Antitumor efficacy of Lf modified daunorubicin plus honokiol liposomes in treatment of brain glioma

The Anticancer Application of Delivery Systems for Honokiol and Magnolol

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the effectiveness of treatment is consistently not at a satisfactory level. This review thoroughly examines the present knowledge and perspectives of honokiol (HON) in cancer therapeutics. The paper synthesizes critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed anticancer effects, emphasizing both in vitro and in vivo studies. The effects of HON application, primarily in the common types of cancers, are presented. Because the therapeutic potential of HON may be limited by its physicochemical properties, appropriate delivery systems are sought to overcome this problem. This review discusses the effect of different nanotechnology-based delivery systems on the efficiency of HON. The data presented show that HON exhibits anticancer effects and can be successfully administered to the site of action. Honokiol exerts its anticancer activity through several mechanisms. Moreover, some authors used the combinations of classical anticancer drugs with HON. Such an approach is very interesting and worth further investigation. Understanding HON's multiple molecular mechanisms would provide valuable insights into how HON might be developed as an effective therapeutic. Therefore, further research is needed to explore its specific applications and optimize its efficacy in diverse cancer types.

Overcoming brain barriers through surface-functionalized liposomes for glioblastoma therapy; current status, challenges and future perspective

Glioblastoma (GB) originating from astrocytes is considered a grade IV astrocytoma tumor with severe consequences. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) offers a major obstacle in drug delivery to the brain to overcome GB. The current treatment options possess limited efficacy and maximal systemic toxic effects in GB therapy. Emerging techniques such as targeted drug delivery offer significant advantages, including enhanced drug delivery to the tumor site by overcoming the BBB. This review article focuses on the status of surface-modified lipid nanocarriers with functional ligands to efficiently traverse the BBB and improve brain targeting for successful GB treatment. The difficulties with surface-functionalized liposomes and potential future directions for opening up novel treatment options for GB are highlighted.

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Honokiol: Enhancing Therapeutic Potential and Overcoming Limitations

Honokiol (HNK) is a small-molecule polyphenol that has garnered considerable attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-obesity effects. However, its clinical application is restricted by challenges such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed a variety of nano-formulations for HNK delivery. These nano-formulations offer advantages such as enhanced solubility, improved bioavailability, extended circulation time, and targeted drug delivery. However, existing reviews of HNK primarily focus on its clinical and pharmacological features, leaving a gap in the comprehensive evaluation of HNK delivery systems based on nanotechnology. This paper aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively reviewing different types of nanomaterials used for HNK delivery over the past 15 years. These materials encompass vesicle delivery systems, nanoparticles, polymer micelles, nanogels, and various other nanocarriers. The paper details various HNK nano-delivery strategies and summarizes their latest applications, development prospects, and future challenges. To compile this review, we conducted an extensive search using keywords such as "honokiol", "nanotechnology", and "drug delivery system" on reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2008 to 2023. Through this search, we identified and selected approximately 90 articles that met our specific criteria.

Enhanced anti-glioma efficacy of biodegradable periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles through target delivery of chemotherapeutics

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the brain and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in glioma is critical for improving patients' prognosis. In this study, a glioma-targeting drug delivery system is constructed using biodegradable periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMO) that are modified with lactoferrin (Lf) ligands. The obtained PMO is doped with thioether groups and can be degraded in the high concentration of glutathione in tumor cells. The surface area and pore volume of PMO are 772 cm2/g and 0.98 cm3/g, respectively and the loading capacity of doxorubicin (Dox) is as high as 20%. The results of the confocal laser scanning microscope show that the uptake of PMO-Lf@Dox by C6 cells is higher than PMO@Dox. The quantitative analysis of the flow cytometer further demonstrates that more PMO-Lf@Dox enter C6 cells, indicating that the modification of lactoferrin can significantly increase the uptake of C6 cells. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy results show that Lf-modified PMO enhances the inhibitory effect of Dox on C6 cells when incubated for 24 h and 72 h. In summary, this lactoferrin receptor-mediated PMO drug carrier with biodegradability in glutathione in tumor cells can be used to enhance drug delivery into glioma without long-term accumulation in vivo. In this study, a glioma-targeting drug delivery system is constructed using periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMO) that modified with lactoferrin (Lf) ligands. This lactoferrin receptor-mediated PMO drug carrier can be used to enhance drug delivery into brain glioma.

The first endovascular rat glioma model for pre-clinical evaluation of intra-arterial therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Several translational animal models have been described assessing intra-arterial (IA) treatments for malignant gliomas. We describe the first endovascular animal model that allows testing of IA drug delivery as a first-line treatment, which is difficult to do in actual patients. We report a unique protocol for vascular access and IA delivery in the rat model that, unlike prior reports, does not require direct puncture and opening of proximal cerebrovasculature which carries risk of ischemia in the animal brain post-delivery.

METHODS

Wistar rats underwent left femoral artery catherization with a Balt Magic 1.2F catheter or Marathon Flow directed 1.5F Microcatheter with an Asahi Chikai 0.008 micro-guidewire which was navigated to the left internal carotid artery under x-ray. 25% mannitol was administered to test blood brain barrier breakdown (BBBB). Additional rats were implanted with C6 glioma cells in the left frontal lobe. C6 Glioma-Implanted Rats (C6GRs) were monitored for overall survival and tumor growth. Tumor volumes from MRI images were calculated utilizing 3D slicer. Additional rats underwent femoral artery catheterization with Bevacizumab, carboplatin, or irinotecan injected into the left internal carotid artery to test feasibility and safety.

RESULTS

A successful endovascular access and BBBB protocol was established. BBBB was confirmed with positive Evans blue staining. 10 rats were successfully implanted with C6 gliomas with confirmed growths on MRI. Overall survival was 19.75 ± 2.21 days. 5 rats were utilized for the development of our femoral catheterization protocol and BBBB testing. With regards to IA chemotherapy dosage testing, control rats tolerated targeted 10 mg/kg of bevascizumab, 2.4 mg/kg of carboplatin, and 15 mg/kg of irinotecan IA ICA injections without any complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the first endovascular IA rat glioma model that allows selective catheterization of the intracranial vasculature and assessment of IA therapies for gliomas without need for access and sacrifice of proximal cerebrovasculature.

Advances in nanotechnology for the treatment of GBM

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly malignant glioma of the central nervous system, is the most dread and common brain tumor with a high rate of therapeutic resistance and recurrence. Currently, the clinical treatment methods are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, owning to the highly invasive nature of GBM, it is difficult to completely resect them due to the unclear boundary between the edges of GBM and normal brain tissue. Traditional radiotherapy and the combination of alkylating agents and radiotherapy have significant side effects, therapeutic drugs are difficult to penetrate the blood brain barrier. Patients receiving treatment have a high postoperative recurrence rate and a median survival of less than 2 years, Less than 5% of patients live longer than 5 years. Therefore, it is urgent to achieve precise treatment through the blood brain barrier and reduce toxic and side effects. Nanotechnology exhibit great potential in this area. This article summarizes the current treatment methods and shortcomings of GBM, and summarizes the research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of GBM using nanotechnology.

A multiphoton transition activated iron based metal organic framework for synergistic therapy of photodynamic therapy/chemodynamic therapy/chemotherapy for orthotopic gliomas

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has exhibited good potential in therapy of gliomas, the limited penetration depth of light and the obstacle of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) lead to unsatisfactory treatment effects. Herein, a multifunctional nanodrug (UMD) was constructed with up-conversion nanoparticles (NaGdF₄:Yb,Tm@NaYF₄:Yb,Nd@NaYF₄, UCNPs) as the core, the photosensitizer NH₂-MIL-53 (Fe) as the shell and a carrier for loading chemotherapy drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) for synergistic therapy of gliomas. Lactoferrin (LF) was finally modified on the surface of the UMD to endow it with the ability to traverse the BBB and target cells (UMDL). The UCNP core can convert 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) light to ultraviolet light (UV light) for exciting NH₂-MIL-53 (Fe), achieving NIR-mediated PDT. In addition, Fe³⁺ on the surface of the NH₂-MIL-53 (Fe) shell could be reduced to Fe²⁺ in a tumor microenvironment (TME), and then reacted with over-expressed H₂O₂ in the TME to generate hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) for chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The Dox drug could be released in response to acidic conditions in the TME, inhibiting the growth of gliomas with low side effects. The synergistic effect of PDT/CDT/chemotherapy leads to effective suppression of orthotopic gliomas.

Lactoferrin modification of berberine nanoliposomes enhances the neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer′s disease

Previous studies have shown that berberine has neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease, including antagonizing tau phosphorylation, and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and neural cell apoptosis. However, its low bioavailability and adverse reactions with conventional administration limit its clinical application. In this study, we prepared berberine nanoliposomes using liposomes characterized by low toxicity, high entrapment efficiency, and biodegradability, and modified them with lactoferrin. Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes had uniform particle size and high entrapment efficiency. We used the lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes to treat a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease established by injection of amyloid-beta 1–42 into the lateral ventricle. Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and apoptosis in the hippocampus, reduced tau over-phosphorylation in the cerebral cortex, and improved mouse behavior. These findings suggest that modification with lactoferrin can enhance the neuroprotective effects of berberine nanoliposomes in Alzheimer’s disease.

A technical note on emerging combination approach involved in the onconanotherapeutics

Cancer is the second cause of mortality worldwide, and the currently available conventional treatment approach is associated with serious side effects and poor clinical outcomes. Based on the outcome of the exploratory preclinical and clinical studies, it was found that therapeutic response increases multiple folds when anticancer drugs are used in combination. However, the conventional combination of anticancer drugs was associated with various limitations such as increased cost of treatment, systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and reduced pharmacokinetic attributes. Hence, attempts were made to formulate nanocarrier fabricated combinatorial drugs (NFCDs) to effectively manage and treat cancer. This approach offers several advantages, such as improved stability, lower drug exposure, targeted drug delivery, low side effects, and improved clinical outcome. Hence, in this review, first time, we have discussed the recent advancement and various types of nano carrier-based combinatorial drug delivery systems in a different type of cancer and highlighted the personalized combinatorial theranostic medicine as a futuristic anticancer treatment approach.

Intranasal Delivery of Functionalized Polymeric Nanomaterials to the Brain

Intravenous delivery of nanomaterials containing therapeutic agents and various cargos for treating neurological disorders is often constrained by low delivery efficacy due to difficulties in passing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles (NPs) administered intranasally can move along olfactory and trigeminal nerves so that they do not need to pass through the BBB, allowing non-invasive, direct access to selective neural pathways within the brain. Hence, intranasal (IN) administration of NPs can effectively deliver drugs and genes into targeted regions of the brain, holding potential for efficacious disease treatment in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, current methods for delivering conjugated NPs to the brain are primarily discussed. Distinctive potential mechanisms of therapeutic nanocomposites delivered via IN pathways to the brain are then discussed. Recent progress in developing functional NPs for applications in multimodal bioimaging, drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutics is also reviewed. This review is then concluded by discussing existing challenges, new directions, and future perspectives in IN delivery of nanomaterials.

A nanotheranostic agent based on Nd3+-doped YVO4 with blood-brain-barrier permeability for NIR-II fluorescence imaging/magnetic resonance imaging and boosted sonodynamic therapy of orthotopic glioma

The specific diagnosis and treatment of gliomas is a primary challenge in clinic due to their high invasiveness and blood-brain barrier (BBB) obstruction. It is highly desirable to find a multifunctional agent with good BBB penetration for precise theranostics. Herein, we design and construct a core-shell structured nanotheranostic agent (YVO₄:Nd³⁺-HMME@MnO₂-LF, marked as YHM) with YVO₄:Nd³⁺ particles as the core and MnO₂ nanosheets as the shell. Sonosensitizer hematoporphyrinmonomethyl ether (HMME) and lactoferrin (LF) were further loaded and modified on the surface, giving it a good ability to cross the BBB, near-infrared fluorescence imaging in the second window (NIR-II)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) bimodality, and highly efficient sonodynamic therapy (SDT) of orthotopic gliomas. The YVO₄:Nd³⁺ (25%) core exhibited good NIR-II fluorescence properties, enabling YHM to act as promising probes for NIR-II fluorescence imaging of vessels and orthotopic gliomas. MnO₂ shell can not only provide O₂ in the tumor microenvironments (TME) to significantly improve the healing efficacy of SDT, but also release Mn²⁺ ions to achieve T₁-weight MRI in situ. Non-invasive SDT can effectively restrain tumor growth. This work not only demonstrates that multifunctional YHM is promising for diagnosis and treatment of orthotopic glioma, but also provides insights into exploring the theranostic agents based on rare earth-doped yttrium vanadate nanoparticles.

Comparison of three synthetic transferrin mimetic small peptides to promote the blood-brain barrier penetration of vincristine liposomes for improved glioma targeted therapy

The existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes the clinical chemotherapy of glioma a formidable challenge, because it hinders the passage of different chemotherapeutics into the brain and reduces the overall therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to design a drug delivery system in way that would favor the transportation of anti-cancer agents across the BBB and increase their selective accumulation within the tumor cells without affecting the normal tissues. Transferrin receptor (TfR) that shows an elevated level of expression on the BBB and glioma cells emerges as a promising tool for brain targeted delivery and glioma therapy. However, only a limited number of studies have comparatively evaluated the functionally of TfR targeting ligands. Herein, a series of liposomal formulations modified with the most well-known TfR targeting peptides including T12 (also known as THR), B6, and T7 was developed and their brain targeting capability and selective glioma accumulation was comparatively evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Among all TfR targeting or non-targeting groups, T7-modified liposomes (T7-LS) showed the highest BBB penetration capacity and brain distribution and displayed an enhanced accumulation in glioma cells. When loaded with vincristine (VCR), as a model chemotherapeutic, T7-LS/VCR could achieve the best anti-glioma outcome by means of targeted cytotoxicity and apoptosis in vitro. The obtained results suggested T7-LS as a potential platform for effective brain targeted delivery and glioma therapy in clinic.

An update on actively targeted liposomes in advanced drug delivery to glioma

High-grade glioma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer with a low survival rate ranging from 12 to 15 months after the first diagnosis. Though being the most common strategy for glioma therapy, conventional chemotherapy suffers providing the therapeutic dosage of common therapeutics mostly because of limited permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB), and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) to anticancer agents. Among various nanoformulations, liposomes are considered as the most popular carriers aimed for glioma therapy. However, non-targeted liposomes which passively accumulate in most of the cancer tissues mainly through the enhanced permeation and retention effect (EPR), may not be applicable for glioma therapy due to BBB tight junctions. In the recent decade, the surface modification of liposomes with different active targeting ligands has shown promising results by getting different chemotherapeutics across the BBB and BBTB and leading them into the glioma cells. The present review discusses the major barriers for drug delivery systems to glioma, elaborates the existing mechanisms for liposomes to traverse across the BBB, and explores the main strategies for incorporation of targeting ligands onto the liposomes. It subsequently investigates the most recent and relevant studies of actively targeted liposomes modified with antibodies, aptamers, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides applied for effective glioma therapy, and highlights the common challenges facing this area. Finally, the actively targeted liposomes undergoing preclinical and clinical studies for delivery of different anticancer agents to glioma cells will be reviewed.

Recent Advancements in Liposome-Targeting Strategies for the Treatment of Gliomas: A Systematic Review

Malignant tumors represent some of the most intractable diseases that endanger human health. A glioma is a tumor of the central nervous system that is characterized by severe invasiveness, blurred boundaries between the tumor and surrounding normal tissue, difficult surgical removal, and high recurrence. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and multidrug resistance (MDR) are important factors that contribute to the lack of efficacy of chemotherapy in treating gliomas. A liposome is a biofilm-like drug delivery system with a unique phospholipid bilayer that exhibits high affinities with human tissues/organs (e.g., BBB). After more than five decades of development, classical and engineered liposomes consist of four distinct generations, each with different characteristics: (i) traditional liposomes, (ii) stealth liposomes, (iii) targeting liposomes, and (iv) biomimetic liposomes, which offer a promising approach to promote drugs across the BBB and to reverse MDR. Here, we review the history, preparatory methods, and physicochemical properties of liposomes. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms by which liposomes have assisted in the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, including drug transport across the BBB, inhibition of efflux transporters, reversal of MDR, and induction of immune responses. Finally, we highlight ongoing and future clinical trials and applications toward further developing and testing the efficacies of liposomes in treating gliomas.

Overview of novel strategies for the delivery of anthracyclines to cancer cells by liposomal and polymeric nanoformulations

Severe side effects and the rapid emergence of drug resistance in cancer cells are major problems in the chemotherapy utilizing anthracyclines, with a difference between cellular response at nano and micro scale levels. Understanding this situation is more complicated issue to attain efficient targeted formulations with low unexpected toxicity in patients. On nano-scale level, considering properties of nano-bio interaction in all relevant parts of the body may offer clue for suitable formulations. Four main strategies comprising PEGylation, surface charging, targeting, and stimuli responsiveness can be deployed to improve the liposomal and polymeric nanoformulations that can efficiently deliver common anthracyclines namely daunorubicin (DAU), doxorubicin (DOX), idarubicin (IDA), and epirubicin (EPI). Herein, the advances and challenges pertaining to the formulations of these anticancer drugs via liposomal and polymeric nanoformulations, are discussed.

Characterization of Bovine Lactoferrin Nanoparticle Prepared by Desolvation Technique

Lactoferrin (Lf) nanoparticles have been developed as a carrier of drugs and gene. Two main methods, desolvation technique and emulsification method, for preparation of protein nanoparticles have been reported so far, but most of the previous reports of Lf nanoparticles preparation are limited to emulsification method. In this study, we investigated the optimal conditions by desolvation technique for the preparation of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bovine Lf (bLf) nanoparticles within the size range of 100-200 nm, and evaluated their properties as a carrier for oral and intravenous drug delivery. The experimental results of dynamic light scattering and Transmission Electron Microscope suggested that glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bLf nanoparticles with 150 nm in size could be produced by addition of 2-propanol as the desolvating solvent into the bLf solution adjusted to pH 6, followed by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. These cross-linked bLf nanoparticles were found to be compatible to blood components and resistant against rapid degradation by pepsin. Thus, cross-linked bLf nanoparticles prepared by desolvation technique can be applied as a drug carrier for intravenous administration and oral delivery.

Nano delivery of natural substances as prospective autophagy modulators in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most destructive type of malignant brain tumor in humans due to cancer relapse. Latest studies have indicated that cancer cells are more reliant on autophagy for survival than non-cancer cells. Autophagy is entitled as programmed cell death type II and studies imply that it is a comeback of cancer cells to innumerable anti-cancer therapies. To diminish the adverse consequences of chemotherapeutics, numerous herbs of natural origin have been retained in cancer treatments. Additionally, autophagy induction occurs via their tumor suppressive actions that could cause cell senescence and increase apoptosis-independent cell death. However, most of the drugs have poor solubility and thus nano drug delivery systems possess excessive potential to improve the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of encapsulated drugs. There is a pronounced need for more therapies for glioblastoma treatment and hereby, the fundamental mechanisms of natural autophagy modulators in glioblastoma are prudently reviewed in this article.

Anticancer activities of phytoconstituents and their liposomal targeting strategies against tumor cells and the microenvironment

Various bioactive ingredients have been extracted from Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) that affect tumor progression and metastasis. To further understand the mechanisms of CHMs in cancer therapy, this article summarizes the effects of five categories of CHMs and their active ingredients on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Despite their treatment potential, the undesirable physicochemical properties (poor permeability, instability, high hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, toxicity) and unwanted pharmacokinetic profiles (short half-life in blood and low bioavailability) restrict clinical studies of CHMs. Therefore, development of liposomes through relevant surface modifying techniques to achieve targeted CHM delivery for cancer cells, i.e., extracellular and intracellular targets and targets in tumor microenvironment or vasculature, have been reviewed. Current challenges of liposomal targeting of these phytoconstituents and future perspective of CHM applications are discussed to provide an informative reference for interested readers.

Liposome Delivery of Natural STAT3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer

In the tumor microenvironment, cytokines, growth factors, and oncogenes mediate constitutive activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in both cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells. STAT3 activation in cancer cells drives tumorigenic changes that allow for increased survival, proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis. The modulation of immune cells is more complicated and conflicting. STAT3 signaling drives the myeloid cell phenotype towards an immune suppressive state, which mediates T cell inhibition. On the other hand, STAT3 signaling in T cells leads to proliferation and T cell activity required for an anti-tumor response. Targeted delivery of STAT3 inhibitors to cancer cells and myeloid cells could therefore improve therapeutic outcomes. Many compounds that inhibit the STAT3 pathways for cancer treatment include peptide drugs, small molecule inhibitors, and natural compounds. However, natural compounds that inhibit STAT3 are often hydrophobic, which reduces their bioavailability and leads to unfavorable pharmacokinetics. This review focuses specifically on liposome-encapsulated natural STAT3 inhibitors and their ability to target cancer cells and myeloid cells to reduce tumor growth and decrease STAT3-mediated immune suppression. Many of these liposome formulations have led to profound tumor reduction and examples of combination formulations have been shown to eliminate tumors through immune modulation.

Development of R8 modified epirubicin-dihydroartemisinin liposomes for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

Presently, there are no few anticancer drugs that have been used clinically due to their poor targeting ability, short half-life period, non-selective distributions, generation of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) channels, high metastasis, and high recurrence rate. This study aimed to explore the effects of R₈ modified epirubicin-dihydroartemisinin liposomes that could target non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, destroy VM channels, inhibit tumor metastasis, and explain the possible underlying mechanism. In vitro assays indicated that R₈ modified epirubicin-dihydroartemisinin liposomes with ideal physicochemical characteristics could exhibit not only powerful cytotoxicity on A549 cells, but also the effective suppression of VM channels and tumor metastasis. Mechanistic studies manifested that R₈ modified epirubicin-dihydroartemisinin liposomes could down-regulate the levels of VE-Cad, TGF-β1, MMP-2, and HIF-1α. In vivo assays indicated that R₈ modified epirubicin-dihydroartemisinin liposomes could both increase the selective accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs at tumor sites and show a targeting conspicuous of antitumor efficacy. In conclusion, the R₈ modified epirubicin-dihydroartemisinin liposomes prepared in this study provide a treatment strategy with high efficiency for NSCLC.

Inhibition of tumor metastasis by targeted daunorubicin and dioscin codelivery liposomes modified with PFV for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

Background: Chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still leads to unsatisfactory clinical prognosis because of poor active targeting and tumor metastasis. Purpose: The objective of this study was to construct a kind of PFV peptide modified targeted daunorubicin and dioscin codelivery liposomes, which could enhance tumor targeting and inhibit tumor cell metastasis. Methods and results: Targeted daunorubicin and dioscin codelivery liposomes were prepared by film dispersion and the ammonium sulfate gradient method. With the ideal physicochemical properties, targeted daunorubicin and dioscin codelivery liposomes exhibited enhanced cellular uptake and showed strong cytotoxicity to tumor cells. The encapsulation of dioscin increased the inhibitory effects of daunorubicin on A549 cells, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) channels and tumor metastasis. The enhanced antimetastatic mechanism of the targeted liposomes was attributed to the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cad), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Meanwhile, the targeted daunorubicin and dioscin codelivery liposomes exhibited significant antitumor effects in tumor-bearing mice. H&E staining, immunohistochemistry with Ki-67 and TUNEL assay also showed the promoted antitumor activity of the targeted liposomes. Conclusion: Targeted daunorubicin and dioscin codelivery liposomes may provide an effective strategy for the treatment of NSCLC.

Vinorelbine cationic liposomes modified with wheat germ agglutinin for inhibiting tumor metastasis in treatment of brain glioma

Glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The application of chemotherapeutic drugs is limited due to the existence of blood-brain barrier and serious side effects. Liposomes have been proven to be a stable and useful drug delivery system for tumors. In this paper, WGA (wheat germ agglutinin) modified vinorelbine cationic liposomes had been successfully constructed for treating glioma. In the liposomes, WGA was modified on the liposomal surface for crossing the blood-brain barrier and increasing the targeting effects, 3-(N-(N', N'-dimethylaminoethane) carbamoyl) cholesterol (DC-Chol) was used as cationic material and vinorelbine was encapsulated in the aqueous core of liposomes to inhibit tumor metastasis and kill tumor cells. Studies were performed on C6 cells in vitro and were verified in brain glioma-bearing mice in vivo. Results in vitro demonstrated that the targeting liposomes could induce C6 cells apoptosis, promote drugs across the blood-brain barrier, inhibit the metastasis of tumor cells and increase targeting effects to tumor cells. Meanwhile, action mechanism studies showed that the targeting liposomes could down-regulate PI3K, MMP-2, MMP-9 and FAK to inhibit tumor metastasis. Results in vivo exhibited that the targeting liposomes displayed an obvious antitumor efficacy by accumulating selectively in tumor site and exhibited low toxicity to blood system and major organs. Hence, WGA modified vinorelbine cationic liposomes might provide a safe and efficient therapy strategy for glioma.