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Liu J, Wang C, Qiu S, Sun W, Yang G, Yuan L. Toward Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes: Targets, Strategies, and Challenges. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:1416-1428. [PMID: 38391247 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes vasculopathy is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and early identification and timely intervention can effectively slow the progression. Accumulating studies have shown that diabetes causes vascular complications directly or indirectly through a variety of mechanisms. Direct imaging of the endothelial molecular changes not only identifies the early stage of diabetes vasculopathy but also sheds light on the precise treatment. Targeted ultrasound contrast agent (UCA)-based ultrasound molecular imaging (UMI) can noninvasively detect the expression status of molecular biomarkers overexpressed in the vasculature, thereby being a potential strategy for the diagnosis and treatment response evaluation of DM. Amounts of efforts have been focused on identification of the molecular targets expressed in the vasculature, manufacturing strategies of the targeted UCA, and the clinical translation for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in both micro- and macrovasculopathy in DM. This review summarizes the latest research progress on endothelium-targeted UCA and discusses their promising future and challenges in diabetes vasculopathy theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahan Liu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Shuo Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Wenqi Sun
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Guodong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Lijun Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710038, China
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2
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Pattinson O, Keller SB, Evans ND, Pierron F, Carugo D. An Acoustic Device for Ultra High-Speed Quantification of Cell Strain During Cell-Microbubble Interaction. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5912-5923. [PMID: 37747762 PMCID: PMC10565720 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles utilize high-frequency oscillations under ultrasound stimulation to induce a range of therapeutic effects in cells, often through mechanical stimulation and permeabilization of cells. One of the largest challenges remaining in the field is the characterization of interactions between cells and microbubbles at therapeutically relevant frequencies. Technical limitations, such as employing sufficient frame rates and obtaining sufficient image resolution, restrict the quantification of the cell's mechanical response to oscillating microbubbles. Here, a novel methodology was developed to address many of these limitations and improve the image resolution of cell-microbubble interactions at high frame rates. A compact acoustic device was designed to house cells and microbubbles as well as a therapeutically relevant acoustic field while being compatible with a Shimadzu HPV-X camera. Cell viability tests confirmed the successful culture and proliferation of cells, and the attachment of DSPC- and cationic DSEPC-microbubbles to osteosarcoma cells was quantified. Microbubble oscillation was observed within the device at a frame rate of 5 million FPS, confirming suitable acoustic field generation and ultra high-speed image capture. High spatial resolution in these images revealed observable deformation in cells following microbubble oscillation and supported the first use of digital image correlation for strain quantification in a single cell. The novel acoustic device provided a simple, effective method for improving the spatial resolution of cell-microbubble interaction images, presenting the opportunity to develop an understanding of the mechanisms driving the therapeutic effects of oscillating microbubbles upon ultrasound exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Pattinson
- Faculty
of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University
of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sara B. Keller
- Department
of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K.
| | - Nicholas D. Evans
- Faculty
of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University
of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrice Pierron
- Faculty
of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University
of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Carugo
- Nuffield
Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences
(NDORMS), University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom
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3
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Li YX, Wang HB, Li J, Jin JB, Hu JB, Yang CL. Targeting pulmonary vascular endothelial cells for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:983816. [PMID: 36110525 PMCID: PMC9468609 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.983816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (VECs) are the main damaged cells in the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases and they mediate the development and regulation of the diseases. Effective intervention targeting pulmonary VECs is of great significance for the treatment of respiratory diseases. A variety of cell markers are expressed on the surface of VECs, some of which can be specifically combined with the drugs or carriers modified by corresponding ligands such as ICAM-1, PECAM-1, and P-selectin, to achieve effective delivery of drugs in lung tissues. In addition, the great endothelial surface area of the pulmonary vessels, the “first pass effect” of venous blood in lung tissues, and the high volume and relatively slow blood perfusion rate of pulmonary capillaries further promote the drug distribution in lung tissues. This review summarizes the representative markers at the onset of respiratory diseases, drug delivery systems designed to target these markers and their therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Li
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hong-Bo Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Yuyao People’s Hospital, Yuyao, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Yuyao People’s Hospital, Yuyao, China
| | - Jian-Bo Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Yuyao People’s Hospital, Yuyao, China
| | - Jing-Bo Hu
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Jing-Bo Hu, ; Chun-Lin Yang,
| | - Chun-Lin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Yuyao People’s Hospital, Yuyao, China
- *Correspondence: Jing-Bo Hu, ; Chun-Lin Yang,
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Milošević N, Rütter M, David A. Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecules- (un)Attainable Targets for Nanomedicines. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:846065. [PMID: 35463298 PMCID: PMC9021548 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.846065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell adhesion molecules have long been proposed as promising targets in many pathologies. Despite promising preclinical data, several efforts to develop small molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) ended in clinical-stage failure. In parallel, many well-validated approaches for targeting CAMs with nanomedicine (NM) were reported over the years. A wide range of potential applications has been demonstrated in various preclinical studies, from drug delivery to the tumor vasculature, imaging of the inflamed endothelium, or blocking immune cells infiltration. However, no NM drug candidate emerged further into clinical development. In this review, we will summarize the most advanced examples of CAM-targeted NMs and juxtapose them with known traditional drugs against CAMs, in an attempt to identify important translational hurdles. Most importantly, we will summarize the proposed strategies to enhance endothelial CAM targeting by NMs, in an attempt to offer a catalog of tools for further development.
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5
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Wang Y, Cong H, Wang S, Yu B, Shen Y. Development and application of ultrasound contrast agents in biomedicine. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:7633-7661. [PMID: 34586124 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00850a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid development of molecular imaging, ultrasound (US) medicine has evolved from traditional imaging diagnosis to integrated diagnosis and treatment at the molecular level. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) play a crucial role in the integration of US diagnosis and treatment. As the micro-bubbles (MBs) in UCAs can enhance the cavitation effect and promote the biological effect of US, UCAs have also been studied in the fields of US thrombolysis, mediated gene transfer, drug delivery, and high intensity focused US. The application range of UCAs is expanding, and the value of their applications is improving. This paper reviews the development and application of UCAs in biomedicine in recent years, and the existing problems and prospects are pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Building D, Science Park, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hailin Cong
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Building D, Science Park, Qingdao 266071, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Song Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Building D, Science Park, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Bing Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Building D, Science Park, Qingdao 266071, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Building D, Science Park, Qingdao 266071, China. .,Center for Bionanoengineering and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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6
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Xu L, Chen Y, Jin Q, Wu Y, Deng C, Zhong Y, Lin L, Chen L, Fu W, Yi L, Sun Z, Qin X, Li Y, Yang Y, Xie M. Biomimetic PLGA Microbubbles Coated with Platelet Membranes for Early Detection of Myocardial Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2974-2985. [PMID: 34197128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury is important for protecting the myocardium and improving patient prognoses. Fortunately, the platelet membrane possesses the ability to target the region of MI/R injury. Therefore, we hypothesized that platelet membrane-coated particles (PMPs) could be used to detect early MI/R injury by ultrasound imaging. We designed PMPs with a porous polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) core coated with a platelet membrane shell. Red blood cell membrane-coated particles (RMPs) were fabricated as controls. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy were applied to confirm the membrane coatings of the PMPs and RMPs. In vitro imaging of the PMPs and RMPs was verified. Moreover, binding experiments were designed to examine the targeting ability of the PMPs. Finally, we assessed the signal intensity of the adherent PMPs in the risk area and remote area by ultrasound imaging based on an MI/R rat model. The platelet membrane equipped the PMPs with an accurate targeting ability. Compared with RMPs, PMPs showed significantly more adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and collagen IV in vitro. Both PMPs and RMPs exhibited good enhancement ability in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the signal intensity of PMPs in the risk area was significantly higher than that in remote areas. These results were further validated by an immunofluorescence assay and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. In summary, ultrasound imaging with PMPs can detect early MI/R injury in a noninvasive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Xu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yihan Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qiaofeng Jin
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ya Wu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Cheng Deng
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenpei Fu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Luyang Yi
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhenxing Sun
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qin
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yuman Li
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yali Yang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mingxing Xie
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
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7
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Enhancing Microplastics Removal from Wastewater Using Electro-Coagulation and Granule-Activated Carbon with Thermal Regeneration. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Discharge from sewage treatment plants (STPs) is a significant pathway of entry for microplastics (MPs) to the environment. Therefore, STPs should be considered as an important barrier to the distribution and circulation of MPs in the aquatic environment. In this study, the fate and material-specific properties of MPs were investigated in an STP-equipped and granule-activated carbon (GAC) tower with a thermal regeneration system. This system functioned with a tertiary treatment unit. The GAC with thermal regeneration removed 92.8% of MPs and was useful for removing MPs with a specific gravity less than that of water and with a size of 20–50 µm, which had negligible removal in the conventional STP process. In addition, a lab-scale electric-coagulation experiment was conducted to examine its potential utility as a pretreatment process for further enhancing the removal efficiency of MPs by GAC. After 30 min of electro-coagulation using aluminum electrodes, 90% of MPs were converted into separable flocs by centrifugation. These flocs may be effectively removed by GAC or other tertiary treatment steps. This study demonstrates that GAC with thermal regeneration is a tertiary process that can efficiently prohibit the release of MPs from STPs and circulation of MPs in the natural environment.
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8
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Zhang C, Li Y, Ma X, He W, Liu C, Liu Z. Functional micro/nanobubbles for ultrasound medicine and visualizable guidance. Sci China Chem 2021; 64:899-914. [PMID: 33679901 PMCID: PMC7921288 DOI: 10.1007/s11426-020-9945-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemically functionalized gas-filled bubbles with a versatile micro/nano-sized scale have witnessed a long history of developments and emerging applications in disease diagnosis and treatments. In combination with ultrasound and image-guidance, micro/nanobubbles have been endowed with the capabilities of biomedical imaging, drug delivery, gene transfection and disease-oriented therapy. As an external stimulus, ultrasound (US)-mediated targeting treatments have been achieving unprecedented efficiency. Nowadays, US is playing a crucial role in visualizing biological/pathological changes in lives as a reliable imaging technique and a powerful therapeutic tool. This review retrospects the history of ultrasound, the chemistry of functionalized agents and summarizes recent advancements of functional micro/nanobubbles as US contrast agents in preclinical and transclinical research. Latest ultrasound-based treatment modalities in association with functional micro/nanobubbles have been highlighted as their great potentials for disease precision therapy. It is believed that these state-of-the-art micro/nanobubbles will become a booster for ultrasound medicine and visualizable guidance to serve future human healthcare in a more comprehensive and practical manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Yihong Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Xinyong Ma
- Division of Academic & Cultural Activities, Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
| | - Wenxin He
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
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10
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Molecular Ultrasound Imaging. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10101935. [PMID: 32998422 PMCID: PMC7601169 DOI: 10.3390/nano10101935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, molecular ultrasound imaging has been rapidly progressing. It has proven promising to diagnose angiogenesis, inflammation, and thrombosis, and many intravascular targets, such as VEGFR2, integrins, and selectins, have been successfully visualized in vivo. Furthermore, pre-clinical studies demonstrated that molecular ultrasound increased sensitivity and specificity in disease detection, classification, and therapy response monitoring compared to current clinically applied ultrasound technologies. Several techniques were developed to detect target-bound microbubbles comprising sensitive particle acoustic quantification (SPAQ), destruction-replenishment analysis, and dwelling time assessment. Moreover, some groups tried to assess microbubble binding by a change in their echogenicity after target binding. These techniques can be complemented by radiation force ultrasound improving target binding by pushing microbubbles to vessel walls. Two targeted microbubble formulations are already in clinical trials for tumor detection and liver lesion characterization, and further clinical scale targeted microbubbles are prepared for clinical translation. The recent enormous progress in the field of molecular ultrasound imaging is summarized in this review article by introducing the most relevant detection technologies, concepts for targeted nano- and micro-bubbles, as well as their applications to characterize various diseases. Finally, progress in clinical translation is highlighted, and roadblocks are discussed that currently slow the clinical translation.
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing China
| | - Xiaoyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing China
| | - Yuxin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing China
| | - Fu‐Gen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing China
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12
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Zukerman H, Khoury M, Shammay Y, Sznitman J, Lotan N, Korin N. Targeting functionalized nanoparticles to activated endothelial cells under high wall shear stress. Bioeng Transl Med 2020; 5:e10151. [PMID: 32440559 PMCID: PMC7237145 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Local inflammation of the endothelium is associated with a plethora of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular-targeted carriers (VTCs) have been advocated to provide focal effective therapeutics to these disease sites. Here, we examine the design of functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) as VTCs that can specifically localize at an inflamed vessel wall under pathological levels of high shear stress, associated for example with clinical (or in vivo) conditions of vascular narrowing and arteriogenesis. To test this, carboxylated fluorescent 200 nm polystyrene particles were functionalized with ligands to activated endothelium, that is, an E-selectin binding peptide (Esbp), an anti ICAM-1 antibody, or using a combination of both. The functionalized NPs were investigated in vitro using microfluidic models lined with inflamed (TNF-α stimulated) and control endothelial cells (EC). Specifically, their adhesion was monitored under different relevant wall shear stresses (i.e., 40-300 dyne/cm2) via real-time confocal microscopy. Experiments reveal a significantly higher specific adhesion of the examined functionalized NPs to activated EC for the window of examined wall shear stresses. Moreover, particle adhesion correlated with the surface coating density whereby under high surface coating (i.e., ~10,000 molecule/particle), shear-dependent particle adhesion increased significantly. Altogether, our results show that functionalized NPs can be designed to target inflamed endothelial cells under high shear stress. Such VTCs underscore the potential for attractive avenues in targeting drugs to vasoconstriction and arteriogenesis sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Zukerman
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTechnion – Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
| | - Maria Khoury
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTechnion – Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
| | - Yosi Shammay
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTechnion – Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
| | - Josué Sznitman
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTechnion – Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
| | - Noah Lotan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTechnion – Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
| | - Netanel Korin
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTechnion – Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
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13
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Kosareva A, Abou-Elkacem L, Chowdhury S, Lindner JR, Kaufmann BA. Seeing the Invisible-Ultrasound Molecular Imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:479-497. [PMID: 31899040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound molecular imaging has been developed in the past two decades with the goal of non-invasively imaging disease phenotypes on a cellular level not depicted on anatomic imaging. Such techniques already play a role in pre-clinical research for the assessment of disease mechanisms and drug effects, and are thought to in the future contribute to earlier diagnosis of disease, assessment of therapeutic effects and patient-tailored therapy in the clinical field. In this review, we first describe the chemical composition and structure as well as the in vivo behavior of the ultrasound contrast agents that have been developed for molecular imaging. We then discuss the strategies that are used for targeting of contrast agents to specific cellular targets and protocols used for imaging. Next we describe pre-clinical data on imaging of thrombosis, atherosclerosis and microvascular inflammation and in oncology, including the pathophysiological principles underlying the selection of targets in each area. Where applicable, we also discuss efforts that are currently underway for translation of this technique into the clinical arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kosareva
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lotfi Abou-Elkacem
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sayan Chowdhury
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jonathan R Lindner
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA; Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Beat A Kaufmann
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Cardiology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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14
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Unnikrishnan S, Du Z, Diakova GB, Klibanov AL. Formation of Microbubbles for Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Imaging: Practical Translation Considerations. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:10034-10041. [PMID: 30509068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
For preparation of ligand-decorated microbubbles for targeted ultrasound contrast imaging, it is important to maximize the amount of ligand associated with the bubble shell. We describe optimization of the use of a biocompatible cosurfactant in the microbubble formulation media to maximize the incorporation of targeting ligand-lipid conjugate into the microbubble shell, and thus reduce the fraction of ligand not associated with microbubbles, following amalgamation preparation. The influence of the concentration of a helper cosurfactant propylene glycol (PG) on the efficacy of microbubble preparation by amalgamation and on the degree of association of fluorescent PEG-lipid with the microbubble shell was tested. Three sets of targeted bubbles were then prepared: with VCAM-1-targeting peptide VHPKQHRGGSK(FITC)GC-PEG-DSPE, cyclic RGDfK-PEG-DSPE, selective for αVβ3, and control cRADfK-PEG-DSPE, without such affinity. Microbubbles were prepared by 45 s amalgamation, with DSPC and PEG stearate as the main components of the shell, with 15% PG in aqueous saline. In vitro microbubble targeting was assessed with a parallel plate flow chamber with a recombinant receptor coated surface. In vivo targeting was assessed in MC-38 tumor-bearing mice (subcutaneous tumor in hind leg), 10 min after intravenous bolus of microbubble contrast agent (20 million particles per injection). Ultrasound imaging of the tumor and control nontarget muscle tissue in a contralateral leg was performed with a clinical scanner. Amalgamation technique with PG cosurfactant produced microbubbles at concentrations exceeding 2 × 109 particles/mL, and ∼50-60% or more of the added fluorescein-PEG-DSPE or VCAM-1-targeted fluorescent peptide was associated with microbubbles, about 2 times higher than that in the absence of PG. After intravenous injection, peptide-targeted bubbles selectively accumulated in the tumor vasculature, with negligible accumulation in nontumor contralateral leg muscle, or with control nontargeted microbubbles (assessed by contrast ultrasound imaging). For comparison, administration of RGD-decorated microbubbles prepared by traditional sonication, and purified from free peptide-PEG-lipid by repeated centrifugation, resulted in the same accumulation pattern as for translatable amalgamated microbubbles. Following amalgamation in the presence of PG, efficient transfer of ligand-PEG-lipid to microbubble shell was achieved and quantified. Purification of microbubbles from free peptide-PEG-lipid was not necessary, as proven by in vitro and in vivo targeting studies, so PG cosurfactant amalgamation technique generated peptide-targeted microbubbles are amenable for bedside preparation and clinical translation. The pathway to clinical translation is simplified by the fact that most of the materials used in this study either are on the United States Food and Drug Administration GRAS list or can be procured as pharmaceutical grade substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Unnikrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| | - Zhongmin Du
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| | - Galina B Diakova
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| | - Alexander L Klibanov
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Non-invasive molecular imaging is currently used as a research technique to better understand disease pathophysiology. There are also many potential clinical applications where molecular imaging may provide unique information that allows either earlier or more definitive diagnosis, or can guide precision medicine-based decisions on therapy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) with targeted microbubble contrast agents is one such technique that has been developed that has the unique properties of providing rapid information and revealing information only on events that occur within the vascular space. RECENT FINDINGS CEU molecular probes have been developed for a wide variety of disease states including atherosclerosis, vascular inflammation, thrombosis, tumor neovascularization, and ischemic injury. While the technique has not yet been adapted to clinical use, it has been used to reveal pathological processes, to identify new therapeutic targets, and to test the efficacy of novel treatments. This review will explore the physical basis for CEU molecular imaging, its strengths and limitations compared to other molecular imaging modalities, and the pre-clinical translational research experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Knight Cardiovascular Institute, UHN-62, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Jonathan R Lindner
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, UHN-62, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Oregon National Primate Research Center (J.R.L.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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16
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Wischhusen J, Padilla F. Ultrasound Molecular Imaging with Targeted Microbubbles for Cancer Diagnostics: From Bench to Bedside. Ing Rech Biomed 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.irbm.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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17
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Shentu WH, Yan CX, Liu CM, Qi RX, Wang Y, Huang ZX, Zhou LM, You XD. Use of cationic microbubbles targeted to P-selectin to improve ultrasound-mediated gene transfection of hVEGF 165 to the ischemic myocardium. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2019; 19:699-707. [PMID: 30178636 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1700298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies have been applied to the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but their use is limited by the need to deliver them to the right target. We have employed targeted contrast ultrasound-mediated gene transfection (TCUMGT) via ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) to transfer therapeutic genes to specific anatomic and pathological targets. Phospholipid microbubbles (MBs) with pcDNA3.1-human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (pcDNA3.1-hVEGF165) plasmids targeted to P-selectin (MB+P+VEGFp) were created by conjugating monoclonal antibodies against P-selectin to the lipid shell. These microbubbles were divided into four groups: microbubble only (MB), microbubble+P-selectin (MB+P), microbubble+pcDNA3.1-hVEGF165 plasmid (MB+VEGFp), and microbubble+ P-selectin+pcDNA3.1-hVEGF165 plasmid (MB+P+VEGFp). The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that the VEGF gene was successfully transfected by TCUMGT and the efficiency is increased with P-selectin targeting moiety. UTMD-mediated delivery of VEGF increased myocardial vascular density and improved cardiac function, and MB+P+VEGFp delivery showed greater improvement than MB+VEGFp. This study drew support from TCUGMT technology and took advantage of targeted ultrasound contrast agent to identify ischemic myocardium, release pcDNA3.1-hVEGF165 recombinant plasmid, and improve the myocardial microenvironment, so promoting the restoration of myocardial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hui Shentu
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Cao-Xin Yan
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Chun-Mei Liu
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Rui-Xiang Qi
- Department of Ultrasonography, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhao-Xu Huang
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Li-Ming Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xiang-Dong You
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
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18
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Yan F, Song Z, Du M, Klibanov AL. Ultrasound molecular imaging for differentiation of benign and malignant tumors in patients. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2018; 8:1078-1083. [PMID: 30701161 DOI: 10.21037/qims.2018.12.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yan
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhuqing Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Meng Du
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Alexander L Klibanov
- Cardiovascular Division and Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Imaging Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
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19
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Molecular Imaging of a New Multimodal Microbubble for Adhesion Molecule Targeting. Cell Mol Bioeng 2018; 12:15-32. [PMID: 31719897 PMCID: PMC6816780 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-018-00562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inflammation is an important risk-associated component of many diseases and can be diagnosed by molecular imaging of specific molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of targeting adhesion molecules on inflammation-activated endothelial cells and macrophages using an innovative multimodal polyvinyl alcohol-based microbubble (MB) contrast agent developed for diagnostic use in ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and nuclear imaging. Methods We assessed the binding efficiency of antibody-conjugated multimodal contrast to inflamed murine or human endothelial cells (ECs), and to peritoneal macrophages isolated from rats with peritonitis, utilizing the fluorescence characteristics of the MBs. Single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) was used to illustrate 99mTc-labeled MB targeting and distribution in an experimental in vivo model of inflammation. Results Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that binding of antibody-targeted MBs to the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, or E-selectin, expressed on cytokine-stimulated ECs, was up to sixfold higher for human and 12-fold higher for mouse ECs, compared with that of non-targeted MBs. Under flow conditions, both VCAM-1- and E-selectin-targeted MBs adhered more firmly to stimulated human ECs than to untreated cells, while VCAM-1-targeted MBs adhered best to stimulated murine ECs. SPECT imaging showed an approximate doubling of signal intensity from the abdomen of rats with peritonitis, compared with healthy controls, after injection of anti-ICAM-1-MBs. Conclusions This novel multilayer contrast agent can specifically target adhesion molecules expressed as a result of inflammatory stimuli in vitro, and has potential for use in disease-specific multimodal diagnostics in vivo using antibodies against targets of interest.
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Shan R, Wang B, Wang A, Sun Z, Dong F, Liu J, Sun H. Endoglin-targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging in hepatoblastoma xenografts. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:3784-3790. [PMID: 30127989 PMCID: PMC6096263 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is required for the growth of hepatoblastoma (HB). In the present study, an ultrasonic contrast agent, microbubbles (MB), was combined with an endoglin antibody, and then injected into nude mice with HB. This was conducted to detect specific binding to microvessels via non-linear harmonic imaging for tumor angiogenesis assessment. In addition, endoglin expression in experimental animals was measured using western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with conditioned media collected from HepG2 cells. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect the changes of endoglin expression. In targeted ultrasound imaging, it was determined that the differential targeted enhancement of MBendoglin was significantly higher than that of MBisotype. Over expression of endoglin was identified in the tumor of experimental nude mice; however, it was not present in the liver of the mice. Endoglin expression in HUVECs was significantly increased by co-culture with the conditioned media of HepG2 cells; therefore, the results suggest that endoglin is upregulated in angiogenic vessels in the HepG2 cell xenografts in nude mice. Thus, endoglin-targeted ultrasound imaging is presented as a potential approach for the diagnosis of liver carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Shan
- Department of Ultrasonography, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Ultrasound, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Aiguang Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Zongguo Sun
- The Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Fengyun Dong
- The Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Ju Liu
- The Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Hongjun Sun
- Department of Ultrasonography, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
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21
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The Multifaceted Uses and Therapeutic Advantages of Nanoparticles for Atherosclerosis Research. MATERIALS 2018; 11:ma11050754. [PMID: 29738480 PMCID: PMC5978131 DOI: 10.3390/ma11050754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are uniquely suited for the study and development of potential therapies against atherosclerosis by virtue of their size, fine-tunable properties, and ability to incorporate therapies and/or imaging modalities. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be specifically targeted to the atherosclerotic plaque, evading off-target effects and/or associated cytotoxicity. There has been a wealth of knowledge available concerning the use of nanotechnologies in cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, in particular in animal models, but with a major focus on imaging agents. In fact, roughly 60% of articles from an initial search for this review included examples of imaging applications of nanoparticles. Thus, this review focuses on experimental therapy interventions applied to and observed in animal models. Particular emphasis is placed on how nanoparticle materials and properties allow researchers to learn a great deal about atherosclerosis. The objective of this review was to provide an update for nanoparticle use in imaging and drug delivery studies and to illustrate how nanoparticles can be used for sensing and modelling, for studying fundamental biological mechanisms, and for the delivery of biotherapeutics such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and even cells all with the goal of attenuating atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the various atherosclerosis processes targeted mainly for imaging studies have been summarized in the hopes of inspiring new and exciting targeted therapeutic and/or imaging strategies.
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22
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to demonstrate a new clinically translatable ultrasound molecular imaging approach, modulated acoustic radiation force-based imaging, which is capable of rapid and reliable detection of inflammation as validated in mouse abdominal aorta. MATERIALS AND METHODS Animal studies were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Virginia. C57BL/6 mice stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α, or fed with a high-fat diet, were used as inflammation (MInflammation) and diet-induced obesity (DIO) (MDIO) models, respectively. C57BL/6 mice, not exposed to tumor necrosis factor α or DIO, were used as controls (MNormal). P-selectin-targeted (MBP-selectin), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1-targeted (MBVCAM-1), and isotype control (MBControl) microbubbles were synthesized by conjugating anti-P-selectin, anti-VCAM-1, and isotype control antibodies to microbubbles, respectively. The abdominal aortas were imaged for 180 seconds during a constant infusion of microbubbles. A parameter, residual-to-saturation ratio (RSR), was used to assess P-selectin and VCAM-1. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test. RESULTS For the inflammation model, RSR of the MInflammation + MBP-selectin group was significantly higher (40.9%, P < 0.0005) than other groups. For the DIO model, RSR of the MDIO + MBVCAM-1 group was significantly higher (60.0%, P < 0.0005) than other groups. Immunohistochemistry staining of the abdominal aorta confirmed the expression of P-selectin and VCAM-1. CONCLUSIONS A statistically significant assessment of P-selectin and VCAM-1 in mouse abdominal aorta was achieved. This technique yields progress toward rapid targeted molecular imaging in large blood vessels and thus has the potential for early diagnosis, treatment selection, and risk stratification of atherosclerosis.
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23
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Zhou T, Cai W, Yang H, Zhang H, Hao M, Yuan L, Liu J, Zhang L, Yang Y, Liu X, Deng J, Zhao P, Yang G, Duan Y. Annexin V conjugated nanobubbles: A novel ultrasound contrast agent for in vivo assessment of the apoptotic response in cancer therapy. J Control Release 2018. [PMID: 29522835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In vivo assessment of apoptotic response to cancer therapy is believed to be very important for optimizing management of treatment. However, few noninvasive strategies are currently available to monitor the therapeutic response in vivo. Ultrasonography has been used to detect apoptotic cell death in vivo, but a high-frequency transducer is needed. Fortunately, the capability of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) to exit the leaky vasculature of tumors enables ultrasound-targeted imaging of molecular events in response to cancer therapy. In this study, we prepared a novel nano-sized UCA, namely, Annexin V-conjugated nanobubbles (AV-NBs, 635.5 ± 25.4 nm). In vitro studies revealed that AV-NBs were relatively stable and highly echogenic. Moreover, these AV-NBs could easily extravasate into the tumor vasculature and recognize the apoptotic cells with high specificity and affinity in tumors sensitive to chemotherapy. Ultrasound imaging results demonstrated that AV-NBs had higher echogenicity and significantly greater enhancement compared with the untargeted control NBs (P < 0.01) inside the tumors after chemotherapy. Taken together, this study provides a promising method to accurately evaluate therapeutic effects at the molecular level to support cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China; Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Wenbin Cai
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Hengli Yang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Huizhong Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Minghua Hao
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Lijun Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Yilin Yang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Jianling Deng
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China.
| | - Guodong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Yunyou Duan
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China.
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Yan F, Sun Y, Mao Y, Wu M, Deng Z, Li S, Liu X, Xue L, Zheng H. Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Atherosclerosis for Early Diagnosis and Therapeutic Evaluation through Leucocyte-like Multiple Targeted Microbubbles. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:1879-1891. [PMID: 29556362 PMCID: PMC5858506 DOI: 10.7150/thno.22070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases resulting from atherosclerosis have become a serious threat to human health. It is well-known that an ongoing inflammatory response is involved during atherosclerosis progression that ultimately results in the accumulation of lipids and formation of plaques. Monitoring the pathological changes during the inflammatory response will be of great significance for early diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of atherosclerosis. Targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has been shown to be a promising noninvasive imaging technique for evaluating the degree of atherosclerosis and may potentially be translated to clinical imaging in the future. However, inadequate cell adhesion of targeted microbubbles (MBs) in large arterial vessels still remains a great challenge. Methods: By mimicking the leucocytes that are recruited to the vessel wall during the initiation of atherosclerosis through selectin-dependent arrest and cell adhesion molecule-mediated firm cell adhesion, we developed VCAM-1/ICAM-1/P-selectin-targeted MBVIS by integrating VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 antibodies and synthetic polymeric sialyl Lewis X (sLex) onto the MB surface. Results: The resulting MBVIS had a high affinity to inflammatory bEnd.3 cells in both static and dynamic flow conditions. Significantly enhanced ultrasound imaging signals were achieved by MBVIS in detecting the atherosclerosis progress when compared with the single- or dual-targeted MBs. Taking advantage of the artificial MBVIS, less ultrasound imaging signals were found in the atorvastatin-treated, but not placebo-treated, ApoE-deficient mice with atherosclerosis, revealing a potential therapeutic efficacy of atorvastatin for early stage atherosclerosis. This was further confirmed by histologic staining examination. Conclusions: Our study provides a promising ultrasound molecular imaging probe for early-stage diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of atherosclerosis.
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Abstract
Over the past few decades, applications of ultrasound (US) in drug delivery have been documented widely for local and site-specific release of bioactives in a controlled manner, after acceptable use in mild physical therapy for tendinitis and bursitis, and for high-energy applications in fibroid ablation, cataract removal, bone fracture healing, etc. US is a non-invasive, efficient, targetable and controllable technique. Drug delivery can be enhanced by applying directed US in terms of targeting and intracellular uptake. US cannot only provide local hyperthermia but can also enhance local extravasations and permeability of the cell membrane for delivery of cell-impermeable and poorly permeable drugs. It is also found to increase the anticancer efficacy of drug against solid tumors by facilitating uniform drug delivery throughout the tumor mass. This review summarizes the mechanism of US; various drug delivery systems like microbubbles, liposomes, and micelles; and biological manifestations employed for improving treatment of cancer, i.e., hyperthermia and enhanced extravasation. Safety issues are also discussed for better therapeutic outcomes of US-assisted drug delivery to tumors. This review can be a beneficial asset to the scientists looking at non-invasive techniques (externally guided) for improving the anticancer potential of drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Jain
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, NH-2, Mathura-Delhi Road, Mathura, UP, 281 406, India
| | - Ankita Tiwari
- Pharmaceutics Research Projects Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central University, Sagar, MP, 470 003, India
| | - Amit Verma
- Pharmaceutics Research Projects Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central University, Sagar, MP, 470 003, India
| | - Sanjay K Jain
- Pharmaceutics Research Projects Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central University, Sagar, MP, 470 003, India.
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26
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Wang S, Hossack JA, Klibanov AL. Targeting of microbubbles: contrast agents for ultrasound molecular imaging. J Drug Target 2018; 26:420-434. [PMID: 29258335 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2017.1419362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For contrast ultrasound imaging, the most efficient contrast agents comprise highly compressible gas-filled microbubbles. These micrometer-sized particles are typically filled with low-solubility perfluorocarbon gases, and coated with a thin shell, often a lipid monolayer. These particles circulate in the bloodstream for several minutes; they demonstrate good safety and are already in widespread clinical use as blood pool agents with very low dosage necessary (sub-mg per injection). As ultrasound is an ubiquitous medical imaging modality, with tens of millions of exams conducted annually, its use for molecular/targeted imaging of biomarkers of disease may enable wider implementation of personalised medicine applications, precision medicine, non-invasive quantification of biomarkers, targeted guidance of biopsy and therapy in real time. To achieve this capability, microbubbles are decorated with targeting ligands, possessing specific affinity towards vascular biomarkers of disease, such as tumour neovasculature or areas of inflammation, ischaemia-reperfusion injury or ischaemic memory. Once bound to the target, microbubbles can be selectively visualised to delineate disease location by ultrasound imaging. This review discusses the general design trends and approaches for such molecular ultrasound imaging agents, which are currently at the advanced stages of development, and are evolving towards widespread clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Wang
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - John A Hossack
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - Alexander L Klibanov
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA.,b Cardiovascular Division (Department of Medicine), Robert M Berne Cardiovascular Research Center , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
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27
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Call JA, Donet J, Martin KS, Sharma AK, Chen X, Zhang J, Cai J, Galarreta CA, Okutsu M, Du Z, Lira VA, Zhang M, Mehrad B, Annex BH, Klibanov AL, Bowler RP, Laubach VE, Peirce SM, Yan Z. Muscle-derived extracellular superoxide dismutase inhibits endothelial activation and protects against multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 113:212-223. [PMID: 28982599 PMCID: PMC5740866 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a detrimental clinical complication in critically ill patients with high mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress and endothelial activation (induced expression of adhesion molecules) of vital organ vasculatures are key, early steps in the pathogenesis. We aimed to ascertain the role and mechanism(s) of enhanced extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) expression in skeletal muscle in protection against MODS induced by endotoxemia. We showed that EcSOD overexpressed in skeletal muscle-specific transgenic mice (TG) redistributes to other peripheral organs through the circulation and enriches at the endothelium of the vasculatures. TG mice are resistant to endotoxemia (induced by lipopolysaccharide [LPS] injection) in developing MODS with significantly reduced mortality and organ damages compared with the wild type littermates (WT). Heterogenic parabiosis between TG and WT mice conferred a significant protection to WT mice, whereas mice with R213G knock-in mutation, a human single nucleotide polymorphism leading to reduced binding EcSOD in peripheral organs, exacerbated the organ damages. Mechanistically, EcSOD inhibits vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression and inflammatory leukocyte adhesion to the vascular wall of vital organs, blocking an early step of the pathology in organ damage under endotoxemia. Therefore, enhanced expression of EcSOD in skeletal muscle profoundly protects against MODS by inhibiting endothelial activation and inflammatory cell adhesion, which could be a promising therapy for MODS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod A Call
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jean Donet
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kyle S Martin
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Ashish K Sharma
- Departments of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Xiaobin Chen
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zhang
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institute of Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliate Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116011, China
| | - Jie Cai
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Infectious Disease, First Affiliate Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Carolina A Galarreta
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mitsuharu Okutsu
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Zhongmin Du
- Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Vitor A Lira
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mei Zhang
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Borna Mehrad
- Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | - Russell P Bowler
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Victor E Laubach
- Departments of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Shayn M Peirce
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Molecular Physiology & Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Günther F, Heidt T, Kramer M, Khanicheh E, Klibanov AL, Geibel-Zehender A, Ferrante EA, Hilgendorf I, Wolf D, Zirlik A, Reinöhl J, Bode C, Peter K, Kaufmann BA, Mühlen CVZ. Dual targeting improves capture of ultrasound microbubbles towards activated platelets but yields no additional benefit for imaging of arterial thrombosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14898. [PMID: 29097799 PMCID: PMC5668440 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelets can be found on the surface of inflamed and ruptured atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, targeting of activated platelets may allow for molecular imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions. We here investigated microbubbles (MB) functionalized with the selectin ligand sialyl Lewisa individually (MBsLea) or dually with sLea and an antibody targeting ligand-induced binding sites of the activated GPIIb/IIIa receptor (MBDual). Assessed by in vitro flow chamber, targeted MB exhibited increased adhesion to platelets as compared to MBControl. While MBsLea rolled slowly on the platelets’ surface, MBDual enhanced the percentage of firm adhesion. In vivo, MB were investigated by ultrasound in a model of ferric chloride induced non-occlusive carotid artery thrombosis. MBsLea and MBDual revealed a higher ultrasound mean acoustic intensity than MBControl (p < 0.05), however MBDual demonstrated no additional increase in mean signal intensity as compared to MBsLea. The degree of carotid artery stenosis on histology correlated well with the ultrasound acoustic intensity of targeted MB (p < 0.05). While dual targeting of MB using fast binding carbohydrate polymers and specific antibodies is a promising strategy to support adhesion to activated platelets under arterial shear stress, these advantages seem not readily translatable to in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Günther
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - T Heidt
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Kramer
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - E Khanicheh
- University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - A Geibel-Zehender
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - E A Ferrante
- National Institute of Health, NHLBI, Bethesda, USA
| | - I Hilgendorf
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - D Wolf
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Zirlik
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - J Reinöhl
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - C Bode
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - K Peter
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - B A Kaufmann
- University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - C von Zur Mühlen
- Heart Center Freiburg University and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Ultra-Low-Dose Ultrasound Molecular Imaging for the Detection of Angiogenesis in a Mouse Murine Tumor Model: How Little Can We See? Invest Radiol 2017; 51:758-766. [PMID: 27654582 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate the minimum microbubble dose for ultrasound molecular imaging to achieve statistically significant detection of angiogenesis in a mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The preburst minus postburst method was implemented on a Verasonics ultrasound research scanner using a multiframe compounding pulse inversion imaging sequence. Biotinylated lipid (distearoyl phosphatidylcholine-based) microbubbles that were conjugated with antivascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2) antibody (MBVEGFR2) or isotype control antibody (MBControl) were injected into mice carrying adenocarcinoma xenografts. Different injection doses ranging from 5 × 10 to 1 × 10 microbubbles per mouse were evaluated to determine the minimum diagnostically effective dose. RESULTS The proposed imaging sequence was able to achieve statistically significant detection (P < 0.05, n = 5) of VEGFR2 in tumors with a minimum MBVEGFR2 injection dose of only 5 × 10 microbubbles per mouse (distearoyl phosphatidylcholine at 0.053 ng/g mouse body mass). Nonspecific adhesion of MBControl at the same injection dose was negligible. In addition, the targeted contrast ultrasound signal of MBVEGFR2 decreased with lower microbubble doses, whereas nonspecific adhesion of MBControl increased with higher microbubble doses. CONCLUSIONS The dose of 5 × 10 microbubbles per animal is now the lowest injection dose on record for ultrasound molecular imaging to achieve statistically significant detection of molecular targets in vivo. Findings in this study provide us with further guidance for future developments of clinically translatable ultrasound molecular imaging applications using a lower dose of microbubbles.
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Wang X, Huang H, Zhang L, Bai Y, Chen H. PCM and TAT co-modified liposome with improved myocardium delivery: in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Drug Deliv 2017; 24:339-345. [PMID: 28165817 PMCID: PMC8241121 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2016.1253121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, PCM and TAT co-modified liposome was developed as a novel drug carrier for myocardium delivery with evaluation of its in vitro and in vivo properties. Liposomes containing fluorescent probe coumarin-6 were prepared by thin-film hydration. The PCM ligands specifically bind to the PCM receptors in the extracellular connective tissue of primary myocardium cells (MCs), while the TAT ligands functioned as a classical cell penetrating peptide to make liposomes internalized by MCs. The unmodified liposome (L), PCM-modified liposome (PL), TAT-modified liposome (TL) and PCM and TAT co-modified liposome (PTL) were prepared and characterized. The cellular uptake and intracellular distribution of various liposomes by MCs demonstrated that PTL had the best delivery capability. Peptide inhibition assay indicated that the uptake of PL could be inhibited by PCM. However, TAT could almost not suppress the uptake of TL. In addition, the CCK-8 experiments showed that liposomes had low cytotoxicity. In vivo fluorescent images of frozen sections and HPLC-fluorescence analysis further demonstrated that PTL had highest myocardium distribution. The results of this study demonstrated that PCM and TAT co-modifying could improve the myocardial targeting ability of liposome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China and
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China and
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Liangke Zhang
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China and
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yan Bai
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China and
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Huali Chen
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China and
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chongqing, P. R. China
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31
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of the Spinal Cord for the Detection of Acute Inflammation. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479317729671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Molecular ultrasound imaging provides the ability to detect physiologic processes non-invasively by targeting a wide variety of biological markers in vivo. The current study investigates the novel application of molecular ultrasound imaging for the detection of neural inflammation. Using a murine model with acutely injured spinal cords (n=31), subjects were divided into four groups, each being administered ultrasound contrast microbubbles bearing antibodies against various known inflammatory molecules (P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 [VCAM-1], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], and isotype control) during molecular ultrasound imaging. Upon administration of the targeted contrast agent, ultrasound imaging of the injured spinal cord was performed at 40MHz for seven minutes, followed by a bursting pulse. We observed significantly enhanced signals from contrast targeted to P-selectin and VCAM-1, using a variety of outcome measures. These findings provide preclinical evidence that molecular ultrasound imaging could be a useful tool in the detection of neural inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - John A. Buford
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Wang X, Peter K. Molecular Imaging of Atherothrombotic Diseases: Seeing Is Believing. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:1029-1040. [PMID: 28450298 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.116.306483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging, with major advances in the development of both innovative targeted contrast agents/particles and radiotracers, as well as various imaging technologies, is a fascinating, rapidly growing field with many preclinical and clinical applications, particularly for personalized medicine. Thrombosis in either the venous or the arterial system, the latter typically caused by rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques, is a major determinant of mortality and morbidity in patients. However, imaging of the various thrombotic complications and the identification of plaques that are prone to rupture are at best indirect, mostly unreliable, or not available at all. The development of molecular imaging toward diagnosis and prevention of thrombotic disease holds promise for major advance in this clinically important field. Here, we review the medical need and clinical importance of direct molecular imaging of thrombi and unstable atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture, thereby causing thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. We systematically compare the advantages/disadvantages of the various molecular imaging modalities, including X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, fluorescence imaging, and ultrasound. We further systematically discuss molecular targets specific for thrombi and those characterizing unstable, potentially thrombogenic atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, we provide examples for first theranostic approaches in thrombosis, combining diagnosis, targeted therapy, and monitoring of therapeutic success or failure. Overall, molecular imaging is a rapidly advancing field that holds promise of major benefits to many patients with atherothrombotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wang
- From the Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute (X.W., K.P.), Departments of Medicine (X.W., K.P.), and Immunology (K.P.), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- From the Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute (X.W., K.P.), Departments of Medicine (X.W., K.P.), and Immunology (K.P.), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Zhang H, Ingham ES, Gagnon MKJ, Mahakian LM, Liu J, Foiret JL, Willmann JK, Ferrara KW. In vitro characterization and in vivo ultrasound molecular imaging of nucleolin-targeted microbubbles. Biomaterials 2017; 118:63-73. [PMID: 27940383 PMCID: PMC5279957 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nucleolin (NCL) plays an important role in tumor vascular development. An increased endothelial expression level of NCL has been related to cancer aggressiveness and prognosis and has been detected clinically in advanced tumors. Here, with a peptide targeted to NCL (F3 peptide), we created an NCL-targeted microbubble (MB) and compared the performance of F3-conjugated MBs with non-targeted (NT) MBs both in vitro and in vivo. In an in vitro study, F3-conjugated MBs bound 433 times more than NT MBs to an NCL-expressing cell line, while pretreating cells with 0.5 mM free F3 peptide reduced the binding of F3-conjugated MBs by 84%, n = 4, p < 0.001. We then set out to create a method to extract both the tumor wash-in and wash-out kinetics and tumor accumulation following a single injection of targeted MBs. In order to accomplish this, a series of ultrasound frames (a clip) was recorded at the time of injection and subsequent time points. Each pixel within this clip was analyzed for the minimum intensity projection (MinIP) and average intensity projection (AvgIP). We found that the MinIP robustly demonstrates enhanced accumulation of F3-conjugated MBs over the range of tumor diameters evaluated here (2-8 mm), and the difference between the AvgIP and the MinIP quantifies inflow and kinetics. The inflow and clearance were similar for unbound F3-conjugated MBs, control (non-targeted) and scrambled control agents. Targeted agent accumulation was confirmed by a high amplitude pulse and by a two-dimensional Fourier Transform technique. In summary, F3-conjugated MBs provide a new imaging agent for ultrasound molecular imaging of cancer vasculature, and we have validated metrics to assess performance using low mechanical index strategies that have potential for use in human molecular imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Ingham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - M Karen J Gagnon
- Department of Environmental Health and Safety, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Lisa M Mahakian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jingfei Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Josquin L Foiret
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Katherine W Ferrara
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Zhou L, Luo W. Vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted paclitaxel-loaded liposome microbubbles and inhibition of human epidermoid-2 cell proliferation. Head Neck 2017; 39:656-661. [PMID: 28106938 DOI: 10.1002/hed.24648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the formation of capillary blood vessels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of VEGF-targeted paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded liposome microbubbles (VTPLLMs) on the proliferation of human epidermoid (Hep-2) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS Six groups were randomly divided. The inhibitory effects on Hep-2 proliferation were assessed by a methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) method. The cell cycle distributions were investigated by flow cytometry. The expression variations of VEGF and caspase-3 were compared by Western blotting. RESULTS Proliferation of Hep-2 in the VTPLLM+ultrasound group was significantly inhibited, and flow cytometry showed that the Hep-2 cells were significantly blocked at stage G2/M compared with other groups. Moreover, Western blotting showed VEGF expression was downregulated and caspase-3 expression was upregulated. CONCLUSION VTPLLMs can efficiently inhibit tumor cell proliferation and outperform nontargeted microbubbles or PTX. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 656-661, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenlong Luo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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35
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM. Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Inflammation Detection. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479316678616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging is a form of nanotechnology that enables the noninvasive examination of biological processes in vivo. Radiopharmaceutical agents are used to target biochemical markers, permitting their detection and evaluation. Early visualization of molecular variations indicative of pathophysiological processes can aid in patient diagnoses and management decisions. Molecular imaging is performed by introducing into the body molecular probes, which are often contrast agents that have been nanoengineered to target and tether to molecules, thus enabling their radiologic identification. Through a nanoengineering process, ultrasound contrast agents can be targeted to specific molecules, extending ultrasound’s capabilities from the tissue to molecular level. Molecular ultrasound, or targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (TCEUS), has recently emerged as a popular molecular imaging technique due to its ability to provide real-time anatomic and functional information without ionizing radiation. However, molecular ultrasound represents a novel form of molecular imaging and consequently remains largely preclinical. This review explores the commonalities of TCEUS across several molecular targets and points to the need for standardization of kinetic behavior analysis. The literature underscores evidence gaps and the need for additional research. The application of TCEUS is unlimited but needs further standardization to ensure that future research studies are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christopher D. Kanner
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John A. Buford
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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36
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Basso DM. Exploring Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Detect Neural Inflammation. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479316665865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (TCEUS) is an innovative method of molecular imaging used for detection of inflammatory biomarkers in vivo. By targeting ultrasound contrast to cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), which are known inflammatory markers within neural tissue, a more direct evaluation of neural inflammation can be made. Due to the novel nature of TCEUS, standardized methods of image analysis do not yet exist. Time intensity curve (TIC) shape analysis is currently used in magnetic resonance contrast imaging to determine temporal behavior of perfusion. Therefore, the presented research attempts to determine TIC shape analysis utility in TCEUS imaging by applying it to TCEUS scans targeted to CAMs present in neural inflammation. This was done in an animal model that underwent a traumatic spinal cord injury to induce inflammation ( n = 31). Subjects were divided into four groups, each receiving a TCEUS targeted to a different CAM seven days after surgery (P-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM-1], and control). TICs were generated using average pixel intensity within the injured region of the spinal cord. TIC shape analysis found similar curves were produced while targeting P-selectin and VCAM-1, both demonstrating rapid and sustained enhancement. Control injections demonstrated no enhancement. ICAM-1 injections demonstrated limited enhancement and a shape similar to the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christopher D. Kanner
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - D. Michele Basso
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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37
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Comparison of Magnetic Microbubbles and Dual-modified Microbubbles Targeted to P-selectin for Imaging of Acute Endothelial Inflammation in the Abdominal Aorta. Mol Imaging Biol 2016; 19:183-193. [DOI: 10.1007/s11307-016-0997-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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38
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Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of Tissue Inflammation Using an Animal Model of Acute Kidney Injury. Mol Imaging Biol 2016; 17:786-92. [PMID: 25905474 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-015-0860-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of molecular ultrasound (US) imaging for monitoring the early inflammatory effects following acute kidney injury. PROCEDURES A population of rats underwent 30 min of renal ischemia (acute kidney injury, N = 6) or sham injury (N = 4) using established surgical methods. Animals were divided and molecular US imaging was performed during the bolus injection of a targeted microbubble (MB) contrast agent to either P-selectin or vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Imaging was performed before surgery and 4 and 24 h thereafter. After manual segmentation of renal tissue space, the molecular US signal was calculated as the difference between time-intensity curve data before MB injection and after reaching steady-state US image enhancement. All animals were terminated after the 24 h imaging time point and kidneys excised for immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. RESULTS Renal inflammation was analyzed using molecular US imaging. While results using the P-selectin and VCAM-1 targeted MBs were comparable, it appears that the former was more sensitive to biomarker expression. All molecular US imaging measures had a positive correlation with IHC findings. CONCLUSIONS Acute kidney injury is a serious disease in need of improved noninvasive methods to help diagnose the extent of injury and monitor the tissue throughout disease progression. Molecular US imaging appears well suited to address this challenge and more research is warranted.
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Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction in gene therapy: A new tool to cure human diseases. Genes Dis 2016; 4:64-74. [PMID: 30258909 PMCID: PMC6136600 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human gene therapy has made significant advances in less than two decades. Within this short period of time, gene therapy has proceeded from the conceptual stage to technology development and laboratory research, and finally to clinical trials for the treatment of a variety of deadly diseases. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke are leading causes of death worldwide. Despite advances in medical, interventional, radiation and surgical treatments, the mortality rate remains high, and the need for novel therapies is great. Gene therapy provides an efficient approach to disease treatment. Notable advances in gene therapy have been made for genetic disorders, including severe combined immune deficiency, chronic granulomatus disorder, hemophilia and blindness, as well as for acquired diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. However, lack of an efficient delivery system to target cells as well as the difficulty of sustained expression of transgenes has hindered advancements in gene therapy. Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) is a promising approach for target-specific gene delivery, and it has been successfully investigated for the treatment of many diseases in the past decade. In this paper, we review UTMD-mediated gene delivery for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and stroke.
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40
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Optical Verification of Microbubble Response to Acoustic Radiation Force in Large Vessels With In Vivo Results. Invest Radiol 2016; 50:772-84. [PMID: 26135018 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to optically verify the dynamic behaviors of adherent microbubbles in large blood vessel environments in response to a new ultrasound technique using modulated acoustic radiation force. MATERIALS AND METHODS Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) flow channels coated with streptavidin were used in targeted groups to mimic large blood vessels. The custom-modulated acoustic radiation force beam sequence was programmed on a Verasonics research scanner. In vitro experiments were performed by injecting a biotinylated lipid-perfluorobutane microbubble dispersion through flow channels. The dynamic response of adherent microbubbles was detected acoustically and simultaneously visualized using a video camera connected to a microscope. In vivo verification was performed in a large abdominal blood vessel of a murine model for inflammation with injection of biotinylated microbubbles conjugated with P-selectin antibody. RESULTS Aggregates of adherent microbubbles were observed optically under the influence of acoustic radiation force. Large microbubble aggregates were observed solely in control groups without targeted adhesion. Additionally, the dispersion of microbubble aggregates were demonstrated to lead to a transient acoustic signal enhancement in control groups (a new phenomenon we refer to as "control peak"). In agreement with in vitro results, the control peak phenomenon was observed in vivo in a murine model. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first optical observation of microbubble-binding dynamics in large blood vessel environments with application of a modulated acoustic radiation force beam sequence. With targeted adhesion, secondary radiation forces were unable to produce large aggregates of adherent microbubbles. Additionally, the new phenomenon called control peak was observed both in vitro and in vivo in a murine model for the first time. The findings in this study provide us with a better understanding of microbubble behaviors in large blood vessel environments with application of acoustic radiation force and could potentially guide future beam sequence designs or signal processing routines for enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging.
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Zhang YJ, Bai DN, Du JX, Jin L, Ma J, Yang JL, Cai WB, Feng Y, Xing CY, Yuan LJ, Duan YY. Ultrasound-guided imaging of junctional adhesion molecule-A-targeted microbubbles identifies vulnerable plaque in rabbits. Biomaterials 2016; 94:20-30. [PMID: 27088407 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques by imaging the molecular characteristics is intensively studied recently, in which verification of specific markers is the critical step. JAM-A, a junctional membrane protein, is involved in the plaque formation, while it is unknown whether it can serve as a marker for vulnerable plaques. Vulnerable and stable plaques were created in rabbits with high cholesterol diet with or without partial ligation of carotid artery respectively. Significant higher JAM-A expression was found in vulnerable plaques than that in stable plaques. Furthermore, JAM-A was not only expressed in the endothelium, but also abundantly expressed in CD68-positive area. Next, JAM-A antibody conjugated microbubbles (MBJAM-A) or control IgG-conjugated microbubbles (MBC) were developed by conjugating the biotinylated antibodies to the streptavidin modified microbubbles, and visualization by contrast-enhance ultrasound (CEUS). Signal intensity of MBJAM-A was substantially enhanced and prolonged in the vulnerable plaque and some of the MBJAM-A was found colocalized with CD68 positive macrophages. In addition, cell model revealed that MBJAM-A were able to be phagocytized by activated macrophages. Taken together, we have found that increase of JAM-A serves as a marker for vulnerable plaques and targeted CEUS would be possibly a novel non-invasive molecular imaging method for plaque vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan-Na Bai
- Department of Cardiology, 323 Hospital of PLA, Xi'an, China; Department of Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing-Xi Du
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Air Force General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia-Lei Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wen-Bin Cai
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Feng
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chang-Yang Xing
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Jun Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yun-You Duan
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Therapy of prostate cancer using a novel cancer terminator virus and a small molecule BH-3 mimetic. Oncotarget 2016; 6:10712-27. [PMID: 25926554 PMCID: PMC4484414 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances, treatment options for advanced prostate cancer (CaP) remain limited. We are pioneering approaches to treat advanced CaP that employ conditionally replication-competent oncolytic adenoviruses that simultaneously produce a systemically active cancer-specific therapeutic cytokine, mda-7/IL-24, Cancer Terminator Viruses (CTV). A truncated version of the CCN1/CYR61 gene promoter, tCCN1-Prom, was more active than progression elevated gene-3 promoter (PEG-Prom) in regulating transformation-selective transgene expression in CaP and oncogene-transformed rat embryo cells. Accordingly, we developed a new CTV, Ad.tCCN1-CTV-m7, which displayed dose-dependent killing of CaP without harming normal prostate epithelial cells in vitro with significant anti-cancer activity in vivo in both nude mouse CaP xenograft and transgenic Hi-Myc mice (using ultrasound-targeted microbubble (MB)-destruction, UTMD, with decorated MBs). Resistance to mda-7/IL-24-induced cell deathcorrelated with overexpression of Bcl-2 family proteins. Inhibiting Mcl-1 using an enhanced BH3 mimetic, BI-97D6, sensitized CaP cell lines to mda-7/IL-24-induced apoptosis. Combining BI-97D6 with Ads expressing mda-7/IL-24promoted ER stress, decreased anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 expression and enhanced mda-7/IL-24expression through mRNA stabilization selectively in CaP cells. In Hi-myc mice, the combination induced enhanced apoptosis and tumor growth suppression. These studies highlight therapeutic efficacy of combining a BH3 mimetic with a novel CTV, supporting potential clinical applications for treating advanced CaP.
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Zhong J, Yang S, Wen L, Xing D. Imaging-guided photoacoustic drug release and synergistic chemo-photoacoustic therapy with paclitaxel-containing nanoparticles. J Control Release 2016; 226:77-87. [PMID: 26860283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Here, a novel triggered drug release modality was developed for oncotherapy. Paclitaxel (PTX), perfluorohexane (PFH) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) loaded nanoparticles (PTX-PAnP) were synthesized. Folic acid (FA) conjugated PTX-PAnP (PTX-PAnP-FA) could be selectively taken into folate receptor-overexpressed tumor cells. Upon pulsed laser irradiation, the PTX-PAnP-FA could be rapidly destructed because of the PFH vaporization, resulting in fast drug release, which induced apoptosis of cancer cells efficiently. Stimulated fragmentation of the PTX-PAnP-FA nanoparticles can facilitate multiple mechanisms such as bubble implosion, shockwave generation, and sonoporation that further enhance the therapeutic efficiency. The in vivo therapy study further confirmed this new approach resulted in efficient tumor suppression. The results demonstrate a unique drug release mechanism based on photoacoustic effect. It provides an all-in-one platform for photoacoustic image-guided drug release and synergistic chemo-photoacoustic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Zhong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Sihua Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Liewei Wen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Da Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
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Yoon JH, Kim DK, Key J, Lee SW, Lee SY. Adhesion characteristics of nano/micro-sized particles with dual ligands with different interaction distances. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra14974j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual ligand conjugated particle for targeted delivery. Rotational dislodging force on the ligand–receptor interaction. Optimal receptor and ligand ratio exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. H. Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Yonsei University
- Wonju
- Republic of Korea
| | - D. K. Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Yonsei University
- Wonju
- Republic of Korea
| | - J. Key
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Yonsei University
- Wonju
- Republic of Korea
| | - S. W. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Yonsei University
- Wonju
- Republic of Korea
| | - S. Y. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Yonsei University
- Wonju
- Republic of Korea
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Molecular evaluation of thrombosis using X-ray phase contrast imaging with microbubbles targeted to P-selectin in mice. Eur Radiol 2015; 26:3253-61. [PMID: 26628067 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-015-4129-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES X-ray phase contrast imaging (PCI) provides excellent image contrast by utilizing the phase shift. The introduction of microbubbles into tissues can cause a phase shift to make microbubbles visibly identified on PCI. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of targeted microbubble-based PCI for the detection of thrombosis. METHODS The absorption and phase contrast images of P-selectin-targeted microbubbles (MBP) were obtained and compared in vitro. MBP, control IgG-targeted microbubbles (MBC), and unbound microbubbles (MBU) were tested for binding specificity on thrombi expressing P-selectin. MBP were used as molecular PCI probes to evaluate P-selectin expression in a mouse model of arteriovenous shunt thrombosis that was created using PE tubes in the bypass outside of the mouse body. RESULTS PCI clearly showed the microbubbles not viewable via absorption contrast imaging (ACI). In vitro attachment of MBP (91.60 ± 11.63) to thrombi was significantly higher than attachment of MBC (17.80 ± 4.02, P < 0.001) or MBU (9.80 ± 2.59, P < 0.001). In the mouse model of arteriovenous shunt thrombosis, the binding affinity of MBP (15.50 ± 6.25) was significantly greater than that of MBC (0.50 ± 0.84, P < 0.001) or MBU (0.33 ± 0.52, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that molecular PCI may be considered as a novel and promising imaging modality for the investigation of thrombosis. KEY POINTS • Small thrombi are rarely detected by conventional radiography. • Phase contrast imaging (PCI) provides higher contrast and spatial resolution than conventional radiography. • P-selectin targeted microbubbles detected by PCI may suggest early thrombosis.
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Deng Q, Hu B, Cao S, Song HN, Chen JL, Zhou Q. Improving the efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis by UTMD-mediated Ang-1 gene delivery to the infarcted myocardium. Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:335-44. [PMID: 26035181 PMCID: PMC4501666 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to verify the feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD)-mediated angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) gene delivery into the infarcted myocardium. Microbubbles carrying anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) antibody were prepared and identified. The microbubbles carrying anti-ICAM-1 antibody selectively adhered to the interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated ECV304 cells and to the ischemic vascular endothelium, and the infarct area was examined to evaluate the targeting ability of ICAM-1 microbubbles in vitro and in vivo. The intravenous administration of the Ang-1 gene was carried out by UTMD in rabbits with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The rabbits were divided into the control (no treatment), non-targeted microbubble destruction (non-TMB) and the ICAM-1 TMB (TMB) group. Gene delivery by direct intramyocardial injection (IMI) served as a reference. Two weeks later, regional myocardial perfusion and cardiac function were evaluated by echocardiography, and Ang-1 gene-mediated angiogenesis was assessed histologically and biochemically. The results revealed that the ICAM-1-targeted microbubbles selectively adhered to the IL-1β-stimulated ECV304 cells in vitro and to the ischemic vascular endothelium in the infarct area of the rabbits with AMI. Two weeks after the delivery of the Ang-1 gene, compared with the non-TMB group, left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion at the infarct area had improved in the TMB and IMI group (p<0.01). Ang-1 gene expression was detectable in the non-TMB, TMB and IMI group, while its expression was higher in the latter 2 groups (all p<0.01). The microvascular density (MVD) of the infarct area in the non-TMB, TMB and IMI group was 65.6±4.4, 96.7±2.1 and 100.7±3.6, respectively (p<0.01). The findings of our study indicate that UTMD-mediated gene delivery may be used to successfully deliver the Ang-1 gene to the infarcted myocardium, thus improving the efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis. This may provide a novel strategy for future gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Deng
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Cao
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Ning Song
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Ling Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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Ultrasound molecular imaging of tumor angiogenesis with a neuropilin-1-targeted microbubble. Biomaterials 2015; 56:104-13. [PMID: 25934284 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound molecular imaging has great potential to impact early disease diagnosis, evaluation of disease progression and the development of target-specific therapy. In this paper, two neuropilin-1 (NRP) targeted peptides, CRPPR and ATWLPPR, were conjugated onto the surface of lipid microbubbles (MBs) to evaluate molecular imaging of tumor angiogenesis in a breast cancer model. Development of a molecular imaging agent using CRPPR has particular importance due to the previously demonstrated internalizing capability of this and similar ligands. In vitro, CRPPR MBs bound to an NRP-expressing cell line 2.6 and 15.6 times more than ATWLPPR MBs and non-targeted (NT) MBs, respectively, and the binding was inhibited by pretreating the cells with an NRP antibody. In vivo, the backscattered intensity within the tumor, relative to nearby vasculature, increased over time during the ∼6 min circulation of the CRPPR-targeted contrast agents providing high contrast images of angiogenic tumors. Approximately 67% of the initial signal from CRPPR MBs remained bound after the majority of circulating MBs had cleared (8 min), 8 and 4.5 times greater than ATWLPPR and NT MBs, respectively. Finally, at 7-21 days after the first injection, we found that CRPPR MBs cleared faster from circulation and tumor accumulation was reduced likely due to a complement-mediated recognition of the targeted microbubble and a decrease in angiogenic vasculature, respectively. In summary, we find that CRPPR MBs specifically bind to NRP-expressing cells and provide an effective new agent for molecular imaging of angiogenesis.
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Warram JM, de Boer E, Sorace AG, Chung TK, Kim H, Pleijhuis RG, van Dam GM, Rosenthal EL. Antibody-based imaging strategies for cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2015; 33:809-22. [PMID: 24913898 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-014-9505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although mainly developed for preclinical research and therapeutic use, antibodies have high antigen specificity, which can be used as a courier to selectively deliver a diagnostic probe or therapeutic agent to cancer. It is generally accepted that the optimal antigen for imaging will depend on both the expression in the tumor relative to normal tissue and the homogeneity of expression throughout the tumor mass and between patients. For the purpose of diagnostic imaging, novel antibodies can be developed to target antigens for disease detection, or current FDA-approved antibodies can be repurposed with the covalent addition of an imaging probe. Reuse of therapeutic antibodies for diagnostic purposes reduces translational costs since the safety profile of the antibody is well defined and the agent is already available under conditions suitable for human use. In this review, we will explore a wide range of antibodies and imaging modalities that are being translated to the clinic for cancer identification and surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Warram
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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van Rooij T, Daeichin V, Skachkov I, de Jong N, Kooiman K. Targeted ultrasound contrast agents for ultrasound molecular imaging and therapy. Int J Hyperthermia 2015; 31:90-106. [PMID: 25707815 DOI: 10.3109/02656736.2014.997809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are used routinely in the clinic to enhance contrast in ultrasonography. More recently, UCAs have been functionalised by conjugating ligands to their surface to target specific biomarkers of a disease or a disease process. These targeted UCAs (tUCAs) are used for a wide range of pre-clinical applications including diagnosis, monitoring of drug treatment, and therapy. In this review, recent achievements with tUCAs in the field of molecular imaging, evaluation of therapy, drug delivery, and therapeutic applications are discussed. We present the different coating materials and aspects that have to be considered when manufacturing tUCAs. Next to tUCA design and the choice of ligands for specific biomarkers, additional techniques are discussed that are applied to improve binding of the tUCAs to their target and to quantify the strength of this bond. As imaging techniques rely on the specific behaviour of tUCAs in an ultrasound field, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of both free and adhered tUCAs. To image and quantify the adhered tUCAs, the state-of-the-art techniques used for ultrasound molecular imaging and quantification are presented. This review concludes with the potential of tUCAs for drug delivery and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom van Rooij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter , Erasmus MC, Rotterdam , the Netherlands
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Wang S, Mauldin FW, Klibanov AL, Hossack JA. Ultrasound-based measurement of molecular marker concentration in large blood vessels: a feasibility study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2015; 41:222-34. [PMID: 25308943 PMCID: PMC4258427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound molecular imaging has demonstrated efficacy in pre-clinical studies for cancer and cardiovascular inflammation. However, these techniques often require lengthy protocols because of waiting periods or additional control microbubble injections. Moreover, they are not capable of quantifying molecular marker concentration in human tissue environments that exhibit variable attenuation and propagation path lengths. Our group recently investigated a modulated acoustic radiation force-based imaging sequence, which was found to detect targeted adhesion independent of control measurements. In the present study, this sequence was tested against various experimental parameters to determine its feasibility for quantitative measurements of molecular marker concentration. Results indicated that measurements obtained from the sequence (residual-to-saturation ratio, Rresid) were independent of acoustic pressure and attenuation (p > 0.13, n = 10) when acoustic pressures were sufficiently low. The Rresid parameter exhibited a linear relationship with measured molecular marker concentration (R(2) > 0.94). Consequently, feasibility was illustrated in vitro, for quantification of molecular marker concentration in large vessels using a modulated acoustic radiation force-based sequence. Moreover, these measurements were independent of absolute acoustic reflection amplitude and used short imaging protocols (3 min) without control measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - F William Mauldin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Alexander L Klibanov
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - John A Hossack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
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