show significant effects on the changes of oxidative stress, biochemical factors, and cell count. Our findings provide a proof of concept on the potential application of oxaliplatin encapsulated with PEGylated nanoliposome to ameliorate the severity of neuropathy, supporting further studies in clinical phases to explore the value of this agent for Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Covalent conjugates based on nanodiamonds with doxorubicin and a cytostatic drug from the group of 1,3,5-triazines: Synthesis, biocompatibility and biological activity

We report the synthesis of covalent conjugates of nanodiamonds with doxorubicin and a cytostatic drug from the class of 1,3,5-triazines. The obtained conjugates were identified using a number of physicochemical methods (IR-spectroscopy, NMR-spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, TEM). As a result of our study, it was found that ND-СONH-Dox and ND-COO-Diox showed good hemocompatibility, since they did not affect plasma coagulation hemostasis, platelet functional activity, and erythrocyte membrane. The ND-COO-Diox conjugates are also capable of binding to human serum albumin due to the presence of ND in their composition. In the study of the cytotoxic properties of ND-СONH-Dox and ND-COO-Diox in the T98G glioblastoma cell line, indicating that ND-СONH-Dox and ND-COO-Diox demonstrate greater cytotoxicity at lower concentrations of Dox and Diox in the composition of the conjugates compared to individual drugs; the cytotoxic effect of ND-COO-Diox was statistically significantly higher than that of ND-СONH-Dox at all concentrations studied. Greater cytotoxicity at lower concentrations of Dox and Diox in the composition of conjugates compared to individual cytostatics makes it promising to further study the specific antitumor activity and acute toxicity of these conjugates in models of glioblastoma in vivo. Our results demonstrated that ND-СONH-Dox and ND-COO-Diox enter HeLa cells predominantly via a nonspecific actin-dependent mechanism, while for ND-СONH-Dox a clathrin-dependent endocytosis pathway. All data obtained provide that the synthesized nanomaterials show a potential application as the agents for intertumoral administration.

Advances in aptamer-mediated targeted delivery system for cancer treatment

Aptamers with high affinity and specificity for certain targets have rapidly become a novel class of targeted ligands applicated in drug delivery. Based on the excellent characteristics of aptamers, different aptamer-mediated drug delivery systems have been developed, including aptamer-drug conjugate (ApDC), aptamer-siRNA, and aptamer-functionalized nanoparticle systems for the effective treatment of cancer, which can reduce potential toxicity and improve therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of aptamer-mediated delivery systems in cancer therapy, and discuss the application prospects and existing problems of innovative approaches based on aptamer therapy. Overall, this review aims to better understand the current aptamer-based targeted delivery applications through in-depth analysis to improve efficacy and develop new therapeutic methods which can ultimately improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

EpCAM aptamer activated 5-FU-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in CRC treatment; in vitro and in vivo study

In this study, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer-activated nanoparticles (Ap-NPs) were synthesised to enhance treatment efficiency in colorectal cancer (CRC). PLGA [poly(d, l-lactide-co-glycolide)] copolymer was fabricated by conjugation of COOH-PEG-NH₂ to PLGA-COOH through an EDC/NHS-mediated chemistry. Afterwards, 5-fluorouracil-loaded (FU) nanoparticles were prepared using the water/oil/water double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The in vitro cytotoxicity of formulations was evaluated using the MTT assay in HCT-116, CT-26 and HEK-293 cell lines. For in vivo study, tumour-bearing BALB/c mice were established by subcutaneous injection of CT-26 cell line. The results indicated that fabricated AP-FU-NPs had 101 nm size with a spherical surface, relatively homogeneously and, satisfactory encapsulation efficiency (83.93%). In vitro experiments revealed that Ap-FU-NPs had a superior in vitro cytotoxicity than both FU-NPs and free 5-FU in CT-26 and HCT-116 cells but, were significantly low toxic against HEK-293 cells relative to free 5-FU. Furthermore, in vivo results showed no significant haemolytic effect, hepatic and renal injury, or weight loss. After treatment of various animal groups with formulations, notable tumour growth delay was observed following the order: Ap-FU-NPs < FU-NPs < 5-FU < PBS. The results suggest that AP-FU-NPs could be an effective and promising carrier for 5-FU delivery to the EpCAM overexpressing CRC cells.

Nanoparticles Containing Oxaliplatin and the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly widespread malignancy and ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality.

OBJECTIVE

Cancer patients, including those with CRC, who undergo chemotherapy, are often treated with platinum- based anticancer drugs such as oxaliplatin (OXA). Nevertheless, the administration of OXA is associated with a range of gastrointestinal problems, neuropathy, and respiratory tract infections. Hence, it is necessary to devise a potential strategy that can effectively tackle these aforementioned challenges. The use of nanocarriers has shown great potential in cancer treatment due to their ability to minimize side effects, target drugs directly to cancer cells, and improve drug efficacy. Furthermore, numerous studies have been published regarding the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles in the management of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

In this review, we present the most relevant nanostructures used for OXA encapsulation in recent years, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, polysaccharides, proteins, silica nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, and synthetic polymer-carriers. Additionally, the paper provides a summary of the disadvantages and limits associated with nanoparticles.

RESULTS

The use of different carriers for the delivery of oxaliplatin increased the efficiency and reduced the side effects of the drug. It has been observed that the majority of research investigations have focused on liposomes and polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

This potentially auspicious method has the potential to enhance results and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, additional investigation is required to ascertain the most suitable medium for the transportation of oxaliplatin and to assess its efficacy through clinical trials.