1
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Zhao P, Wu T, Tian Y, You J, Cui X. Recent advances of focused ultrasound induced blood-brain barrier opening for clinical applications of neurodegenerative diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115323. [PMID: 38653402 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115323] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
With the aging population on the rise, neurodegenerative disorders have taken center stage as a significant health concern. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role to maintain the stability of central nervous system, yet it poses a formidable obstacle to delivering drugs for neurodegenerative disease therapy. Various methods have been devised to confront this challenge, each carrying its own set of limitations. One particularly promising noninvasive approach involves the utilization of focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with contrast agents-microbubbles (MBs) to achieve transient and reversible BBB opening. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental mechanisms behind FUS/MBs-mediated BBB opening and spotlights recent breakthroughs in its application for neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, it addresses the current challenges and presents future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxuan Zhao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; School of Pharmacy, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Jia You
- School of Pharmacy, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Xinwu Cui
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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2
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Meng Y, Kalia LV, Kalia SK, Hamani C, Huang Y, Hynynen K, Lipsman N, Davidson B. Current Progress in Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound to Facilitate Drug Delivery across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:719. [PMID: 38931843 PMCID: PMC11206305 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the current progress in the clinical use of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and other ultrasound platforms to transiently permeabilize the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery in neurological disorders and neuro-oncology. Safety trials in humans have followed on from extensive pre-clinical studies, demonstrating a reassuring safety profile and paving the way for numerous translational clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and primary and metastatic brain tumors. Future directions include improving ultrasound delivery devices, exploring alternative delivery approaches such as nanodroplets, and expanding the application to other neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Lorraine V. Kalia
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Suneil K. Kalia
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 1M8, Canada
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada
| | - Clement Hamani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Yuexi Huang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | | | - Nir Lipsman
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Benjamin Davidson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
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3
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Gattegno R, Arbel L, Riess N, Shinar H, Katz S, Ilovitsh T. Enhanced capillary delivery with nanobubble-mediated blood-brain barrier opening and advanced high resolution vascular segmentation. J Control Release 2024; 369:506-516. [PMID: 38575074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.001] [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] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential to enhance brain therapy. Here, we utilized nanobubbles with focused ultrasound for targeted and improved BBB opening in mice. A microscopy technique method assessed BBB opening at a single blood vessel resolution employing a dual-dye labeling technique using green fluorescent molecules to label blood vessels and Evans blue brain-impermeable dye for quantifying BBB extravasation. A deep learning architecture enabled blood vessels segmentation, delivering comparable accuracy to manual segmentation with a significant time reduction. Segmentation outcomes were applied to the Evans blue channel to quantify extravasation of each blood vessel. Results were compared to microbubble-mediated BBB opening, where reduced extravasation was observed in capillaries with a diameter of 2-6 μm. In comparison, nanobubbles yield an improved opening in these capillaries, and equivalent efficacy to that of microbubbles in larger vessels. These results indicate the potential of nanobubbles to serve as enhanced agents for BBB opening, amplifying bioeffects in capillaries while preserving comparable opening in larger vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Gattegno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lilach Arbel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noa Riess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hila Shinar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Katz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tali Ilovitsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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4
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Hou X, Jing J, Jiang Y, Huang X, Xian Q, Lei T, Zhu J, Wong KF, Zhao X, Su M, Li D, Liu L, Qiu Z, Sun L. Nanobubble-actuated ultrasound neuromodulation for selectively shaping behavior in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2253. [PMID: 38480733 PMCID: PMC10937988 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is an acoustic wave which can noninvasively penetrate the skull to deep brain regions, enabling neuromodulation. However, conventional ultrasound's spatial resolution is diffraction-limited and low-precision. Here, we report acoustic nanobubble-mediated ultrasound stimulation capable of localizing ultrasound's effects to only the desired brain region in male mice. By varying the delivery site of nanobubbles, ultrasound could activate specific regions of the mouse motor cortex, evoking EMG signaling and limb movement, and could also, separately, activate one of two nearby deep brain regions to elicit distinct behaviors (freezing or rotation). Sonicated neurons displayed reversible, low-latency calcium responses and increased c-Fos expression in the sub-millimeter-scale region with nanobubbles present. Ultrasound stimulation of the relevant region also modified depression-like behavior in a mouse model. We also provide evidence of a role for mechanosensitive ion channels. Altogether, our treatment scheme allows spatially-targetable, repeatable and temporally-precise activation of deep brain circuits for neuromodulation without needing genetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuandi Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jianing Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Quanxiang Xian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Ting Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jiejun Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, 519031, Guangdong, China
| | - Kin Fung Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Langzhou Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Zhihai Qiu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, 519031, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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5
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Nouraein S, Lee S, Saenz VA, Del Mundo HC, Yiu J, Szablowski JO. Acoustically targeted noninvasive gene therapy in large brain volumes. Gene Ther 2024; 31:85-94. [PMID: 37696982 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Focused Ultrasound Blood-Brain Barrier Opening (FUS-BBBO) can deliver adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) to treat genetic disorders of the brain. However, such disorders often affect large brain regions. Moreover, the applicability of FUS-BBBO in the treatment of brain-wide genetic disorders has not yet been evaluated. Herein, we evaluated the transduction efficiency and safety of opening up to 105 sites simultaneously. Increasing the number of targeted sites increased gene delivery efficiency at each site. We achieved transduction of up to 60% of brain cells with comparable efficiency in the majority of the brain regions. Furthermore, gene delivery with FUS-BBBO was safe even when all 105 sites were targeted simultaneously without negative effects on animal weight or neuronal loss. To evaluate the application of multi-site FUS-BBBO for gene therapy, we used it for gene editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system and found effective gene editing, but also a loss of neurons at the targeted sites. Overall, this study provides a brain-wide map of transduction efficiency, shows the synergistic effect of multi-site targeting on transduction efficiency, and is the first example of large brain volume gene editing after noninvasive gene delivery with FUS-BBBO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Nouraein
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Synthetic, Systems, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Sangsin Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vidal A Saenz
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Joycelyn Yiu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jerzy O Szablowski
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Synthetic, Systems, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
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6
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Fisher DG, Sharifi KA, Shah IM, Gorick CM, Breza VR, Debski AC, Hoch MR, Cruz T, Samuels JD, Sheehan JP, Schlesinger D, Moore D, Lukens JR, Miller GW, Tvrdik P, Price RJ. Focused Ultrasound Blood-Brain Barrier Opening Arrests the Growth and Formation of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.577810. [PMID: 38352349 PMCID: PMC10862920 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.577810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are vascular lesions within the central nervous system, consisting of dilated and hemorrhage-prone capillaries. CCMs can cause debilitating neurological symptoms, and surgical excision or stereotactic radiosurgery are the only current treatment options. Meanwhile, transient blood-brain barrier opening (BBBO) with focused ultrasound (FUS) and microbubbles is now understood to exert potentially beneficial bioeffects, such as stimulation of neurogenesis and clearance of amyloid-β. Here, we tested whether FUS BBBO could be deployed therapeutically to control CCM formation and progression in a clinically-representative murine model. METHODS CCMs were induced in mice by postnatal, endothelial-specific Krit1 ablation. FUS was applied for BBBO with fixed peak-negative pressures (PNPs; 0.2-0.6 MPa) or passive cavitation detection-modulated PNPs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to target FUS treatments, evaluate safety, and measure longitudinal changes in CCM growth after BBBO. RESULTS FUS BBBO elicited gadolinium accumulation primarily at the perilesional boundaries of CCMs, rather than lesion cores. Passive cavitation detection and gadolinium contrast enhancement were comparable in CCM and wild-type mice, indicating that Krit1 ablation does not confer differential sensitivity to FUS BBBO. Acutely, CCMs exposed to FUS BBBO remained structurally stable, with no signs of hemorrhage. Longitudinal MRI revealed that FUS BBBO halted the growth of 94% of CCMs treated in the study. At 1 month, FUS BBBO-treated lesions lost, on average, 9% of their pre-sonication volume. In contrast, non-sonicated control lesions grew to 670% of their initial volume. Lesion control with FUS BBBO was accompanied by a marked reduction in the area and mesenchymal appearance of Krit mutant endothelium. Strikingly, in mice receiving multiple BBBO treatments with fixed PNPs, de novo CCM formation was significantly reduced by 81%. Mock treatment plans on MRIs of patients with surgically inaccessible lesions revealed their lesions are amenable to FUS BBBO with current clinical technology. CONCLUSIONS Our results establish FUS BBBO as a novel, non-invasive modality that can safely arrest murine CCM growth and prevent their de novo formation. As an incisionless, MR image-guided therapy with the ability to target eloquent brain locations, FUS BBBO offers an unparalleled potential to revolutionize the therapeutic experience and enhance the accessibility of treatments for CCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney G Fisher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Khadijeh A Sharifi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Ishaan M Shah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Catherine M Gorick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Victoria R Breza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Anna C Debski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Matthew R Hoch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Tanya Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Joshua D Samuels
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jason P Sheehan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David Schlesinger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David Moore
- Focused Ultrasound Foundation, Charlottesville, VA
| | - John R Lukens
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - G Wilson Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Petr Tvrdik
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Richard J Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
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7
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Zha S, Liu H, Li H, Li H, Wong KL, All AH. Functionalized Nanomaterials Capable of Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1820-1845. [PMID: 38193927 PMCID: PMC10811692 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized semipermeable structure that highly regulates exchanges between the central nervous system parenchyma and blood vessels. Thus, the BBB also prevents the passage of various forms of therapeutic agents, nanocarriers, and their cargos. Recently, many multidisciplinary studies focus on developing cargo-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) to overcome these challenges, which are emerging as safe and effective vehicles in neurotheranostics. In this Review, first we introduce the anatomical structure and physiological functions of the BBB. Second, we present the endogenous and exogenous transport mechanisms by which NPs cross the BBB. We report various forms of nanomaterials, carriers, and their cargos, with their detailed BBB uptake and permeability characteristics. Third, we describe the effect of regulating the size, shape, charge, and surface ligands of NPs that affect their BBB permeability, which can be exploited to enhance and promote neurotheranostics. We classify typical functionalized nanomaterials developed for BBB crossing. Fourth, we provide a comprehensive review of the recent progress in developing functional polymeric nanomaterials for applications in multimodal bioimaging, therapeutics, and drug delivery. Finally, we conclude by discussing existing challenges, directions, and future perspectives in employing functionalized nanomaterials for BBB crossing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zha
- Hubei
University of Chinese Medicine, School of
Laboratory Medicine, 16
Huangjia Lake West Road, Wuhan 430065, China
- Hubei
Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Hong
Kong Baptist University, Department of Chemistry, Ho Sin Hang Campus, 224 Waterloo
Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Hengde Li
- Hong
Kong Baptist University, Department of Chemistry, Ho Sin Hang Campus, 224 Waterloo
Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Haolan Li
- Dalian
University of Technology School of Chemical
Engineering, Lingshui
Street, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Ka-Leung Wong
- The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Building Y815, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Angelo Homayoun All
- Hong
Kong Baptist University, Department of Chemistry, Ho Sin Hang Campus, 224 Waterloo
Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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Martinez PJ, Green AL, Borden MA. Targeting diffuse midline gliomas: The promise of focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening. J Control Release 2024; 365:412-421. [PMID: 38000663 PMCID: PMC10842695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.037] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, have among the highest mortality rates of all childhood cancers, despite recent advancements in cancer therapeutics. This is partly because, unlike some CNS tumors, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of DMG tumor vessels remains intact. The BBB prevents the permeation of many molecular therapies into the brain parenchyma, where the cancer cells reside. Focused ultrasound (FUS) with microbubbles has recently emerged as an innovative and exciting technology that non-invasively permeabilizes the BBB in a small focal region with millimeter precision. In this review, current treatment methods and biological barriers to treating DMGs are discussed. State-of-the-art FUS-mediated BBB opening is then examined, with a focus on the effects of various ultrasound parameters and the treatment of DMGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payton J Martinez
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States.
| | - Adam L Green
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Mark A Borden
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
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9
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Rodríguez JA, Gutiérrez MI, Vera A, Hernández DA, Gutiérrez JM, Martínez-Fong D, Leija L. Protocol to Induce the Temporary Opening of the Blood-Brain Barrier with Short-Time Focused Ultrasound in Rats. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2733. [PMID: 38140074 PMCID: PMC10748005 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain neurodegenerative diseases are central nervous system (CNS) affections typically common in older adults. A new therapeutic approach for them consists of providing specific drugs to the CNS through blood circulation; however, the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) prevents almost 100% of neurotherapeutics from reaching the brain. There are indications that Focused Ultrasound (FUS), temporarily placed in the BBB, can achieve a controlled increase in temperature at its focus, allowing temporary, localized, and reversible opening of this barrier, which facilitates the temporary delivery of specific drugs. This work presents a FUS-based protocol for the local, temporary, and reversible opening of the BBB in Wistar rats. The proposed protocol specifies certain power, treatment times, and duty cycle to controllably increase the temperature at the region of interest, i.e., the substantia nigra. Numerical simulations using commercial software based on the finite element method were carried out to determine the optimal size of the craniotomies for nearly full-acoustic transmission. Experiments in rats were performed with the parameters used during computational simulations to determine the adequate opening of the BBB. For this, craniotomies of different sizes were made at coordinates of the substantia nigra, and FUS was applied from the exterior. The opening of the BBB was evaluated using Evans Blue (EB) as an indicator of the crossing of the dye from the blood vessels to brain tissue. Numerical simulations demonstrated a major distance reached by the ultrasound focus with a bigger diameter. Experimental results show the local, temporary, and reversible opening of the BBB through a 10 mm diameter craniotomy, which effectively allowed placing the ultrasound focus over the substantia nigra, unlike a 6 mm diameter craniotomy in which there is a deviation of the focus through that window. Moreover, from these results, it was also determined that the disruption of the BBB was reversible, with an opening duration of 6 h after FUS application. The experimental work developed in this study resulted in a minimally invasive method for the temporary opening of the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Rodríguez
- Bioelectronics Section, Electrical Engineering Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.A.R.); (D.A.H.); (J.M.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Mario I. Gutiérrez
- Subdirección de Investigación Tecnológica, Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías-Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII, División de Investigación en Ingeniería Médica, Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
| | - Arturo Vera
- Bioelectronics Section, Electrical Engineering Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.A.R.); (D.A.H.); (J.M.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Daniel A. Hernández
- Bioelectronics Section, Electrical Engineering Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.A.R.); (D.A.H.); (J.M.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Juan M. Gutiérrez
- Bioelectronics Section, Electrical Engineering Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.A.R.); (D.A.H.); (J.M.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Daniel Martínez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Programa de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Lorenzo Leija
- Bioelectronics Section, Electrical Engineering Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.A.R.); (D.A.H.); (J.M.G.); (L.L.)
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10
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Thim EA, Fox T, Deering T, Vass LR, Sheybani ND, Kester M, Price RJ. Solid tumor treatment via augmentation of bioactive C6 ceramide levels with thermally ablative focused ultrasound. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:3145-3153. [PMID: 37335416 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01377-w] [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] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Sparse scan partial thermal ablation (TA) with focused ultrasound (FUS) may be deployed to treat solid tumors and increase delivery of systemically administered therapeutics. Furthermore, C6-ceramide-loaded nanoliposomes (CNLs), which rely upon the enhanced-permeation and retention (EPR) effect for delivery, have shown promise for treating solid tumors and are being tested in clinical trials. Here, our objective was to determine whether CNLs synergize with TA in the control of 4T1 breast tumors. CNL monotherapy of 4T1 tumors yielded significant intratumoral bioactive C6 accumulation by the EPR effect, but tumor growth was not controlled. TA increased bioactive C6 accumulation by ~ 12.5-fold over the EPR effect. In addition, TA + CNL caused shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios (i.e., C16/24 and C18/C24) that could potentially contribute to tumor control. Nonetheless, these changes in intratumoral ceramide levels were still insufficient to confer tumor growth control beyond that achieved when combining with TA with control "ghost" nanoliposomes (GNL). While this lack of synergy could be due to increased "pro-tumor" sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels, this is unlikely because S1P levels exhibited only a moderate and statistically insignificant increase with TA + CNL. In vitro studies showed that 4T1 cells are highly resistant to C6, offering the most likely explanation for the inability of TA to synergize with CNL. Thus, while our results show that sparse scan TA is a powerful approach for markedly enhancing CNL delivery and generating "anti-tumor" shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios, resistance of the tumor to C6 can still be a rate-limiting factor for some solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Andrew Thim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Luke R Vass
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Natasha D Sheybani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Richard J Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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11
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Niazi SK. Non-Invasive Drug Delivery across the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Prospective Analysis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2599. [PMID: 38004577 PMCID: PMC10674293 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents a significant advancement in treating neurological diseases. The BBB is a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that shields the brain from harmful substances in the blood, allowing necessary nutrients to pass through. It is a highly selective barrier, which poses a challenge to delivering therapeutic agents into the brain. Several non-invasive procedures and devices have been developed or are currently being investigated to enhance drug delivery across the BBB. This paper presents a review and a prospective analysis of the art and science that address pharmacology, technology, delivery systems, regulatory approval, ethical concerns, and future possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarfaraz K Niazi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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12
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Xie R, Wang Y, Burger JC, Li D, Zhu M, Gong S. Non-viral approaches for gene therapy and therapeutic genome editing across the blood-brain barrier. MED-X 2023; 1:6. [PMID: 37485250 PMCID: PMC10357415 DOI: 10.1007/s44258-023-00004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The success of brain-targeted gene therapy and therapeutic genome editing hinges on the efficient delivery of biologics bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which presents a significant challenge in the development of treatments for central nervous system disorders. This is particularly the case for nucleic acids and genome editors that are naturally excluded by the BBB and have poor chemical stability in the bloodstream and poor cellular uptake capability, thereby requiring judiciously designed nanovectors administered systemically for intracellular delivery to brain cells such as neurons. To overcome this obstacle, various strategies for bypassing the BBB have been developed in recent years to deliver biologics to the brain via intravenous administration using non-viral vectors. This review summarizes various brain targeting strategies and recent representative reports on brain-targeted non-viral delivery systems that allow gene therapy and therapeutic genome editing via intravenous administration, and highlights ongoing challenges and future perspectives for systemic delivery of biologics to the brain via non-viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruosen Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - Yuyuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - Jacobus C. Burger
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - Dongdong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - Min Zhu
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705 USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
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13
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Won S, An J, Song H, Im S, You G, Lee S, Koo KI, Hwang CH. Transnasal targeted delivery of therapeutics in central nervous system diseases: a narrative review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1137096. [PMID: 37292158 PMCID: PMC10246499 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1137096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, neurointervention, surgery, medication, and central nervous system (CNS) stimulation are the main treatments used in CNS diseases. These approaches are used to overcome the blood brain barrier (BBB), but they have limitations that necessitate the development of targeted delivery methods. Thus, recent research has focused on spatiotemporally direct and indirect targeted delivery methods because they decrease the effect on nontarget cells, thus minimizing side effects and increasing the patient's quality of life. Methods that enable therapeutics to be directly passed through the BBB to facilitate delivery to target cells include the use of nanomedicine (nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles), and magnetic field-mediated delivery. Nanoparticles are divided into organic, inorganic types depending on their outer shell composition. Extracellular vesicles consist of apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. Magnetic field-mediated delivery methods include magnetic field-mediated passive/actively-assisted navigation, magnetotactic bacteria, magnetic resonance navigation, and magnetic nanobots-in developmental chronological order of when they were developed. Indirect methods increase the BBB permeability, allowing therapeutics to reach the CNS, and include chemical delivery and mechanical delivery (focused ultrasound and LASER therapy). Chemical methods (chemical permeation enhancers) include mannitol, a prevalent BBB permeabilizer, and other chemicals-bradykinin and 1-O-pentylglycerol-to resolve the limitations of mannitol. Focused ultrasound is in either high intensity or low intensity. LASER therapies includes three types: laser interstitial therapy, photodynamic therapy, and photobiomodulation therapy. The combination of direct and indirect methods is not as common as their individual use but represents an area for further research in the field. This review aims to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, describe the combined use of direct and indirect deliveries, and provide the future prospects of each targeted delivery method. We conclude that the most promising method is the nose-to-CNS delivery of hybrid nanomedicine, multiple combination of organic, inorganic nanoparticles and exosomes, via magnetic resonance navigation following preconditioning treatment with photobiomodulation therapy or focused ultrasound in low intensity as a strategy for differentiating this review from others on targeted CNS delivery; however, additional studies are needed to demonstrate the application of this approach in more complex in vivo pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeon Won
- College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongyeon An
- College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwayoung Song
- College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Im
- College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Geunho You
- College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungho Lee
- College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyo-in Koo
- Major of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ho Hwang
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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14
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Norat P, Sokolowski JD, Gorick CM, Soldozy S, Kumar JS, Chae Y, Yagmurlu K, Nilak J, Sharifi KA, Walker M, Levitt MR, Klibanov AL, Yan Z, Price RJ, Tvrdik P, Kalani MYS. Intraarterial Transplantation of Mitochondria After Ischemic Stroke Reduces Cerebral Infarction. STROKE (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 3:e000644. [PMID: 37545759 PMCID: PMC10399028 DOI: 10.1161/svin.122.000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Background- Transplantation of autologous mitochondria into ischemic tissue may mitigate injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion. Methods- Using murine stroke models of middle cerebral artery occlusion, we sought to evaluate feasibility of delivery of viable mitochondria to ischemic brain parenchyma. We evaluated the effects of concurrent focused ultrasound activation of microbubbles, which serves to open the blood-brain barrier, on efficacy of delivery of mitochondria. Results- Following intra-arterial delivery, mitochondria distribute through the stroked hemisphere and integrate into neural and glial cells in the brain parenchyma. Consistent with functional integration in the ischemic tissue, the transplanted mitochondria elevate concentration of adenosine triphosphate in the stroked hemisphere, reduce infarct volume and increase cell viability. Additional of focused ultrasound leads to improved blood brain barrier opening without hemorrhagic complications. Conclusions- Our results have implications for the development of interventional strategies after ischemic stroke and suggest a novel potential modality of therapy after mechanical thrombectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Norat
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jennifer D. Sokolowski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Catherine M. Gorick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Sauson Soldozy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jeyan S. Kumar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Youngrok Chae
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Kaan Yagmurlu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Joelle Nilak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Khadijeh A. Sharifi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Melanie Walker
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael R. Levitt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Alexander L. Klibanov
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Zhen Yan
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Richard J. Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Petr Tvrdik
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - M. Yashar S. Kalani
- St. John’s Neuroscience Institute and the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, Tulsa, Oklahoma
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15
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Singh R, Yang X. A review on photo-mediated ultrasound therapy. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:775-786. [PMID: 37452726 PMCID: PMC10468643 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231181191] [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] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Photo-mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT) is a novel therapeutic technique based on the combination of ultrasound and laser. The underlying mechanism of PUT is the enhanced cavitation effect inside blood vessels. The enhanced cavitation activity can result in bio-effects such as reduced perfusion in microvessels. The reduced perfusion effect in microvessels in the eye has the potential to control the progression of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Several in vivo studies have demonstrated the feasibility of PUT in removing microvasculature in the eye using rabbit eye model and vasculature in the skin using rabbit ear model. Numerical studies using a bubble dynamics model found that cavitation is enhanced during PUT due to the dramatic increase in size of air/vapor nuclei in blood. In addition, the study conducted to model cavitation dynamics inside a blood vessel during PUT found stresses induced on the vessel wall during PUT are higher than that at normal physiological levels, which may be responsible for bio-effects. The concentration of vasodilators such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin were also found to be affected during PUT in an in vitro study, which may limit blood perfusion in vessels. The main advantage of PUT over conventional techniques is non-invasive, precise, and selective removal of microvessels with high efficiency at relatively low energy levels of ultrasound and laser, without affecting the nearby structures. However, the main limitation of vessel rupture/hemorrhage needs to be overcome through the development of real-time monitoring of treatment effects during PUT. In addition to the application in removing microvessels, PUT-based techniques were also explored in treating other diseases. Studies have found a combination of ultrasound and laser to be effective in removing blood clots inside veins, which has the potential to treat deep-vein thrombosis. The disruption of atherosclerotic plaque using combined ultrasound and laser was also tested, and the feasibility was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering Research, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Xinmai Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering Research, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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16
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Thim EA, Fox T, Deering T, Vass LR, Sheybani ND, Kester M, Price RJ. Solid Tumor Treatment via Augmentation of Bioactive C6 Ceramide Levels with Thermally Ablative Focused Ultrasound. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.532394. [PMID: 36993445 PMCID: PMC10055354 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.532394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Sparse scan partial thermal ablation (TA) with focused ultrasound (FUS) may be deployed to treat solid tumors and increase delivery of systemically administered therapeutics. Further, C6-ceramide-loaded nanoliposomes (CNLs), which rely upon the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect for delivery, have shown promise for treating solid tumors and are being tested in clinical trials. Here, our objective was to determine whether CNLs synergize with TA in the control of 4T1 breast tumors. CNL-monotherapy of 4T1 tumors yielded significant intratumoral bioactive C6 accumulation by the EPR effect, but tumor growth was not controlled. TA increased bioactive C6 accumulation by ∼12.5-fold over the EPR effect. In addition, TA+CNL caused shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios (i.e., C16/24 and C18/C24) that could potentially contribute to tumor control. Nonetheless, these changes in intratumoral ceramide levels were still insufficient to confer tumor growth control beyond that achieved when combining with TA with control "ghost" nanoliposomes (GNL). While this lack of synergy could be due to increased "pro-tumor" sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels, this is unlikely because S1P levels exhibited only a moderate and statistically insignificant increase with TA+CNL. In vitro studies showed that 4T1 cells are highly resistant to C6, offering the most likely explanation for the inability of TA to synergize with CNL. Thus, while our results show that sparse scan TA is a powerful approach for markedly enhancing CNL delivery and generating "anti-tumor" shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios, resistance of the tumor to C6 can still be a rate-limiting factor for some solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Andrew Thim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Luke R. Vass
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Natasha D. Sheybani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Richard J. Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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17
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Song D, Chen X, Zhou N, Yuan Y, Geng S, Zhang C, Zhao Z, Wang X, Bao X, Lan X, Zhang X. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound triggers a beneficial neuromodulation in dementia mice with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via activation of hippocampal Fndc5/irisin signaling. J Transl Med 2023; 21:139. [PMID: 36823656 PMCID: PMC9948478 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03824-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise-related signaling Fndc5/irisin expresses in brain and acts as a crucial regulator of cognitive function, but its detailed roles in vascular dementia (VaD) are still unclear. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a novel brain stimulation approach, has been suggested as a promising treatment for dementia. Here, we investigated the activity and efficacy of Fndc5/irisin in experimental VaD, further explored whether the potential effects of LIPUS on VaD is related to Fndc5/irisin. METHODS Mouse model of VaD was established with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) using bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis (BCAS). Transcranial LIPUS was applied 24 h after BCAS and subsequently daily with a stimulation time of 5 min at an ultrasound pressure of 0.51 MPa for a period of 28 days. The levels of Fndc5/irisin in different brain regions, the hippocampal long-term potentiation and anti-inflammatory cytokines were investigated at day 28 after cognitive evaluation. Global Fndc5 knock-out (F5KO), forced expression or knockdown of Fndc5, and recombinant irisin application were respectively employed for mechanism exploration. The neuron dendritic spine density and astrocyte phenotype were detected in vitro. RESULTS Fndc5/irisin was reduced in hippocampus of BCAS mice, forced expression hippocampal Fndc5 or bilateral intrahippocampal injection of recombinant irisin respectively improved hippocampal synaptic plasticity or inflammatory microenvironment, and then alleviated the cognitive impairments. LIPUS existed a positive efficacy in enhancing hippocampal Fndc5/irisin in BCAS mice, thus triggering a beneficial neuromodulation for VaD protection. Importantly, the neurorestorative effects of LIPUS on CCH-induced damages were totally reversed by knockdown the expression of hippocampal Fndc5 in WT mice, or in F5KO mice. Moreover, Fndc5 mediated the upregulated effects of LIPUS on spine density as well as irisin secretion of hippocampal neurons. The neuron-secreted irisin further drove reactive astrocytes to a neuroprotective phenotype. CONCLUSION LIPUS induced a neurorestorative stimulation against VaD may be through upregulation of the hippocampal Fndc5/irisin levels. Hippocampal Fndc5/irisin signaling might be a promising strategic target for VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Degang Song
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Medical University, No. 258, Wenhua Road, Qinhuangdao, 066000, Hebei, China. .,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China ,grid.256883.20000 0004 1760 8442Department of Nursing, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Medical University, No. 258, Wenhua Road, Qinhuangdao, 066000 Hebei China
| | - Na Zhou
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China ,grid.256883.20000 0004 1760 8442Department of Nursing, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Medical University, No. 258, Wenhua Road, Qinhuangdao, 066000 Hebei China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China ,grid.413012.50000 0000 8954 0417Institute of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, No. 438, Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao, 066000 Hebei China
| | - Shuo Geng
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VG 24061 USA
| | - Cong Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China ,grid.452702.60000 0004 1804 3009Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China ,grid.413012.50000 0000 8954 0417Institute of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, No. 438, Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao, 066000 Hebei China
| | - Xingran Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000 Hebei China ,grid.413012.50000 0000 8954 0417Institute of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, No. 438, Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao, 066000 Hebei China
| | - Xinran Bao
- grid.256883.20000 0004 1760 8442Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Medical University, No. 258, Wenhua Road, Qinhuangdao, 066000 Hebei China
| | - Xifa Lan
- grid.256883.20000 0004 1760 8442Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Medical University, No. 258, Wenhua Road, Qinhuangdao, 066000 Hebei China
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China. .,Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
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18
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Past, present and future of Focused Ultrasound as an adjunct or complement to DIPG/DMG therapy: A consensus of the 2021 FUSF DIPG meeting. Neoplasia 2023; 37:100876. [PMID: 36709715 PMCID: PMC9900434 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), now known as Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) is a devastating pediatric brain tumor with limited treatment options and a very poor prognosis. Despite more than 250 clinical trials aimed to treat children diagnosed with DMG, no curative therapies currently exist for this patient population. A major obstacle has been the intact blood brain barrier (BBB) which prevents most therapeutics from crossing into the tumor bed. Focused Ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging, noninvasive medical technology which has been shown in both preclinical and clinical research to disrupt the blood brain barrier safely and temporarily. FUS blood brain barrier opening has been studied in combination with chemotherapies in preclinical DMG models, and this technology is now being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Focused ultrasound has additional mechanisms of action, including sonodynamic therapy and radiation sensitization, that hold promise as future DMG therapies as well. This paper, largely based off the proceedings from a workshop held by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation in October of 2021, summarizes the current state of the field of focused ultrasound for DIPG/DMG, including preclinical, technical, and clinical summaries in addition to recommended next steps for continued advancement of the game changing technology of Focused Ultrasound.
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19
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Jo S, Sun IC, Ahn CH, Lee S, Kim K. Recent Trend of Ultrasound-Mediated Nanoparticle Delivery for Brain Imaging and Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:120-137. [PMID: 35184560 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In view of the fact that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the transport of imaging probes and therapeutic agents to the brain and thus hinders the diagnosis and treatment of brain-related disorders, methods of circumventing this problem (e.g., ultrasound-mediated nanoparticle delivery) have drawn much attention. Among the related techniques, focused ultrasound (FUS) is a favorite means of enhancing drug delivery via transient BBB opening. Photoacoustic brain imaging relies on the conversion of light into heat and the detection of ultrasound signals from contrast agents, offering the benefits of high resolution and large penetration depth. The extensive versatility and adjustable physicochemical properties of nanoparticles make them promising therapeutic agents and imaging probes, allowing for successful brain imaging and treatment through the combined action of ultrasound and nanoparticulate agents. FUS-induced BBB opening enables nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to efficiently access the brain. Moreover, photoacoustic brain imaging using nanoparticle-based contrast agents effectively visualizes brain morphologies or diseases. Herein, we review the progress in the simultaneous use of nanoparticles and ultrasound in brain research, revealing the potential of ultrasound-mediated nanoparticle delivery for the effective diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeongHoon Jo
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Cheol Sun
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Ahn
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul02447, Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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20
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Batts AJ, Ji R, Noel RL, Kline-Schoder AR, Bae S, Kwon N, Konofagou EE. Using a novel rapid alternating steering angles pulse sequence to evaluate the impact of theranostic ultrasound-mediated ultra-short pulse length on blood-brain barrier opening volume and closure, cavitation mapping, drug delivery feasibility, and safety. Theranostics 2023; 13:1180-1197. [PMID: 36793858 PMCID: PMC9925313 DOI: 10.7150/thno.76199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening is a noninvasive, safe and reversible technique for targeted drug delivery to the brain. Most preclinical systems developed to perform and monitor BBB opening are comprised of a separate geometrically focused transducer and passive cavitation detector (PCD) or imaging array. This study builds upon previous work from our group developing a single imaging phased array configuration for simultaneous BBB opening and monitoring called theranostic ultrasound (ThUS), leveraging ultra-short pulse lengths (USPLs) and a novel rapid alternating steering angles (RASTA) pulse sequence design for simultaneous bilateral sonications with target-specific USPL. The RASTA sequence was further employed to evaluate the impact of USPL on BBB opening volume, power cavitation imaging (PCI) pixel intensity, BBB closing timeline, drug delivery efficiency, and safety. Methods: A P4-1 phased array transducer driven by a Verasonics Vantage ultrasound system was operated using a custom script to run the RASTA sequence which consisted of interleaved steered, focused transmits and passive imaging. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed initial opening volume and closure of the BBB by longitudinal imaging through 72 hours post-BBB opening. For drug delivery experiments, mice were systemically administered a 70 kDa fluorescent dextran or adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) for fluorescence microscopy or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate ThUS-mediated molecular therapeutic delivery. Additional brain sections were also H&E-stained to evaluate histological damage, and IBA1- and GFAP-stained to elucidate the effects of ThUS-mediated BBB opening on stimulation of key cell types involved in the neuro-immune response, microglia and astrocytes. Results: The ThUS RASTA sequence induced distinct BBB openings simultaneously in the same mouse where volume, PCI pixel intensity, level of dextran delivery, and AAV reporter transgene expression were correlated with brain hemisphere-specific USPL, consistent with statistically significant differences between 1.5, 5, and 10-cycle USPL groups. BBB closure after ThUS required 2-48 hours depending on USPL. The potential for acute damage and neuro-immune activation increased with USPL, but such observable damage was nearly reversed 96 hours post-ThUS. Conclusion: ThUS is a versatile single-array technique which exhibits the potential for investigating a variety of non-invasive therapeutic delivery applications in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec J Batts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Robin Ji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca L Noel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | - Sua Bae
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Nancy Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Elisa E Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
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21
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Wu Q, Xia Y, Xiong X, Duan X, Pang X, Zhang F, Tang S, Su J, Wen S, Mei L, Cannon RD, Ji P, Ou Z. Focused ultrasound-mediated small-molecule delivery to potentiate immune checkpoint blockade in solid tumors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1169608. [PMID: 37180717 PMCID: PMC10173311 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1169608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the standard of treatment for solid tumors. Despite success in several immunogenic tumor types evidenced by improved survival, ICB remains largely unresponsive, especially in "cold tumors" with poor lymphocyte infiltration. In addition, side effects such as immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are also obstacles for the clinical translation of ICB. Recent studies have shown that focused ultrasound (FUS), a non-invasive technology proven to be effective and safe for tumor treatment in clinical settings, could boost the therapeutic effect of ICB while alleviating the potential side effects. Most importantly, the application of FUS to ultrasound-sensitive small particles, such as microbubbles (MBs) or nanoparticles (NPs), allows for precise delivery and release of genetic materials, catalysts and chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites, thus enhancing the anti-tumor effects of ICB while minimizing toxicity. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the progress made in recent years concerning ICB therapy assisted by FUS-controlled small-molecule delivery systems. We highlight the value of different FUS-augmented small-molecules delivery systems to ICB and describe the synergetic effects and underlying mechanisms of these combination strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of the current strategies and the possible ways that FUS-mediated small-molecule delivery systems could boost novel personalized ICB treatments for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Wu
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanhang Xia
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiong
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinxing Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Pang
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fugui Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Song Tang
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junlei Su
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuqiong Wen
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Mei
- Department of Oral Sciences, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Cannon
- Department of Oral Sciences, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ping Ji
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Ji, Zhanpeng Ou,
| | - Zhanpeng Ou
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Ji, Zhanpeng Ou,
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22
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Imran KM, Ganguly A, Paul T, Powar M, Vlaisavljevich E, Cho CS, Allen IC. Magic bubbles: utilizing histotripsy to modulate the tumor microenvironment and improve systemic anti-tumor immune responses. Int J Hyperthermia 2023; 40:2244206. [PMID: 37580047 PMCID: PMC10430775 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2023.2244206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Focused Ultrasound (FUS) is emerging as a promising primary and adjunct therapy for the treatment of cancer. This includes histotripsy, which is a noninvasive, non-ionizing, non-thermal ultrasound guided ablation modality. As histotripsy has progressed from bench-to-bedside, it has become evident that this therapy has benefits beyond local tumor ablation. Specifically, histotripsy has the potential to shift the local tumor microenvironment from immunologically 'cold' to 'hot'. This is associated with the production of damage associated molecular patterns, the release of a selection of proinflammatory mediators, and the induction of inflammatory forms of cell death in cells just outside of the treatment zone. In addition to the induction of this innate immune response, histotripsy can also improve engagement of the adaptive immune system and promote systemic anti-tumor immunity targeting distal tumors and metastatic lesions. These tantalizing observations suggest that, in settings of widely metastatic disease burden, selective histotripsy of a limited number of accessible tumors could be a means of maximizing responsiveness to systemic immunotherapy. More work is certainly needed to optimize treatment strategies that best synergize histotripsy parameters with innate and adaptive immune responses. Likewise, rigorous clinical studies are still necessary to verify the presence and repeatability of these phenomena in human patients. As this technology nears regulatory approval for clinical use, it is our expectation that the insights and immunomodulatory mechanisms summarized in this review will serve as directional guides for rational clinical studies to validate and optimize the potential immunotherapeutic role of histotripsy tumor ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khan M. Imran
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Anutosh Ganguly
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tamalika Paul
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Manali Powar
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Eli Vlaisavljevich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Institute for Critical and Applied Science Center for Engineered Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Clifford S. Cho
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Research Service, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Irving C. Allen
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Institute for Critical and Applied Science Center for Engineered Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
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23
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Zhang J, Yan F, Zhang W, He L, Li Y, Zheng S, Wang Y, Yu T, Du L, Shen Y, He W. Biosynthetic Gas Vesicles Combined with Focused Ultrasound for Blood-Brain Barrier Opening. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:6759-6772. [PMID: 36597431 PMCID: PMC9805716 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s374039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles (MBs) has emerged as a potential approach for opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for delivering drugs into the brain. However, MBs range in size of microns and thus can hardly extravasate into the brain parenchyma. Recently, growing attention has been paid to gas vesicles (GVs), which are genetically encoded gas-filled nanostructures with protein shells, due to their potential for extravascular targeting in ultrasound imaging and therapy. However, the use of GVs as agents for BBB opening has not yet been investigated. Methods In this study, GVs were extracted and purified from Halobacterium NRC-1. Ultrasound imaging performance of GVs was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Then, FUS/GVs-mediated BBB opening for small molecular Evans blue or large molecular liposome delivery across the BBB was examined. Results The results showed a good contrast performance of GVs for brain perfusion ultrasound imaging in vivo. At the acoustic negative pressure of 1.5 MPa, FUS/GVs opened the BBB safely, and effectively enhanced Evans blue and 200-nm liposome delivery into the brain parenchyma. Conclusion Our study suggests that biosynthetic GVs hold great potential to serve as local BBB-opening agents in the development of new targeted drug delivery strategies for central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Yan
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tengfei Yu
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Du
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Shen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Bio Medical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Yuanyuan Shen; Wen He, Email ;
| | - Wen He
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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24
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Choi HJ, Han M, Seo H, Park CY, Lee EH, Park J. The new insight into the inflammatory response following focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:103. [PMID: 36564820 PMCID: PMC9783406 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00402-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the great potential of FUS-BBB disruption (FUS-BBBD), it is still controversial whether FUS-BBBD acts as an inducing factor of neuro-inflammation or not, and the biological responses after FUS-BBBD triggers the inflammatory process are poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety window for FUS levels based on a comprehensive safety assessment. METHODS The mice were treated with two different ultrasound parameters (0.25 MPa and 0.42 MPa) in the thalamus region of brain. The efficacy of BBB opening was verified by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and the cavitation monitoring. The transcriptome analysis was performed to investigate the molecular response for the two BBBD conditions after FUS-mediated BBB opening in time-dependent manners. Histological analysis was used for evaluation of the tissue damage, neuronal degeneration, and activation of glial cells induced by FUS-BBBD. RESULTS The BBBD, as quantified by the Ktrans, was approximately threefold higher in 0.42 MPa-treated group than 0.25 MPa-treated group. While the minimal tissue/cellular damage was found in 0.25 MPa-treated group, visible damages containing microhemorrhages and degenerating neurons were detected in 0.42 MPa-treated group in accordance with the extent of BBBD. In transcriptome analysis, 0.42 MPa-treated group exhibited highly dynamic changes in the expression levels of an inflammatory response or NF-κB pathway-relative genes in a time-dependent manner whereas, 0.25 MPa was not altered. Interestingly, although it is clear that 0.42 MPa induces neuroinflammation through glial activation, neuroprotective properties were evident by the expression of A2-type astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings propose that a well-defined BBBD parameter of 0.25 MPa could ensure the safety without cellular/tissue damage or sterile inflammatory response in the brain. Furthermore, the fact that the excessive sonication parameters at 0.42 MPa could induce a sterile inflammation response via glial activation suggested the possibility that could lead to tissue repair toward the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment through A2-type reactive astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jin Choi
- grid.496160.c0000 0004 6401 4233Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hubub), 80, Cheombok-Ro, Dong-Gu, Daegu, 41061 Republic of Korea
| | - Mun Han
- grid.496160.c0000 0004 6401 4233Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hubub), 80, Cheombok-Ro, Dong-Gu, Daegu, 41061 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Seo
- grid.256681.e0000 0001 0661 1492Department of Computer Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501, Jinju-Daero, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-Do 52828 Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Yuk Park
- grid.496160.c0000 0004 6401 4233Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hubub), 80, Cheombok-Ro, Dong-Gu, Daegu, 41061 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Lee
- grid.496160.c0000 0004 6401 4233Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hubub), 80, Cheombok-Ro, Dong-Gu, Daegu, 41061 Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Park
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973College of Future Industry, Department of High-Tech Medical Device, Gachon University, 1342, Seongnam-Daero, Sujeong-Gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi 13120 Republic of Korea
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25
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El Atat O, Naser R, Abdelkhalek M, Habib RA, El Sibai M. Molecular targeted therapy: A new avenue in glioblastoma treatment. Oncol Lett 2022; 25:46. [PMID: 36644133 PMCID: PMC9811647 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, also referred to as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is grade IV astrocytoma characterized by being fast-growing and the most aggressive brain tumor. In adults, it is the most prevalent type of malignant brain tumor. Despite the advancements in both diagnosis tools and therapeutic treatments, GBM is still associated with poor survival rate without any statistically significant improvement in the past three decades. Patient's genome signature is one of the key factors causing the development of this tumor, in addition to previous radiation exposure and other environmental factors. Researchers have identified genomic and subsequent molecular alterations affecting core pathways that trigger the malignant phenotype of this tumor. Targeting intrinsically altered molecules and pathways is seen as a novel avenue in GBM treatment. The present review shed light on signaling pathways and intrinsically altered molecules implicated in GBM development. It discussed the main challenges impeding successful GBM treatment, such as the blood brain barrier and tumor microenvironment (TME), the plasticity and heterogeneity of both GBM and TME and the glioblastoma stem cells. The present review also presented current advancements in GBM molecular targeted therapy in clinical trials. Profound and comprehensive understanding of molecular participants opens doors for innovative, more targeted and personalized GBM therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oula El Atat
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Rayan Naser
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Maya Abdelkhalek
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Abi Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon,Correspondence to: Professor Mirvat El Sibai, Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Koraytem Street, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon, E-mail:
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26
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Methylene Blue Delivery Mediated by Focused Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption Reduces Neural Damage and Amyloid-Beta Plaques by AQP-4 Upregulation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123191. [PMID: 36551947 PMCID: PMC9776289 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide, causing progressive cognitive decline, memory impairment, and neurological deficits. Methylene blue (MB), an antioxidant, has emerged as a potential drug for the treatment of AD owing to its cognitive improvement and neuroprotective functions. Despite the small molecular size of MB, which can cross the BBB, the therapeutic effective dosage using a BBB-permeable delivery system in a specific brain localization remains unclear. In this study, we presented magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a delivery system to enhance BBB permeability for the effective treatment of AD. MRgFUS using two ultrasound intensities (0.25 and 0.32 MPa) was used to intravenously deliver MB to the hippocampal region. Compared with treatment with 0.25 MPa FUS, treatment with 0.32 MPa FUS significantly enhanced MB brain accumulation. Deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neural cell damage was significantly reduced in 0.32 MPa FUS/MB-treated APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, aquaporin-4 expression increased significantly in the 0.32 MPa FUS and 0.32 MPa FUS/MB groups without glial fibrillary acidic protein activation. The results from this study demonstrate that FUS improved MB delivery to the brain, and FUS/MB combination treatment reduced the number of Aβ plaques. This study revealed the potential of FUS-BBBD as an effective strategy to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic drugs for AD.
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27
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Gorick CM, Breza VR, Nowak KM, Cheng VWT, Fisher DG, Debski AC, Hoch MR, Demir ZEF, Tran NM, Schwartz MR, Sheybani ND, Price RJ. Applications of focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114583. [PMID: 36272635 PMCID: PMC9712235 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The blood brain barrier (BBB) plays a critically important role in the regulation of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, but also represents a major limitation to treatments of brain pathologies. In recent years, focused ultrasound (FUS) in conjunction with gas-filled microbubble contrast agents has emerged as a powerful tool for transiently and non-invasively disrupting the BBB in a targeted and image-guided manner, allowing for localized delivery of drugs, genes, or other therapeutic agents. Beyond the delivery of known therapeutics, FUS-mediated BBB opening also demonstrates the potential for use in neuromodulation and the stimulation of a range of cell- and tissue-level physiological responses that may prove beneficial in disease contexts. Clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of FUS-mediated BBB opening are well underway, and offer promising non-surgical approaches to treatment of devastating pathologies. This article reviews a range of pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrating the tremendous potential of FUS to fundamentally change the paradigm of treatment for CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Gorick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Victoria R Breza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Katherine M Nowak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Vinton W T Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Delaney G Fisher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Anna C Debski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Matthew R Hoch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Zehra E F Demir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Nghi M Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mark R Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Natasha D Sheybani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Richard J Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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28
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Wang M, Guo S, Lin B, Lv T, Zhang Z, Hu D, Hu A, Xu B, Qi Y, Liu L, Cheng G, Chen Y, Zheng T. Ultrasonic-induced reversible blood–brain barrier opening: Safety evaluation into the cellular level. OPEN CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2022-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
An important function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is to protect the central nervous system and maintain its homeostasis, but it is also a major barrier to the intervention and treatment of neurological diseases. Our study aimed at opening the BBB using a noninvasive method, focused ultrasound, screening for 16 different parameter combinations of frequency, peak voltage (Ppeak) and irradiation time. Comparing the results of hematoxylin–eosin staining, serum oxidative damage factor and TUNEL staining under various conditions, we obtained a parameter combination that did not lead to oxidative stress injury and apoptosis: 0.8 mHz + 900 mVpp + 90 s. It will be used as a safety parameter for BBB opening treatment of Parkinson’s disease in our subsequent experiments. In addition, the closing time after the BBB opening was verified in magnetic resonance imaging contrast examination and at the tissue level. It is worth mentioning that, different from previous studies, we focused on damage assessment at cellular and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Shuyuan Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Bingling Lin
- Department of Imaging, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Tao Lv
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Zhuxia Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Die Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Azhen Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Bingxuan Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Yulong Qi
- Department of Imaging, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Li Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Guanxun Cheng
- Department of Imaging, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Yun Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center , Shenzhen 518036 , China
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Shen Y, Li N, Sun S, Dong L, Wang Y, Chang L, Zhang X, Wang F. Non-invasive, targeted, and non-viral ultrasound-mediated brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasmid delivery for treatment of autism in a rat model. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:986571. [PMID: 36117626 PMCID: PMC9475200 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.986571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism has clinical manifestations such as social interaction disorder, speech and intellectual development disorder, narrow interest range, and stereotyped and repetitive behavior, all of which bring considerable economic and mental burden to society and families, and represent a public health problem requiring urgent attention. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in supporting survival, differentiation, growth, and synapse formation of neurons and participates in the plasticity of nerves. However, it is difficult for BDNF to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) due to its large molecular weight. Low-frequency focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles (MBs) has been demonstrated to be a promising method for opening the BBB non-invasively, transiently, and locally. Here, we studied the therapeutic effect of FUS combined with BDNF plasmid-loaded cationic microbubbles (BDNFp-CMBs) in a rat model of autism. BDNF-CMBs were prepared and the transfection efficiency of FUS combined with BDNF-CMBs was tested in vitro. A rat model of autism was established from the juvenile male offspring of Sprague-Dawley (SD) pregnant rats treated with sodium valproate (VPA) solution through intraperitoneal injection. The autism rats were randomized into three groups: the VPA group, which received no treatment, the BDNFp group, which was treated by injection of BDNFp, and the FUS + BDNFp-CMBs group, which was administered FUS combined with BDNFp-CMBs. Age-matched normal rats served as the control group (Con). Following treatment, stereotyped, exploratory, and social–behavioral tests were performed on the animals in each group. The rat brains were then collected for subsequent histological examination, and the changes in synaptic structures in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were detected under transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the constructed BDNFp could be loaded onto CMBs with high loading efficiency. The BDNFp-CMBs prepared in this study showed good stability in vivo. FUS combined BDNFp-CMBs could effectively and non-invasively open the BBB of rats. The stereotyped, exploratory, and social behaviors of the FUS + BDNFp-CMBs group were significantly improved. Compared to the VPA group, the abnormality of neuronal morphology and number in the PFC of the FUS + BDNFp-CMBs was alleviated to a certain extent and was accompanied by restoration of the damaged synapses in the encephalic region. Our work demonstrates the positive therapeutic effect of BDNF delivered by FUS non-invasively across the BBB into the PFC in a rat model of autism, offering a potential strategy for treating autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Shen
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Health Science Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nana Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shuneng Sun
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Health Science Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yongling Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Liansheng Chang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Liansheng Chang,
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Health Science Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Xinyu Zhang,
| | - Feng Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Feng Wang,
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Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets as Potential Nanocarriers for Brain Delivery Assisted by Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071498. [PMID: 35890391 PMCID: PMC9323719 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071498] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of brain diseases remains a challenge, particularly because of the difficulty for drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier. Among strategies developed to improve drug delivery, nano-sized emulsions (i.e., nanoemulsions), employed as nanocarriers, have been described. Moreover, focused ultrasound-mediated blood–brain barrier disruption using microbubbles is an attractive method to overcome this barrier, showing promising results in clinical trials. Therefore, nanoemulsions combined with this technology represent a real opportunity to bypass the constraints imposed by the blood–brain barrier and improve the treatment of brain diseases. In this work, a stable freeze-dried emulsion of perfluorooctyl bromide nanodroplets stabilized with home-made fluorinated surfactants able to carry hydrophobic agents is developed. This formulation is biocompatible and droplets composing the emulsion are internalized in multiple cell lines. After intravenous administration in mice, droplets are eliminated from the bloodstream in 24 h (blood half-life (t1/2) = 3.11 h) and no long-term toxicity is expected since they are completely excreted from mice’ bodies after 72 h. In addition, intracerebral accumulation of tagged droplets is safely and significantly increased after focused ultrasound-mediated blood–brain barrier disruption. Thus, the proposed nanoemulsion appears as a promising nanocarrier for a successful focused ultrasound-mediated brain delivery of hydrophobic agents.
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31
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Kelly AM, Berry MR, Tasker SZ, McKee SA, Fan TM, Hergenrother PJ. Target-Agnostic P-Glycoprotein Assessment Yields Strategies to Evade Efflux, Leading to a BRAF Inhibitor with Intracranial Efficacy. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12367-12380. [PMID: 35759775 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c03944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major hurdle in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active therapeutics, and expression of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter at the blood-brain interface further impedes BBB penetrance of most small molecules. Designing efflux liabilities out of compounds can be laborious, and there is currently no generalizable approach to directly transform periphery-limited agents to ones active in the CNS. Here, we describe a target-agnostic, prospective assessment of P-gp efflux using diverse compounds. Our results demonstrate that reducing the molecular size or appending a carboxylic acid in many cases enables evasion of P-gp efflux in cell-based experiments and in mice. These strategies were then applied to transform a periphery-limited V600EBRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib, into versions that possess potent and selective anti-cancer activity but now also evade P-gp-mediated efflux. When compared to dabrafenib, the compound developed herein (everafenib) has superior BBB penetrance and superior efficacy in an intracranial mouse model of metastatic melanoma, suggesting it as a lead candidate for the treatment of melanoma metastases to the brain and gliomas with BRAF mutation. More generally, the results described herein suggest the actionability of the trends observed in these target-agnostic efflux studies and provide guidance for the conversion of non-BBB-penetrant drugs into versions that are BBB-penetrant and efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya M Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Matthew R Berry
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sarah Z Tasker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sydney A McKee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Timothy M Fan
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Paul J Hergenrother
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Power EA, Rechberger JS, Gupta S, Schwartz JD, Daniels DJ, Khatua S. Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors - An update. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114303. [PMID: 35460714 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Even though the last decade has seen a surge in the identification of molecular targets and targeted therapies in pediatric brain tumors, the blood brain barrier (BBB) remains a significant challenge in systemic drug delivery. This continues to undermine therapeutic efficacy. Recent efforts have identified several strategies that can facilitate enhanced drug delivery into pediatric brain tumors. These include invasive methods such as intra-arterial, intrathecal, and convection enhanced delivery and non-invasive technologies that allow for transient access across the BBB, including focused ultrasound and nanotechnology. This review discusses current strategies that are being used to enhance delivery of different therapies across the BBB to the tumor site - a major unmet need in pediatric neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Power
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Julian S Rechberger
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Las Vegas, NV 89118, United States
| | - Jonathan D Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States.
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Janouskova O, Herma R, Semeradtova A, Poustka D, Liegertova M, Malinska HA, Maly J. Conventional and Nonconventional Sources of Exosomes-Isolation Methods and Influence on Their Downstream Biomedical Application. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:846650. [PMID: 35586196 PMCID: PMC9110031 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.846650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive study of extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically exosomes (EXs) as biomarkers, important modulators of physiological or pathological processes, or therapeutic agents, relatively little is known about nonconventional sources of EXs, such as invertebrate or plant EXs, and their uses. Likewise, there is no clear information on the overview of storage conditions and currently used isolation methods, including new ones, such as microfluidics, which fundamentally affect the characterization of EXs and their other biomedical applications. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize conventional and nonconventional sources of EXs, storage conditions and typical isolation methods, widely used kits and new "smart" technologies with emphasis on the influence of isolation techniques on EX content, protein detection, RNA, mRNA and others. At the same time, attention is paid to a brief overview of the direction of biomedical application of EXs, especially in diagnostics, therapy, senescence and aging and, with regard to the current situation, in issues related to Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Janouskova
- Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista University in Ústí Nad Labem, Ústí Nad Labem, Czech Republic
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Breaking through the barrier: Modelling and exploiting the physical microenvironment to enhance drug transport and efficacy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114183. [PMID: 35278523 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical compounds are the main pillar in the treatment of various illnesses. To administer these drugs in the therapeutic setting, multiple routes of administration have been defined, including ingestion, inhalation, and injection. After administration, drugs need to find their way to the intended target for high effectiveness, and this penetration is greatly dependent on obstacles the drugs encounter along their path. Key hurdles include the physical barriers that are present within the body and knowledge of those is indispensable for progress in the development of drugs with increased therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we examine several important physical barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, the gut-mucosal barrier, and the extracellular matrix barrier, and evaluate their influence on drug transport and efficacy. We explore various in vitro model systems that aid in understanding how parameters within the barrier model affect drug transfer and therapeutic effect. We conclude that physical barriers in the body restrict the quantity of drugs that can pass through, mainly as a consequence of the barrier architecture. In addition, the specific physical properties of the tissue can trigger intracellular changes, altering cell behavior in response to drugs. Though the barriers negatively influence drug distribution, physical stimulation of the surrounding environment may also be exploited as a mechanism to control drug release. This drug delivery approach is explored in this review as a potential alternative to the conventional ways of delivering therapeutics.
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35
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Rong L, Li N, Zhang Z. Emerging therapies for glioblastoma: current state and future directions. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:142. [PMID: 35428347 PMCID: PMC9013078 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common high-grade primary malignant brain tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. Given the poor survival with currently approved treatments for GBM, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Advances in decades of investment in basic science of glioblastoma are rapidly translated into innovative clinical trials, utilizing improved genetic and epigenetic profiling of glioblastoma as well as the brain microenvironment and immune system interactions. Following these encouraging findings, immunotherapy including immune checkpoint blockade, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and vaccine therapy have offered new hope for improving GBM outcomes; ongoing studies are using combinatorial therapies with the aim of minimizing adverse side-effects and augmenting antitumor immune responses. In addition, techniques to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for targeted delivery are being tested in clinical trials in patients with recurrent GBM. Here, we set forth the rationales for these promising therapies in treating GBM, review the potential novel agents, the current status of preclinical and clinical trials, and discuss the challenges and future perspectives in glioblastoma immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Rong
- Institute of Human Virology, Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ni Li
- Institute of Human Virology, Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Ministry of Education, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
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36
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Transcutaneous ultrasound mediated gene delivery into canine livers achieves therapeutic levels of FVIII expression. Blood Adv 2022; 6:3557-3568. [PMID: 35427415 PMCID: PMC9631573 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonviral UMGD can achieve therapeutic levels of FVIII gene expression in a large animal model. UMGD targeting liver is safe without evidence of any lasting damage.
A safe, effective, and inclusive gene therapy will significantly benefit a large population of patients with hemophilia. We used a minimally invasive transcutaneous ultrasound-mediated gene delivery (UMGD) strategy combined with microbubbles (MBs) to enhance gene transfer into 4 canine livers. A mixture of high-expressing, liver-specific human factor VIII (hFVIII) plasmid and MBs was injected into the hepatic vein via balloon catheter under fluoroscopy guidance with simultaneous transcutaneous UMGD treatment targeting a specific liver lobe. Therapeutic levels of hFVIII expression were achieved in all 4 dogs, and hFVIII levels were maintained at a detectable level in 3 dogs throughout the 60-day experimental period. Plasmid copy numbers correlated with hFVIII antigen levels, and plasmid-derived messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected in treated livers. Liver transaminase levels and histology analysis indicated minimal liver damage and a rapid recovery after treatment. These results indicate that liver-targeted transcutaneous UMGD is promising as a clinically feasible therapy for hemophilia A and other diseases.
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Gandhi K, Barzegar-Fallah A, Banstola A, Rizwan SB, Reynolds JNJ. Ultrasound-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption for Drug Delivery: A Systematic Review of Protocols, Efficacy, and Safety Outcomes from Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040833. [PMID: 35456667 PMCID: PMC9029131 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption has garnered focus as a method of delivering normally impenetrable drugs into the brain. Numerous studies have investigated this approach, and a diverse set of ultrasound parameters appear to influence the efficacy and safety of this approach. An understanding of these findings is essential for safe and reproducible BBB disruption, as well as in identifying the limitations and gaps for further advancement of this drug delivery approach. We aimed to collate and summarise protocols and parameters for achieving ultrasound-mediated BBB disruption in animal and clinical studies, as well as the efficacy and safety methods and outcomes associated with each. A systematic search of electronic databases helped in identifying relevant, included studies. Reference lists of included studies were further screened to identify supplemental studies for inclusion. In total, 107 articles were included in this review, and the following parameters were identified as influencing efficacy and safety outcomes: microbubbles, transducer frequency, peak-negative pressure, pulse characteristics, and the dosing of ultrasound applications. Current protocols and parameters achieving ultrasound-mediated BBB disruption, as well as their associated efficacy and safety outcomes, are identified and summarised. Greater standardisation of protocols and parameters in future preclinical and clinical studies is required to inform robust clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushan Gandhi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (K.G.); (A.B.-F.); (A.B.)
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
| | - Anita Barzegar-Fallah
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (K.G.); (A.B.-F.); (A.B.)
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
| | - Ashik Banstola
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (K.G.); (A.B.-F.); (A.B.)
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
| | - Shakila B. Rizwan
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - John N. J. Reynolds
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (K.G.); (A.B.-F.); (A.B.)
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3479-5781; Fax: +64-3479-7254
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38
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Ortega-Pineda L, Sunyecz A, Salazar-Puerta AI, Rincon-Benavides MA, Alzate-Correa D, Anaparthi AL, Guilfoyle E, Mezache L, Struckman HL, Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Deng B, McComb DW, Dodd D, Lawrence WR, Moore J, Zhang J, Reátegui E, Veeraraghavan R, Nelson MT, Gallego-Perez D, Higuita-Castro N. Designer Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Pro-Neuronal Cell Responses and Improve Intracranial Retention. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2100805. [PMID: 35014204 PMCID: PMC9466406 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene/oligonucleotide therapies have emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of different neurological conditions. However, current methodologies for the delivery of neurogenic/neurotrophic cargo to brain and nerve tissue are fraught with caveats, including reliance on viral vectors, potential toxicity, and immune/inflammatory responses. Moreover, delivery to the central nervous system is further compounded by the low permeability of the blood brain barrier. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising delivery vehicles for neurogenic/neurotrophic therapies, overcoming many of the limitations mentioned above. However, the manufacturing processes used for therapeutic EVs remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a detailed study of the manufacturing process of neurogenic EVs by characterizing the nature of cargo and surface decoration, as well as the transfer dynamics across donor cells, EVs, and recipient cells. Neurogenic EVs loaded with Ascl1, Brn2, and Myt1l (ABM) are found to show enhanced neuron-specific tropism, modulate electrophysiological activity in neuronal cultures, and drive pro-neurogenic conversions/reprogramming. Moreover, murine studies demonstrate that surface decoration with glutamate receptors appears to mediate enhanced EV delivery to the brain. Altogether, the results indicate that ABM-loaded designer EVs can be a promising platform nanotechnology to drive pro-neuronal responses, and that surface functionalization with glutamate receptors can facilitate the deployment of EVs to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilibeth Ortega-Pineda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Alec Sunyecz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Ana I. Salazar-Puerta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | | | - Diego Alzate-Correa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | | | - Ellie Guilfoyle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Louisa Mezache
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Heather L. Struckman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Silvia Duarte-Sanmiguel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Binbin Deng
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - David W. McComb
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniel Dodd
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - William R. Lawrence
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Jordan Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Eduardo Reátegui
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | | | - M. Tyler Nelson
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, United States
| | - Daniel Gallego-Perez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Natalia Higuita-Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Corresponding author:
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Gorick CM, Saucerman JJ, Price RJ. Computational model of brain endothelial cell signaling pathways predicts therapeutic targets for cerebral pathologies. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2022; 164:17-28. [PMID: 34798125 PMCID: PMC8958390 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain endothelial cells serve many critical homeostatic functions. In addition to sensing and regulating blood flow, they maintain blood-brain barrier function, including precise control of nutrient exchange and efflux of xenobiotics. Many signaling pathways in brain endothelial cells have been implicated in both health and disease; however, our understanding of how these signaling pathways functionally integrate is limited. A model capable of integrating these signaling pathways could both advance our understanding of brain endothelial cell signaling networks and potentially identify promising molecular targets for endothelial cell-based drug or gene therapies. To this end, we developed a large-scale computational model, wherein brain endothelial cell signaling pathways were reconstructed from the literature and converted into a network of logic-based differential equations. The model integrates 63 nodes (including proteins, mRNA, small molecules, and cell phenotypes) and 82 reactions connecting these nodes. Specifically, our model combines signaling pathways relating to VEGF-A, BDNF, NGF, and Wnt signaling, in addition to incorporating pathways relating to focused ultrasound as a therapeutic delivery tool. To validate the model, independently established relationships between selected inputs and outputs were simulated, with the model yielding correct predictions 73% of the time. We identified influential and sensitive nodes under different physiological or pathological contexts, including altered brain endothelial cell conditions during glioma, Alzheimer's disease, and ischemic stroke. Nodes with the greatest influence over combinations of desired model outputs were identified as potential druggable targets for these disease conditions. For example, the model predicts therapeutic benefits from inhibiting AKT, Hif-1α, or cathepsin D in the context of glioma - each of which are currently being studied in clinical or pre-clinical trials. Notably, the model also permits testing multiple combinations of node alterations for their effects on the network and the desired outputs (such as inhibiting AKT and overexpressing the P75 neurotrophin receptor simultaneously in the context of glioma), allowing for the prediction of optimal combination therapies. In all, our approach integrates results from over 100 past studies into a coherent and powerful model, capable of both revealing network interactions unapparent from studying any one pathway in isolation and predicting therapeutic targets for treating devastating brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Gorick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Saucerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA,Corresponding authors at: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Box 800759, Health System, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. (J.J. Saucerman), (R.J. Price)
| | - Richard J. Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA,Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA,Corresponding authors at: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Box 800759, Health System, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. (J.J. Saucerman), (R.J. Price)
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Abstract
Brain disease remains a significant health, social, and economic burden with a high failure rate of translation of therapeutics to the clinic. Nanotherapeutics have represented a promising area of technology investment to improve drug bioavailability and delivery to the brain, with several successes for nanotherapeutic use for central nervous system disease that are currently in the clinic. However, renewed and continued research on the treatment of neurological disorders is critically needed. We explore the challenges of drug delivery to the brain and the ways in which nanotherapeutics can overcome these challenges. We provide a summary and overview of general design principles that can be applied to nanotherapeutics for uptake and penetration in the brain. We next highlight remaining questions that limit the translational potential of nanotherapeutics for application in the clinic. Lastly, we provide recommendations for ongoing preclinical research to improve the overall success of nanotherapeutics against neurological disease. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Volume 13 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Elizabeth Nance
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
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Mathew EN, Berry BC, Yang HW, Carroll RS, Johnson MD. Delivering Therapeutics to Glioblastoma: Overcoming Biological Constraints. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031711. [PMID: 35163633 PMCID: PMC8835860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most lethal intrinsic brain tumor. Even with the existing treatment regimen of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the median survival time is only 15–23 months. The invasive nature of this tumor makes its complete removal very difficult, leading to a high recurrence rate of over 90%. Drug delivery to glioblastoma is challenging because of the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of the tumor, its infiltrative nature, and the blood–brain barrier. Understanding the critical characteristics that restrict drug delivery to the tumor is necessary to develop platforms for the enhanced delivery of effective treatments. In this review, we address the impact of tumor invasion, the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of the tumor, and the blood–brain barrier on the delivery and distribution of drugs using potential therapeutic delivery options such as convection-enhanced delivery, controlled release systems, nanomaterial systems, peptide-based systems, and focused ultrasound.
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Royse MK, Means AK, Calderon GA, Kinstlinger IS, He Y, Durante MR, Procopio A, Veiseh O, Xu J. A 3D printable perfused hydrogel vascular model to assay ultrasound-induced permeability. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:3158-3173. [DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00223j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The development of an in vitro model to study vascular permeability is vital for clinical applications such as the targeted delivery of therapeutics. This work demonstrates the use of a...
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Schoen S, Kilinc MS, Lee H, Guo Y, Degertekin FL, Woodworth GF, Arvanitis C. Towards controlled drug delivery in brain tumors with microbubble-enhanced focused ultrasound. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114043. [PMID: 34801617 PMCID: PMC8724442 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors are particularly challenging malignancies, due to their location in a structurally and functionally distinct part of the human body - the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is separated and protected by a unique system of brain and blood vessel cells which together prevent most bloodborne therapeutics from entering the brain tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, great strides have been made through microbubble (MB) ultrasound contrast agents in conjunction with ultrasound energy to locally increase the permeability of brain vessels and modulate the brain TME. As we elaborate in this review, this physical method can effectively deliver a wide range of anticancer agents, including chemotherapeutics, antibodies, and nanoparticle drug conjugates across a range of preclinical brain tumors, including high grade glioma (glioblastoma), diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, and brain metastasis. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that this technology can promote the effective delivery of novel immunotherapeutic agents, including immune check-point inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, among others. With early clinical studies demonstrating safety, and several Phase I/II trials testing the preclinical findings underway, this technology is making firm steps towards shaping the future treatments of primary and metastatic brain cancer. By elaborating on its key components, including ultrasound systems and MB technology, along with methods for closed-loop spatial and temporal control of MB activity, we highlight how this technology can be tuned to enable new, personalized treatment strategies for primary brain malignancies and brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Schoen
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - M. Sait Kilinc
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Hohyun Lee
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Yutong Guo
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - F. Levent Degertekin
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Graeme F. Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA,Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, College Park, MD 20742, USA,Fischell Department of Bioengineering A. James Clarke School of Engineering, University of Maryland
| | - Costas Arvanitis
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Sabuncu S, Yildirim A. Gas-stabilizing nanoparticles for ultrasound imaging and therapy of cancer. NANO CONVERGENCE 2021; 8:39. [PMID: 34851458 PMCID: PMC8636532 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-021-00287-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of ultrasound in the clinic has been long established for cancer detection and image-guided tissue biopsies. In addition, ultrasound-based methods have been widely explored to develop more effective cancer therapies such as localized drug delivery, sonodynamic therapy, and focused ultrasound surgery. Stabilized fluorocarbon microbubbles have been in use as contrast agents for ultrasound imaging in the clinic for several decades. It is also known that microbubble cavitation could generate thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects in the tissue to improve ultrasound-based therapies. However, the large size, poor stability, and short-term cavitation activity of microbubbles limit their applications in cancer imaging and therapy. This review will focus on an alternative type of ultrasound responsive material; gas-stabilizing nanoparticles, which can address the limitations of microbubbles with their nanoscale size, robustness, and high cavitation activity. This review will be of interest to researchers who wish to explore new agents to develop improved methods for molecular ultrasound imaging and therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Sabuncu
- CEDAR, Knight Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Adem Yildirim
- CEDAR, Knight Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
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Schwartz MR, Debski AC, Price RJ. Ultrasound-targeted nucleic acid delivery for solid tumor therapy. J Control Release 2021; 339:531-546. [PMID: 34655678 PMCID: PMC8599656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Depending upon multiple factors, malignant solid tumors are conventionally treated by some combination of surgical resection, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Despite decades of research, therapeutic responses remain poor for many cancer indications. Further, many current therapies in our armamentarium are either invasive or accompanied by toxic side effects. In lieu of traditional pharmaceutics and invasive therapeutic interventions, gene therapies offer more flexible and potentially more durable approaches for new anti-cancer therapies. Nonetheless, many current gene delivery approaches suffer from low transfection efficiency due to physiological barriers limiting extravasation and uptake of genetic material. Additionally, systemically administered gene therapies may lack target-specificity, which can lead to off-target effects. To overcome these challenges, many preclinical studies have shown the utility of focused ultrasound (FUS) to increase macromolecule uptake in cells and tissue under image guidance, demonstrating promise for improved delivery of therapeutics to solid tumors. As FUS-based drug delivery is now being tested in several clinical trials around the world, FUS-targeted gene therapy for solid tumor therapy may not be far behind. In this review, we comprehensively cover the literature pertaining to preclinical attempts to more efficiently deliver therapeutic genetic material with FUS and offer perspectives for future studies and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Anna C Debski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Richard J Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Shen X, Guo J, Fan N, Lai M, Huang L, Wang J, Li Q. Protective effect of ultrasound microbubble combined with gross saponins of tribulus terrestris on glaucomatous optic nerve damage. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1436. [PMID: 34733988 PMCID: PMC8506763 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background To investigate the protective effect of ultrasound microbubble combined with gross saponins of tribulus terrestris (GSTT) (a Chinese herb) on glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Methods Rabbits were randomly divided into five groups. Normal (Group A), high intraocular pressure (IOP, Group B), GSTT (Group C), GSTT + ultrasound (Group D), and GSTT + ultrasound + microbubble destruction (Group E). The high intraocular pressure eye (model eye) was compared to the normal eye (control eye) at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after model establishment. Rabbits were sacrificed 4 weeks later to measure the retina thickness using Cirrus OCT, slit lamp photograph, and fundus photography. The retina and optic nerve of rabbits in each group were collected and the stretched retina were prepared for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) counting, the optic nerve axon was measured, and a transmission electron microscopy was used. Results Retina thickness based on Cirrus OCT: mean retinal thickness in Group E was significantly greater than that in Group B, but still thinner than that in Group A. RGCs counts: RGCs counts in Group E were significantly higher than those in Groups B, C, and D but still lower than those in Group A. Quantitative analysis of optic nerve axons: In Group E, the number of optic nerves was increased, diameters of optic nerve axons were decreased, the percentage of optic nerve area occupied by axons was increased, and there were statistically significant differences compared to Groups B, C, and D. Content of GSTT in retina: The content of GSTT in Group E was significantly higher than that in other groups. Observation of the rabbit optic nerves: In Group E, the structure of the myelin sheath of the optic nerve was still intact but less ordered, and the microtubule and microfilament structures in the axons were clear. Conclusions Combination of the ultrasound microbubble and GSTT can improve the protective effect of GSTT on optic nerve damage in rabbits with ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shen
- Department of Glaucoma, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junhong Guo
- Department of Glaucoma, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Department of Glaucoma, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingying Lai
- Department of Glaucoma, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lina Huang
- Department of Glaucoma, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiantao Wang
- Department of Glaucoma, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
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Song R, Zhang C, Teng F, Tu J, Guo X, Fan Z, Zheng Y, Zhang D. Cavitation-facilitated transmembrane permeability enhancement induced by acoustically vaporized nanodroplets. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2021; 79:105790. [PMID: 34662804 PMCID: PMC8526759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2021.105790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound-facilitated transmembrane permeability enhancement has attracted broad attention in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, by delivering gene/drugs into the deep site of brain tissues with a safer and more effective way. Although the feasibility of using acoustically vaporized nanodroplets to open the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) has previously been reported, the relevant physical mechanisms and impact factors are not well known. In the current study, a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane was used to mimic the multi-layered pore structure of BBB. The cavitation activity and the penetration ability of phase-changed nanodroplets were systemically evaluated at different concentration levels, and compared with the results obtained for SonoVue microbubbles. Passive cavitation detection showed that less intensified but more sustained inertial cavitation (IC) activity would be generated by vaporized nanodroplets than microbubbles. As the results, with a sufficiently high concentration (∼5 × 108/mL), phase-changed nanodroplets were more effective than microbubbles in enabling a fluorescent tracer agent (FITC, 150 kDa) to penetrate deeper and more homogeneously through the NC membrane, and a positive correlation was observed between accumulated IC dose and the amount of penetrated FITC. In vivo studies further confirmed acoustically vaporized nanodroplets performed better than microbubbles by opening the BBB in rats' brains. These results indicated that phase-changed nanodroplets can be used as a safe, efficient and durable agent to achieve satisfactory cavitation-mediated permeability enhancement effect in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Song
- Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics (MOE), Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructure, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chunbing Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fengmeng Teng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Juan Tu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics (MOE), Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructure, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; The State Key Laboratory of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 10080, China.
| | - Xiasheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics (MOE), Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructure, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Zheng Fan
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Yinfei Zheng
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou 311100, China.
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics (MOE), Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructure, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; The State Key Laboratory of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 10080, China.
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Verification of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption Based on the Clinical Validation Platform Using a Rat Model with Human Skull. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111429. [PMID: 34827428 PMCID: PMC8615862 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods to improve drug delivery efficiency through blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) based on microbubbles and focused ultrasound (FUS) are continuously being studied. However, most studies are being conducted in preclinical trial environments using small animals. The use of the human skull shows differences between the clinical and preclinical trials. BBBD results from preclinical trials are difficult to represent in clinical trials because various distortions of ultrasound by the human skull are excluded in the former. Therefore, in our study, a clinical validation platform based on a preclinical trial environment, using a human skull fragment and a rat model, was developed to induce BBBD under conditions similar to clinical trials. For this, a human skull fragment was inserted between the rat head and a 250 kHz FUS transducer, and optimal ultrasound parameters for the free field (without human skull fragment) and human skull (with human skull fragment) were derived by 300 mVpp and 700 mVpp, respectively. BBBD was analyzed according to each case using magnetic resonance images, Evans blue dye, cavitation, and histology. Although it was confirmed using magnetic resonance images and Evans blue dye that a BBB opening was induced in each case, multiple BBB openings were observed in the brain tissues. This phenomenon was analyzed by numerical simulation, and it was confirmed to be due to standing waves owing to the small skull size of the rat model. The stable cavitation doses (SCDh and SCDu) in the human skull decreased by 13.6- and 5.3-fold, respectively, compared to those in the free field. Additionally, the inertial cavitation dose in the human skull decreased by 1.05-fold compared to that of the free field. For the histological analysis, although some extravasated red blood cells were observed in each case, it was evaluated as recoverable based on our previous study results. Therefore, our proposed platform can help deduct optimal ultrasound parameters and BBBD results for clinical trials in the preclinical trials with small animals because it considers variables relevant to the human skull.
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Wang Y, Hu LF, Zhou TJ, Qi LY, Xing L, Lee J, Wang FZ, Oh YK, Jiang HL. Gene therapy strategies for rare monogenic disorders with nuclear or mitochondrial gene mutations. Biomaterials 2021; 277:121108. [PMID: 34478929 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rare monogenic disorders are a group of single-gene-mutated diseases that have a low incidence rate (less than 0.5‰) and eventually lead to patient disability and even death. Due to the relatively low number of people affected, these diseases typically fail to attract a great deal of commercial investment and research interest, and the affected patients thus have unmet medical needs. Advances in genomics biology, gene editing, and gene delivery can now offer potentially effective options for treating rare monogenic diseases. Herein, we review the application of gene therapy strategies (traditional gene therapy and gene editing) against various rare monogenic diseases with nuclear or mitochondrial gene mutations, including eye, central nervous system, pulmonary, systemic, and blood cell diseases. We summarize their pathologic features, address the barriers to gene delivery for these diseases, discuss available therapies in the clinic and in clinical trials, and sum up in-development gene delivery systems for various rare monogenic disorders. Finally, we elaborate the possible directions and outlook of gene therapy for rare monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Li-Fan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lian-Yu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Jaiwoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Feng-Zhen Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, China.
| | - Yu-Kyoung Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China; Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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50
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Krafft MP, Riess JG. Therapeutic oxygen delivery by perfluorocarbon-based colloids. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 294:102407. [PMID: 34120037 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
After the protocol-related indecisive clinical trial of Oxygent, a perfluorooctylbromide/phospholipid nanoemulsion, in cardiac surgery, that often unduly assigned the observed untoward effects to the product, the development of perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based O2 nanoemulsions ("blood substitutes") has come to a low. Yet, significant further demonstrations of PFC O2-delivery efficacy have continuously been reported, such as relief of hypoxia after myocardial infarction or stroke; protection of vital organs during surgery; potentiation of O2-dependent cancer therapies, including radio-, photodynamic-, chemo- and immunotherapies; regeneration of damaged nerve, bone or cartilage; preservation of organ grafts destined for transplantation; and control of gas supply in tissue engineering and biotechnological productions. PFC colloids capable of augmenting O2 delivery include primarily injectable PFC nanoemulsions, microbubbles and phase-shift nanoemulsions. Careful selection of PFC and other colloid components is critical. The basics of O2 delivery by PFC nanoemulsions will be briefly reminded. Improved knowledge of O2 delivery mechanisms has been acquired. Advanced, size-adjustable O2-delivering nanoemulsions have been designed that have extended room-temperature shelf-stability. Alternate O2 delivery options are being investigated that rely on injectable PFC-stabilized microbubbles or phase-shift PFC nanoemulsions. The latter combine prolonged circulation in the vasculature, capacity for penetrating tumor tissues, and acute responsiveness to ultrasound and other external stimuli. Progress in microbubble and phase-shift emulsion engineering, control of phase-shift activation (vaporization), understanding and control of bubble/ultrasound/tissue interactions is discussed. Control of the phase-shift event and of microbubble size require utmost attention. Further PFC-based colloidal systems, including polymeric micelles, PFC-loaded organic or inorganic nanoparticles and scaffolds, have been devised that also carry substantial amounts of O2. Local, on-demand O2 delivery can be triggered by external stimuli, including focused ultrasound irradiation or tumor microenvironment. PFC colloid functionalization and targeting can help adjust their properties for specific indications, augment their efficacy, improve safety profiles, and expand the range of their indications. Many new medical and biotechnological applications involving fluorinated colloids are being assessed, including in the clinic. Further uses of PFC-based colloidal nanotherapeutics will be briefly mentioned that concern contrast diagnostic imaging, including molecular imaging and immune cell tracking; controlled delivery of therapeutic energy, as for noninvasive surgical ablation and sonothrombolysis; and delivery of drugs and genes, including across the blood-brain barrier. Even when the fluorinated colloids investigated are designed for other purposes than O2 supply, they will inevitably also carry and deliver a certain amount of O2, and may thus be considered for O2 delivery or co-delivery applications. Conversely, O2-carrying PFC nanoemulsions possess by nature a unique aptitude for 19F MR imaging, and hence, cell tracking, while PFC-stabilized microbubbles are ideal resonators for ultrasound contrast imaging and can undergo precise manipulation and on-demand destruction by ultrasound waves, thereby opening multiple theranostic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pierre Krafft
- University of Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron (CNRS), 23 rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Jean G Riess
- Harangoutte Institute, 68160 Ste Croix-aux-Mines, France
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