Polypeptide Derivative of Metformin with the Combined Advantage of a Gene Carrier and Anticancer Activity

Green synthesis, anti-proliferative evaluation, docking, and MD simulations studies of novel 2-piperazinyl quinoxaline derivatives using hercynite sulfaguanidine-SA as a highly efficient and reusable nanocatalyst

In this study, the immobilization of sulfaguanidine-SA on the surface of FeAl2O4 (hercynite) MNPs (magnetic nanoparticles) as a novel acid nanocatalyst has been successfully reported for the synthesis of 2-(piperazin-1-yl) quinoxaline derivatives via a one-pot multiple-component reaction under green conditions. The products were characterized by SEM, TEM, TGA, EDS, BET technique, VSM, and FTIR. This series of novel 2-piperazinyl quinoxaline derivatives containing isatin-based thio/semicarbazones and/or Schiff bases of Metformin were evaluated for anticancer activity against both human ovarian and colon-derived tumor cell lines by MTT colorimetric assay. Although most of the investigated hybrid compounds exhibited excellent anti-proliferative activities and high selectivity index (SI) values, the promising compounds N'-[4-(quinoxaline-2-yl)-piperazine-1-yl]methyl-5-chloro-1-H-indole,2,3-dion-3-metformin 4c and N'-[4-(quinoxaline-2-yl)-piperazine-1-yl]methyl-5-bromo-1-H-indole,2,3-dion-3-metformin 4b proved to be the most potent anti-proliferative agents (IC50 values < 1 μM). Molecular docking and dynamics simulation suggest that these hybrid compounds can be wrapped in the catalytic cavity of c-Kit tyrosine kinase receptor and the binding pocket of P-glycoprotein with high scores. Thus, 2-piperazinyl quinoxaline linked isatin-based N-Mannich bases of metformin and/or thio/semicarbazones might be served as suitable candidates for further investigations to develop a new generation of multi-target cancer chemotherapy agents.

Biomedical applications of nanomaterials in the advancement of nucleic acid therapy: Mechanistic challenges, delivery strategies, and therapeutic applications

In the past few decades, substantial advancement has been made in nucleic acid (NA)-based therapies. Promising treatments include mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and anti-sense DNA for treating various clinical disorders by modifying the expression of DNA or RNA. However, their effectiveness is limited due to their concentrated negative charge, instability, large size, and host barriers, which make widespread application difficult. The effective delivery of these medicines requires safe vectors that are efficient & selective while having non-pathogenic qualities; thus, nanomaterials have become an attractive option with promising possibilities despite some potential setbacks. Nanomaterials possess ideal characteristics, allowing them to be tuned into functional bio-entity capable of targeted delivery. In this review, current breakthroughs in the non-viral strategy of delivering NAs are discussed with the goal of overcoming challenges that would otherwise be experienced by therapeutics. It offers insight into a wide variety of existing NA-based therapeutic modalities and techniques. In addition to this, it provides a rationale for the use of non-viral vectors and a variety of nanomaterials to accomplish efficient gene therapy. Further, it discusses the potential for biomedical application of nanomaterials-based gene therapy in various conditions, such as cancer therapy, tissue engineering, neurological disorders, and infections.

Nano drug delivery systems for antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) therapeutics

Cancer, infectious diseases, and metabolic and hereditary genetic disorders are a global health burden affecting millions of people, with contemporary treatments offering limited relief. Antisense technology treats diseases by targeting their causal agents using its ability to alter or inhibit endogenous or malfunctioning genes. Nine antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs that represent four different chemical classes have been approved for the treatment of rare diseases, including nusinersen, the first new oligonucleotide-based drug. Advances in medicinal chemistry, understanding the molecular pathways, and the availability of vast genetic data have resulted in enormous improvements in the therapeutic performance of ASO drugs; however, their susceptibility to degradation in the circulation, rapid renal clearance, and immunostimulatory adverse effects greatly limit their clinical applications. An increasing number of ASO-based therapeutics is being tested in clinical trials. Improvements to the delivery of ASO drugs could potentially change the therapeutic landscape for many conditions in the near future. This review describes the technological advances and developments in drug delivery systems pertaining to ASO therapeutics.

The role of MicroRNA networks in tissue-specific direct and indirect effects of metformin and its application

Metformin is a first-line oral antidiabetic agent that results in clear benefits in relation to glucose metabolism and diabetes-related complications. The specific regulatory details and mechanisms underlying these benefits are still unclear and require further investigation. There is recent mounting evidence that metformin has pleiotropic effects on the target tissue development in metabolic organs, including adipose tissue, the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. The mechanism of actions of metformin are divided into direct effects on target tissues and indirect effects via non-targeted tissues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, noncoding, negative gene regulators that have emerged as important regulators of a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin is involved in many aspects of miRNA regulation, and metformin treatment in T2DM should be associated with other miRNA targets. A large number of miRNAs regulation by metformin in target tissues with either direct or indirect effects has gradually been revealed in the context of numerous diseases and has gradually received increasing attention. This paper thoroughly reviews the current knowledge about the role of miRNA networks in the tissue-specific direct and indirect effects of metformin. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a novel theoretical basis and suggests therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of metformin and miRNA regulators in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and its complications.

Dioscin-loaded zein nanoparticles alleviate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury via the microRNA-let 7i signalling pathways

The present study investigates the potential role of dioscin (DIO) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced kidney injury. For this purpose, DIO‐loaded zein nanoparticles (DIO‐ZNPs) were formulated and evaluated for physicochemical parameters. The DIO‐ZNPs exhibited a controlled release of drug compared with that of the free drug suspension. Results showed that the cell viability of NRK‐52E consistently decreased with the increase in LPS from 0.01 µg/ml to 2 µg/ml. When compared with LPS, DIO‐induced NPs showed 1.10‐, 1.32‐, 1.57‐ and 1.92‐fold increase in the cell viability for concentrations of 20 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml, respectively. DIO‐ZNPs exhibited the most remarkable recovery in the cell proliferation compared with free DIO as shown by the cellular morphology analysis. Furthermore, Annexin‐V staining analysis showed that the LPS‐treated cells possess the lowest green fluorescence indicating fewer viable cells, whereas DIO‐ZNPs exhibited the maximum green fluorescence comparable with that of the non‐treated cells indicating maximum cell viability. Furthermore, the results show that DIO‐ZNPs significantly increased the expression of miR‐let‐7i in the epithelial kidney cells, whereas the expression levels of TLR4 were significantly downregulated compared with that of the LPS‐treated cells. In conclusion, miR‐let‐7i could be an interesting therapeutic target and nanoparticle‐based DIO could be a potential candidate in the management of acute kidney injury

Pheophorbide co-encapsulated with Cisplatin in folate-decorated PLGA nanoparticles to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy

The adverse effect and drug resistance of Cisplatin (CDDP) could be potential reduced by delivering in targeted nanoparticles and by combining with adjuvant therapy such as photodynamic therapy. In this study, F/CDPR-NP was formulated and characterized for all the physicochemical, biological and in vivo analysis. The results obtained from various in vitro and biological studies showed that encapsulation of CDDP and PBR in PLGA nanoparticles results in controlled release of encapsulated drugs and exhibited significantly low cell viability in CNE-1 and HNE-1 cancer cells. F/CDPR-NP significantly prolonged the blood circulation of the encapsulated drugs. The AUC of CDDP from F/CDPR-NP (4-fold) was significantly higher compared to that of free CDDP and similarly significantly higher t1/2 for CDDP from F/CDPR-NP was observed. F/CDPR-NP in the presence of laser irradiation showed significant reduction in the tumor burden with low tumor cell proliferations compared to either CDPR-NP or free CDDP indicating the potential of targeted nanoparticles and photodynamic therapy. Overall, combination of treatment modalities and active targeting approach paved way for the higher antitumor activity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma model. The positive results from this study will show new horizon for the treatment of other cancer models.

Folate targeted hybrid lipo-polymeric nanoplexes containing docetaxel and miRNA-34a for breast cancer treatment

In spite of established evidence of the synergistic combination of hydrophobic anticancer molecule and microRNA for breast cancer treatment, their in vivo delivery has not been realized owing to their instability in the biological milieu and varied physicochemical properties. The present work reports folate targeted hybrid lipo-polymeric nanoplexes for co-delivering DTX and miR-34a. These nanoplexes exhibited a mean size of 129.3 nm with complexation efficiency at an 8:1 N/P ratio. The obtained nanoplexes demonstrated higher entrapment efficiency of DTX (94.8%) with a sustained release profile up to 85% till 48 h. Further, an improved transfection efficiency in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 breast cancer cells was observed with uptake primarily through lipid-raft and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Further, nanoplexes showed improved cytotoxicity (~3.5-5 folds), apoptosis (~1.6-2.0 folds), and change in expression of apoptotic genes (~4-7 folds) compared to the free treatment group in breast cancer cells. In vivo systemic administration of FA-functionalized DTX and FAM-siRNA-loaded nanoplexes showed an improved area under the curve (AUC) as well as circulation half-life compared to free DTX and naked FAM-labelled siRNA. Acute toxicity studies of the cationic polymer showed no toxicity at a dose equivalent to 10 mg/kg based on the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological examination.

Atorvastatin (ATV)-Loaded Lipid Bilayer-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Atorvastatin (ATV)-loaded lipid bilayer-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (L-AMSNs) were synthesized, and their physicochemical parameters were characterized. L-AMSNs exhibited excellent stability; it did not increase in size over time, indicating that the lipid membrane coating prohibited mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) coalescence. Results: The rate of drug release differed significantly between AMSNs and L-AMSNs at all tested time points. A remarkable improvement in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) viability was observed after treatment with L-AMSNs; the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly reduced compared to control cells. The extent of apoptosis was only 15% that of control H₂O₂-treated cells. L-AMSNs induced a remarkable decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-6), showing the therapeutic potential of nanocarrier-based ATV. L-AMSNs significantly increased the superoxide dismutase level and decreased the MDA level, indicating superior anti-inflammatory activity under conditions of oxidative stress. The L-AMSN showed a remarkable improvement in the outer stripe of outer medulla (OSOM) region and maintained the tubular structure of the kidney tissue. Besides, kidney injury score of L-AMSN is significantly lower compared to that of LPS-AKI and ATV indicating the excellent therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticulate system based L-AMSN. Conclusions: Nanoparticles system-based L-AMSNs maintained the tubular structure of kidney tissue, indicating excellent therapeutic efficacy. After clinical translation, L-AMSNs could serve as a promising treatment for AKI.

Biguanides decorated albumin nanoparticles loading nintedanib for synergic enhanced hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Nintedanib (ND) was known as a triple tyrosine kinase inhibitors, inhibiting angiogenesis and tissue fibrosis. Biguanide group has attracted much attention for its great penetrating ability to the lipid bilayer of cytomembrane and potential anti-cancer efficacy. In this study, a biguanide group (p-biguanidinobenzoic acid, CBH) decorated bovine serum albumin (CBH-AB) was synthesized as a novel functional biomaterial to prepare the ND loaded CBH-AB nanoparticles (ND-CBH-AB NPs). The results of physical and chemical properties showed that ND-CBH-AB NPs possessed high encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency. In vitro cell study indicated that CBH modification on ND-CBH-AB NPs enhanced the cyctotoxicities to HepG2 cells. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic study showed that ND-CBH-AB NPs had good stability in circulation. Finally, pharmacodynamic studies were conducted, the results indicated that ND-CBH-AB NPs exhibited excellent anti-tumor effect and tumor microenvironment regulation effect. Thereby, this work provides a potential function albumin delivery system for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

Extraction of chlorophyll and carotenoids loaded into chitosan as potential targeted therapy and bio imaging agents for breast carcinoma

In the current study, the treatment efficacy of ECHCAH was evaluated in vitro studies using cell viability and flow cytometry in human TNBCs. The results here showed significant gradual reduction in growth of TNBCs (MDA-231cell lines) after their exposure to serial concentrations for hydrogel assembly (5 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h, representing (86 ± 1% to 45 ± 1.5% p < 0.001) and (79 ± 1.5% to 35 ± 2.5% p < 0.001) respectively. The flow cytometry showed significant increase in the present of late apoptotic and necrotic cells (64% ± 1.2 and 27% ± 0.3 p < 0.001) after 48 h incubation compared to untreated cells (1.13% ± 0.3 and 4% ± 0.2 p < 0.001) respectively. It can be summarized that ECHCA inside targeted hydrogel assemblies can inhibit proliferation of cancer cells.

Biguanides: Species with versatile therapeutic applications

Biguanides are compounds in which two guanidine moieties are fused to form a highly conjugated system. Biguanides are highly basic and hence they are available as salts mostly hydrochloride salts, these cationic species have been found to exhibit many therapeutic properties. This review covers the research and development carried out on biguanides and accounts the various therapeutic applications of drugs containing biguanide group-such as antimalarial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tubercular, antifilarial, anti-HIV, as well as other biological activities. The aim of this review is to compile all the medicinal chemistry applications of this class of compounds so as to pave way for the accelerated efforts in finding the drug action mechanisms associated with this class of compounds. Importance has been given to the organic chemistry of these biguanide derivatives also.

Nanodelivery of triamcinolone acetonide with PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles for the treatment of ocular inflammation

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is widely indicated in the treatment of several ocular disorders, but the free drug suspension limits its clinical benefits and commercial compositions cause adverse ocular effects. In this study, TA was formulated in poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-chitosan (PLC) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases. TA-loaded PLC NPs exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory activity against human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells and significantly reduced the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 in tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α activated cells. In a rabbit model, TA-loaded PLC NPs did not show any typical clinical signs of eye inflammation and significantly alleviated inflammatory signs, compared with free TA suspension, at 24 h after a single dose. TA-loaded PLC NPs exhibited a greater aqueous humour transparency (%AHT), compared with that of normal saline (NS) or free TA suspension, indicating reduction in anterior chamber fogginess. Pharmacokinetic analysis of rabbit eyes revealed that TA-loaded PLC NPs peaked at 6 h. Substantial concentrations of TA were observed until 24 h, indicating the superiority of this PLC-based nanocarrier system. Overall, PLC-based NP formulations offer a new approach for the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases.

Functional role of microRNA-500a-3P-loaded liposomes in the treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI

Cisplatin treatment results in acute kidney injury (AKI) by the phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). The knockout of MLKL, which is a principle mediator of necroptosis, is believed to alleviate the AKI symptoms. The present study was aimed to improve the therapeutic efficacy in AKI. For this purpose, miR-500a-3P was identified as appropriate miRNA therapeutics and loaded in liposome delivery carrier. The authors have showed that the miR-LIP directly controls the expression of RIPK3 and MLKL - a modulator of necroptosis and thereby reduces the severity of kidney injury. The miR-LIP significantly controlled the phosphorylation of MLKL compared to that of CDDP-treated HK2 cells. Similar results are observed with RIPK3. The miR-LIP has also been demonstrated to control the inflammatory response in tubular cells. Western blot analysis further revealed that the phosphorylation of P-65 was mainly responsible for the inflammatory response and miR-LIP significantly decreased the CDDP-induced NF-kB phosphorylation. Overall, the present study explored the molecular mechanism behind the necroptosis in AKI and potential of miRNA in targeting MLKL pathways. Study further highlights the potential advantage of liposome as a delivery carrier for miRNA therapeutics.

The improved anticancer effects of Bortezomib-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres on lymphoma development

As the first clinical proteasome inhibitor, Bortezomib (BTZ) has been reported to improve the outcome of lymphoma. However, due to the unstable property, low bioavailability, and hydrophobic properties of BTZ, it is needed to develop effective drug delivery systems to deliver BTZ into targeted cells or organs. Here we developed a bortezomib (BTZ)-loaded HMSNs (BTZ@HMSNs) system, which can sustain the release of BTZ in targeted tissues. In vitro assays showed that BTZ@HMSNs limited cell proliferation and augmented apoptosis of lymphoma SNK-1 cells. Moreover, BTZ@HMSNs significantly diminished migration and invasion of SNK-1 cells as compared with BTZ. In contrast to the upregulation of SHP-1, BTZ@HMSNs decreased the mRNA levels of c-Kit, NF-κB, and JAK1, which elicit oncogenic role in lymphoma development. Importantly, lymphoma mice model showed that BTZ@HMSNs significantly activated p53 signaling and reduced tumor volume and weight compared with free BTZ. Our data thus demonstrate that BTZ@HMSNs manifests improved tumor-suppressing effect in vitro and in vivo compared to free BTZ. We believe that HMSNs is a promising strategy for delivering therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.

Lapatinib-loaded acidity-triggered charge switchable polycarbonate-doxorubicin conjugate micelles for synergistic breast cancer chemotherapy

Stimulus-responsive nanosystem is a powerful method to improve the bioavailability and reduce the side effects of anticancer agents. In the present study, a customized dual pH-responsive micellar nanoplatform (DOX+LAP-M) based on polycarbonate-doxorubicin conjugate micelles was prepared to co-deliver the chemotherapeutic agent lapatinib for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. DOX+LAP-M micelles with spherical morphology had a size of ~112 nm and had an initial negative surface charge, which are favorable characteristics for long-term circulation in the blood. Once the micelles accumulated in tumor tissues, the intrinsic tumor extracellular acidity triggered the charge switch of DOX+LAP-M micelles from -1 to 9 mV, thereby facilitating cell internalization and tumor penetration. Subsequently, the pH-sensitive micellar core accelerated the release of doxorubicin and lapatinib in the acidic intracellular environment. DOX+LAP-M micelles effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells in vitro; furthermore, the administration of DOX+LAP-M micelles in 4T1 xenograft-bearing mice suppressed solid tumor growth with an inhibitory rate of 90.2% and significantly decreased pulmonary metastatic nodules, without significant systemic toxicity. This multifunctional micellar system has high potential for clinical cancer therapy.

Nanoformulation of Apolipoprotein E3-Tagged Liposomal Nanoparticles for the co-Delivery of KRAS-siRNA and Gemcitabine for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE

KRAS is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers, and ~ 90% of pancreatic cancers exhibit KRAS mutations. Despite the well-known role of KRAS in malignancies, directly inhibiting KRAS is challenging.

METHODS

In this study, we successfully synthesized apolipoprotein E3-based liposomes for the co-delivery of gemcitabine (GEM) and a small interfering RNA targeting KRAS (KRAS-siRNA) to improve the efficacy of pancreatic cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Apolipoprotein E3 self-assembly on the liposome surface led to a substantial increase in its internalization in PANC1 human pancreatic cancer cells. KRAS-siRNA led to downregulated KRAS protein expression and KRAS-dependent carcinogenic pathways, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and suppression of tumor progression. The combination of KRAS-siRNA and GEM induced a synergistic improvement in cell apoptosis and significantly lower cell viability compared with single-agent therapy. The low IC₅₀ value of A3-SGLP might be attributed to potentiation of the anticancer effect of GEM by siRNA-mediated silencing of KRAS mutations, thereby inducing synergistic effects on cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

A3-SGLP led to a marked decrease in the overall tumor burden and did not show any signs of toxicity. Therefore, the combination of KRAS-siRNA and GEM holds great potential for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Aptamer-functionalized molybdenum disulfide nanosheets for tumor cell targeting and lysosomal acidic environment/NIR laser responsive drug delivery to realize synergetic chemo-photothermal therapeutic effects

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), one representative 2D nanomaterial, has recently emerged as a unique platform in the biomedical field. However, its application in drug delivery systems should be further exploited. Here, we report a novel tumor cell targeting and lysosomal acidic environment/NIR laser dual responsive drug delivery system for synergetic chemo-photothermal treatment of cancer cells. The MoS₂ nanosheets were loaded with chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) and coated with polydopamine (PDA) layer. Then, thiolated aptamer AS1411 and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were modified onto MoS₂ nanosheets through Michael addition reaction to construct DOX@Apt-PEG-PDA-MoS₂ nanosheets. The aptamer modification endowed the nanoplatform with targeting ability to breast cancer MCF-7 cells. MoS₂ and PDA converted 808 nm NIR laser into heat and played the role of photothermal therapy (PTT). Tumor lysosomal acidic environment and NIR laser irradiation accelerated the release of DOX from the nanosheets. The nanocarrier Apt-PEG-PDA-MoS₂ showed good biocompatibility, and DOX@Apt-PEG-PDA-MoS₂ showed synergetic chemo-photothermal therapy effects with significantly enhanced anti-tumor efficacy, suggesting that this MoS₂-based drug delivery platform is promising for targeted and synergetic treatment of cancer.

Preparation of T‑2 toxin‑containing pH‑sensitive liposome and its antitumor activity

T‑2 toxin is a type A trichothecene mycotoxin. In order to reduce the side effects of T‑2 toxin and increase the tumor targeting ability, a pH‑sensitive liposome of T‑2 toxin (LP‑pHS‑T2) was prepared and characterized in the present study. The cytotoxicity of LP‑pHS‑T2 on A549, Hep‑G2, MKN‑45, K562 and L929 cell lines was tested by 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazolyl‑2)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, with T‑2 toxin as the control. The apoptotic and migratory effects of LP‑pHS‑T2 on Hep‑G2 cells were investigated. The preparation process of LP‑pHS‑T2 involved the following parameters: Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine: dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine, 1:2; total phospholipid concentration, 20 mg/ml; phospholipid:cholesterol, 3:1; 4‑(2‑hydroxyethyl)‑1‑piperazineethanesulfonic acid buffer (pH 7.4), 10 ml; drug:lipid ratio, 2:1; followed by ultrasound for 10 min and extrusion. The encapsulation efficiency reached 95±2.43%. The average particle size of LP‑pHS‑T2 after extrusion was 100 nm; transmission electron microscopy showed that the shape of LP‑pHS‑T2 was round or oval and of uniform size. The release profile demonstrated a two‑phase downward trend, with fast leakage of T‑2 toxin in the first 6 h (~20% released), followed by sustained release up to 48 h (~46% released). From 48‑72 h, the leakage rate increased (~76% released), until reaching a minimum at 72 h. When LP‑pHS‑T2 was immersed in 0.2 mol/l disodium phosphate‑sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffers (pH 6.5), the release speed was significantly increased and the release rate reached 91.2%, demonstrating strong pH sensitivity. Overall, antitumor tests showed that LP‑pHS‑T2 could promote the apoptosis and inhibit the migration of Hep‑G2 cells. The present study provided a new approach for the development of T‑2 toxin‑based anti‑cancer drugs.

Azo-inserted responsive hybrid liposomes for hypoxia-specific drug delivery

Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems using endogenous stimuli from tumor microenvironments such as acidic pH, over-expressed enzyme, and high redox potential as triggers have shown tremendous promise in cancer therapy. However, their clinical application is severely limited because of tumor heterogeneity. Hypoxia, a physiological feature observed in almost all solid tumors and even in nodules with very small size, has currently emerged as a more general but efficient stimulus to trigger release. Herein, we developed hypoxia-responsive hybrid liposomes (HR-HLPs), composed of azo-inserted organokoxysilane-based lipid analogue as a responsive component and commercial phospholipid for reducing the rigidity of liposomal membrane caused by azo, for drug delivery targeting tumor hypoxia. HR-HLPs had the advantages of high structural stability to avoid premature drug leakage when circulating in the blood and high sensitivity in responding to hypoxia once reaching tumor sites. HR-HLPs exhibit deep tumor penetration capability, enabling effective delivery to hypoxic regions distant from tumor vessels. Moreover, HR-HLPs could selectively release their payload, co-localizing with over-expressed hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in vitro and in vivo. As a result, HR-HLPs showed improved therapeutic outcome accompanied by reduced adverse effects. The results highlighted the potential application of azo-inserted responsive hybrid liposomes for hypoxia-targeted drug delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.

Smart Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

Nucleic acid-based therapies are promising therapeutics for the treatment of several systemic disorders, and they offer an exciting opportunity to address emerging biological challenges. The scope of nucleic acid-based therapeutics in the treatment of multiple disease states including cancers has been widened by recent progress in Ribonucleic acids (RNA) biology. However, cascades of systemic and intracellular barriers, including rapid degradation, renal clearance, and poor cellular uptake, hinder the clinical effectiveness of nucleic acid-based therapies. These barriers can be circumvented by utilizing advanced smart nanocarriers that efficiently deliver and release the encapsulated nucleic acids into the target tissues. This review describes the current status of clinical trials on nucleic acid-based therapeutics and highlights representative examples that provide an overview on the current and emerging trends in nucleic acid-based therapies. A better understanding of the design of advanced nanocarriers is essential to promote the translation of therapeutic nucleic acids into a clinical reality.

Tumor Microenvironmental Responsive Liposomes Simultaneously Encapsulating Biological and Chemotherapeutic Drugs for Enhancing Antitumor Efficacy of NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer with highly infiltrating. Chemotherapy is far from satisfactory, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and angiogenesis results in invasion, migration and relapse.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to construct a novel CPP (mmp) modified vinorelbine and dioscin liposomes by two new functional materials, DSPE-PEG2000-MAL and CPP-PVGLIG-PEG5000, to destroy VM channels, angiogenesis, EMT and inhibit invasion and migration.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The targeting liposomes could be enriched in tumor sites through passive targeting, and the positively charged CPP was exposed and enhanced active targeting via electrostatic adsorption after being hydrolyzed by MMP2 enzymes overexpressed in the tumor microenvironment. We found that CPP (mmp) modified vinorelbine and dioscin liposomes with the ideal physicochemical properties and exhibited enhanced cellular uptake. In vitro and in vivo results showed that CPP (mmp) modified vinorelbine and dioscin liposomes could inhibit migration and invasion of A549 cells, destroy VM channels formation and angiogenesis, and block the EMT process. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that the targeting liposomes had obvious accumulations in tumor sites and magnificent antitumor efficiency.

CONCLUSION

CPP (mmp) modified vinorelbine plus dioscin liposomes could provide a new strategy for NSCLC.

Highly penetrating nanobubble polymer enhances LINC00511-siRNA delivery for improving the chemosensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer

Ultrasound-mediated nanobubble destruction (UMND), which can utilize the physical energy of ultrasound irradiation to improve the transfer efficiency to target cells is becoming one of the most promising carriers for gene delivery. The purpose of this study was to establish cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-loaded nanobubbles (CNBs) connected with long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 00511-small interfering RNA (LINC00511-siRNA) and evaluate its feasibility for improving the chemosensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer in vitro. First, fluorescence imaging confirmed the loading of siLINC00511 on CNBs, and the CNBs-siLINC00511 were characterized by the Zetasizer Nano ZS90 analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. Next, cell counting kit 8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory activity of cisplatin on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells, and the 50% inhibition concentration value before and after transfer was calculated. Finally, the silencing effect of siLINC00511 was evaluated in vitro using an apoptosis assay, transwell assay, real time-PCR and western blotting. UMND combined with CNBs could effectively transfer the siRNA to MDA-MB-231 cells, thus evidently reducing the expression of LINC00511. Furthermore, inhibitory activity of cisplatin on MDA-MB-231 cells was enhanced after downregulation of LINC00511 expression. Downregulation of LINC00511 alters expression of cell cycle-related (CDK 6) and apoptosis-related (Bcl-2 and Bax) proteins in MDA-MB-231 cells. These results suggested that siRNA-CNBs may be an ideal vector for the treatment of tumors, with high efficiency RNA interference under the combined action of UMND. It may provide a new therapeutic method for triple negative breast cancer.

The Establishment and Application Studies on Precise Lysosome pH Indicator Based on Self-Decomposable Nanoparticles

Acidic pH of lysosomes is closely related to autophagy; thus, well known of the precise lysosomes, pH changes will give more information on the autophagy process and status. So far, however, only pH changes in a relatively broad range could be indicated, the exact lysosomes pH detection has never arrived. In our study, we established an endo/lysosome pH indicator based on the self-decomposable SiO2 nanoparticle system with specific synthesis parameters. The central concentrated methylene blue (MB) in the central-hollow structural nanoparticles presented sensitive release as a function of pH values from pH 4.0-4.8, which is exactly the pH range of lysosomes. The linear correlation of the optical density (OD) values and the pH values has been built up, which has been used for the detection of lysosomes pH in 6 different cell lines. Moreover, by this system, we succeeded in precisely detecting the pH average changes of lysosomes before and after black mesoporous silicon (BPSi) NP endocytosis, clarifying the mechanism of the autophagy termination after BPSi endocytosis. So, the self-decomposable nanoparticle-based luminal pH indicator may provide a new methodology and strategy to know better of the lysosome pH, then indicate more details on the autophagy process or other important signaling about metabolisms.

Tumor-Targeting Glycol Chitosan Nanoparticles for Image-Guided Surgery of Rabbit Orthotopic VX2 Lung Cancer

Theranostic nanoparticles can deliver therapeutic agents as well as diverse imaging agents to tumors. The enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect is regarded as a crucial mechanism for the tumor-targeted delivery of nanoparticles. Although a large number of studies of the EPR effect of theranostic nanoparticles have been performed, the effect of the change in the body size of the host on the EPR effect is not fully understood. In this regard, comparative research is needed on the behavior of nanoparticles in large animals for developing the nanoparticles to the clinical stage. In this study, we prepared fluorophore (indocyanine green (ICG) or cyanine 5.5 (Cy5.5))-conjugated glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) for comparing the tumor-targeting efficacy in VX2 tumor-bearing mouse and rabbit models. As expected, the CNPs formed nano-sized spherical nanoparticles and were stable for 8 days under aqueous conditions. The CNPs also exhibited dose-dependent cellular uptake into VX2 tumor cells without cytotoxicity. The half-life of the near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) signals in the blood were 3.25 h and 4.73 h when the CNPs were injected into mice and rabbits, respectively. Importantly, the CNPs showed excellent tumor accumulation and prolonged biodistribution profiles in both the VX2 tumor-bearing mouse and rabbit models, wherein the tumor accumulation was maximized at 48 h and 72 h, respectively. Based on the excellent tumor accumulation of the CNPs, finally, the CNPs were used in the image-guided surgery of the rabbit orthotopic VX2 lung tumor model. The lung tumor tissue was successfully removed based on the NIRF signal from the CNPs in the tumor tissue. This study shows that CNPs can be potentially used for tumor theragnosis in small animals and large animals.

Exogenous delivery of microRNA-134 (miR-134) using α-tocopherol-based PEGylated liposome for effective treatment in skin squamous cell carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of several cancers including skin squamous cell carcinoma (sSCC), and miR-134 is reported to possess tumor inhibition properties. The present study is an attempt to study the mechanistic role and antitumor property of miR-134 in sSCC. For this purpose, α-tocopherol PEG 1000 succinate (TPGS)-based PEGylated liposome was formulated and encapsulated with miR-134 (TP-miR-LP). CCK-8 assay results showed that miR-134 exhibited a concentration-dependent decrease in the cell viability of A-431 cells. Importantly, TPGS-based TP-miR-LP showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower cell viability compared with that of miR-134-loaded PEGylated liposome (miR-LP). Western blot analysis clearly indicates the specific targeting ability of miR-134 (TP-miR-LP) towards the Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) in the cancer cells. The apoptosis rate of the cells was significantly increased in TP-miR-LP (~ 38%) than that of miR-LP (~ 15%), respectively with significant inhibition of cell migration. Importantly, tumors treated with TP-miR-LP grew significantly slower compared with that of any other formulation group in the xenograft animal model. Present results clearly demonstrate the tumor suppressive effect of miR-134 through the downregulation of FOXM1 which subsequently blocks the downstream signaling pathways. These findings suggest the translational potential of miR-134 towards designing formulation strategies for sSCC treatment. Graphical abstract.

Reprogramming and transdifferentiation - two key processes for regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine based on transplants obtained from donors or foetal and new-born mesenchymal stem cells, encounter important obstacles such as limited availability of organs, ethical issues and immune rejection. The growing demand for therapeutic methods for patients being treated after serious accidents, severe organ dysfunction and an increasing number of cancer surgeries, exceeds the possibilities of the therapies that are currently available. Reprogramming and transdifferentiation provide powerful bioengineering tools. Both procedures are based on the somatic differentiated cells, which are easily and unlimitedly available, like for example: fibroblasts. During the reprogramming procedure mature cells are converted into pluripotent cells - which are capable to differentiate into almost any kind of desired cells. Transdifferentiation directly converts differentiated cells of one type into another differentiated cells type. Both procedures allow to obtained patient's dedicated cells for therapeutic purpose in regenerative medicine. In combination with biomaterials, it is possible to obtain even whole anatomical structures. Those patient's dedicated structures may serve for them upon serious accidents with massive tissue damage but also upon cancer surgeries as a replacement of damaged organ. Detailed information about reprogramming and transdifferentiation procedures as well as the current state of the art are presented in our review.

Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy Using PD-L1 siRNA and Imatinib Promotes Cancer-Immunity Cycle

PURPOSE

Cancer-Immunity Cycle is a cascade of anticancer immune responses in the body that continues and fights against the cancer expansion. The Cancer-Immunity Cycle is halted by tumor cell immunosuppression of host T cell through programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) interactions that induce the functional suppression of tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells and actively promotes the tumorigenesis via the mTOR signaling pathway.

METHODS

Here, we demonstrated that this Cycle could be enhanced by the synergistic knock down of PD-L1 through co-delivery of siRNA-PD-L1 (siPD-L1) and imatinib (IMT) in a liposomal nanoparticle.

RESULTS

The siPDIN effectively downregulated the protein expressions of PD-L1 and significantly knocked down the expression of p-S6k protein at in vitro and in vivo conditions which inhibited tumorigenic mTOR pathway. The combination-based siPDIN exhibited a significantly higher cytotoxic effect compared to that of individual anticancer agents. B16F10 cells treated with siPDIN exhibited a significantly higher cancer cell apoptosis (~60%) compared to cocktail combination of siRNA+IMT (~35%) analyzed by flow cytometer. Importantly, siPDIN significantly delayed the tumor growth with significantly lower tumor-specific growth rate than the animals treated with individual free IMT or siRNA. siPDIN produced a 3-fold higher IFN-γ compared to control in DLNs and 4-fold higher IFN-γ in spleens.

CONCLUSION

Overall, results revealed that the tumors treated with siPDIN restored the immunity of CTLs by potentially inhibiting the immune checkpoint interactions, suppressed the mTOR signaling pathway and exhibited an enhanced anticancer efficacy in melanoma.

CD59 receptor targeted delivery of miRNA-1284 and cisplatin-loaded liposomes for effective therapeutic efficacy against cervical cancer cells

Co-delivery of two different therapeutics (miRNA-1284 and cisplatin (CDDP)) into the cancer cells in a single nanocarrier provides new dimension to the cancer treatment. In this study, we have designed the CD59sp-conjugated miRNA-1284/cisplatin(CDDP)-loaded liposomes for the enhanced therapeutic effect against cervical cancers. Compared with miRNA-1284/CDDP-loaded liposomes (LP-miCDDP), CD59 antibody-conjugated LP-miCDDP (CD/LP-miCDDP) showed a significantly higher cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. Notably, MiR-1284 showed a typical concentration-dependent cell killing effect in the cervical cancer cells owing to the downregulation of HMGB1. Flow cytometer analysis showed that CD/LP-miCDDP resulted in maximum apoptosis effect (~ 60%) compared to CDDP (~ 20%) or miR-1284 (~ 12%) treated cells indicating the superior anticancer effect in the cancer cells. Importantly, CD/LP-miCDDP significantly prolonged the blood circulation of encapsulated drug in rats with AUC(o-t) of CD/LP-miCDDP showed a 6.9 fold higher value than that of free CDDP. Similarly, CD/LP-miCDDP showed an eightfold decrease in the clearance (CL) and 3.6-fold higher t1/2 compared to that of free CDDP. Overall, results demonstrated that targeted and synergistic co-delivery of therapeutic components could be promising in cervical cancer therapy.

Novel pH-sensitive and biodegradable micelles for the combined delivery of doxorubicin and conferone to induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line

pH-sensitive micelles are desirable for co-drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy.

Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-targeted lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of sorafenib and Dihydroartemisinin in liver cancers

AIMS

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Inspired by the biological structure and function of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in this study, an ApopB-100 based targeted lipid nanoparticles was synthesized to improve the therapeutic efficacy in liver cancer treatment.

MAIN METHODS

The biological composition of ApopB is similar to LDL which can effectively increase the targeting efficiency of nanoparticles in LDL receptor (LDLR)-overexpressed liver tumors.

KEYFINDINGS

We have demonstrated that the co-administration of sorafenib (SRF) and Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) could exhibit synergistic anticancer effect in HepG2 liver cancer cells. DHA produced excessive cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced greater apoptosis of cancer cells. LDL-based SRF/DHA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LD-SDN) showed remarkable decrease in the cell viability compared to that of either of single drug treated cancer cells. Combination of SRF+DHA resulted in predominant SubG1 proportion of cells. LD-SDN exhibited the highest SubG1 (%) of cells compared to that of any of the individual drugs. Most importantly, robust antitumor response and delayed tumor growth was observed for LD-SDN treated xenograft tumor model. Ki67 proliferation index of LD-SDN (22.1 ± 5.6%) is significantly lesser compared to that of either control (86.2 ± 6.9%) or SRF (75.4 ± 4.89%) or DHA (69.4 ± 6.9%).

SIGNIFICANCES

These data provide strong evidence that LDL-mimetic lipid nanoformulations could be utilized as a biocompatible and tumor targeted platform for the delivery of multiple anticancer drugs in cancer treatment.

The exogenous delivery of microRNA-449b-5p using spermidine-PLGA nanoparticles efficiently decreases hepatic injury

A notable liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is observed during liver transplantation, shock, trauma and other systemic diseases. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the fact that HMGB1 acts as an early mediator of inflammation in hepatic injury and the potential of the miR-449b-5p mimic in the restoration of liver disorders. Herein, a miR-449b-5p-loaded spermidine/PLGA nanoparticle system was successfully formulated to improve the systemic delivery and performance of encapsulated miRNA. The major findings of the present study were as follows: (i) the HMGB1 levels were elevated upon the occurrence of I/R in vitro and in vivo; (ii) the inhibition of HMGB1 prevented the spread of inflammation; (iii) miR-449b-5p (PN-miR mimic) increased the cell viability of hepatic cells and decreased cell apoptosis; and (iv) the protective ability of the PN-miR mimic was attributed to the inhibition of the pNF-κB and p-p65 pathways. Compared to the case of the I/R group, the serum AST and ALT levels were significantly reduced in the group treated with miR-449b-5p (PN-miR mimic), indicating the extent of reduction in liver inflammation. The present study highlighted the importance of miR-449b-5p in the treatment of hepatic injury and could serve as a guide to effectively attenuate liver disorders. The application of the proposed nanoparticle system in the systemic delivery of miR-449b-5p further enhances the prospect of this treatment strategy.

The present study highlights the importance of miR-449b-5p in the inhibition of HMGB1 and thereby it's treatment potential in hepatic injury.