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Peng Z, Lu J, Liu K, Xie L, Wang Y, Cai C, Yang D, Xi J, Yan C, Li X, Shi M. Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5639-5656. [PMID: 37690821 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8011] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Kang MJ, Roh KH, Lee JS, Lee JH, Park S, Lim DW. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 Targeting Fusion Polypeptides with Stimuli-Responsiveness for Anti-angiogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37384534 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered fusion polypeptides have been investigated to introduce unique bio-functionality and improve some therapeutic activity for anti-angiogenesis. We report herein that stimuli-responsive, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) targeting fusion polypeptides composed of a VEGFR1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt1)) antagonist, an anti-Flt1 peptide, and a thermally responsive elastin-based polypeptide (EBP) were rationally designed at the genetic level, biosynthesized, and purified by inverse transition cycling to develop potential anti-angiogenic fusion polypeptides to treat neovascular diseases. A series of hydrophilic EBPs with different block lengths were fused with an anti-Flt1 peptide, forming anti-Flt1-EBPs, and the effect of EBP block length on their physicochemical properties was examined. While the anti-Flt1 peptide decreased phase-transition temperatures of anti-Flt1-EBPs, compared with EBP blocks, anti-Flt1-EBPs were soluble under physiological conditions. The anti-Flt1-EBPs dose dependently inhibited the binding of VEGFR1 against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as tube-like network formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells under VEGF-triggered angiogenesis in vitro because of the specific binding between anti-Flt1-EBPs and VEGFR1. Furthermore, the anti-Flt1-EBPs suppressed laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in a wet age-related macular degeneration mouse model in vivo. Our results indicate that anti-Flt1-EBPs as VEGFR1-targeting fusion polypeptides have great potential for efficacious anti-angiogenesis to treat retinal-, corneal-, and choroidal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Kang
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Kug-Hwan Roh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sang Lee
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hee Lee
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - SaeGwang Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Woo Lim
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
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Choudhary N, Collignon TE, Tewari D, Bishayee A. Hypericin and its anticancer effects: From mechanism of action to potential therapeutic application. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154356. [PMID: 35985181 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging studies indicate that hypericin has diverse pharmacological actions and exhibits potential for treatment of various types of cancer. PURPOSE The current review evaluates the pharmacological activity, associated molecular mechanism, and therapeutic application of hypericin as an anticancer agent according to the most recent state of knowledge with special emphasis on clinical trials and safety profile. METHOD This review follows The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews criteria. Various databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct, were used to search and collect relevant literature. The major keywords used included the following: cancer, distribution, property, signaling pathway, pharmacological effect, treatment, prevention, in vitro and in vivo studies, toxicity, bioavailability, and clinical trials. RESULTS One hundred three articles met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hypericin has shown anticancer activity against the expansion of several cell types including breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, stomach carcinoma, leukemia, lung cancer, melanoma, and glioblastoma cancer. Hypericin exerts its anticancer activity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and mitochondrial thioredoxin. It has also been shown to cause an increase in the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-4, arrest the cell cycle at metaphase leading to cancer cell apoptosis, and affect various protein and gene expression patterns. CONCLUSION Hypericin exhibits significant inhibitory activity against various types of in vitro and in vivo cancer models. However, well-designed, high quality, large-scale and multi-center randomized clinical studies are required to establish the safety and clinical utility of hypericin in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Choudhary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Adesh Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Adesh University, Bathinda, Punjab 151101, India
| | - Taylor E Collignon
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India.
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
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Li Y, Wang S, Jiang X, Wang X, Zhou X, Wan L, Zhao H, Zhou Z, Gao L, Huang G, Ni Y, He X. Preparation and validation of cyclodextrin-based excipients for radioiodinated hypericin applied in a targeted cancer radiotherapy. Int J Pharm 2021; 599:120393. [PMID: 33639227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iodine-131 labeled hypericin (131I-Hyp) has been utilized as a necrosis-avid theragnostic tracer in a dual targeting pan-anticancer strategy called OncoCiDia. Widespread use of previously-tested solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is limited by safety concerns. To tackle this, the present study was designed to explore a clinically feasible excipient for the formulation of the hydrophobic 131I-Hyp for intravenous administration. METHOD Solubility of Hyp in serial solutions of already-approved hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was evaluated by UVspectrophotometry and 50% HP-β-CD was chosen for further experiments. Two novel HP-β-CD-based formulations of 131I-Hyp were compared with previous DMSO-based formulation, with regards to necrosis-targetability and biodistribution, by magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), gamma counting, autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy and histopathology. RESULTS Hyp solubility was enhanced with increasing HP-β-CD concentrations. The radiochemical purity of 131I-Hyp was higher than 90% in all formulations. The necrosis-targetability of 131I-Hyp in the novel formulations was confirmed in vivo by SPECT and in vitro by autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy and histopathology. The plasma clearance of radioactivity was faster in the novel formulations. CONCLUSION The novel 131I-Hyp formulations with HP-β-CD could be a suitable pharmaceutical excipient for 131I-Hyp for intravenous administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - Shuncong Wang
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Xiao Jiang
- PET/CT Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Wang
- PET/CT Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Liangrong Wan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Zhaoli Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - LingJie Gao
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - Yicheng Ni
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
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An overview of translational (radio)pharmaceutical research related to certain oncological and non-oncological applications. World J Methodol 2013; 3:45-64. [PMID: 25237623 PMCID: PMC4145570 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v3.i4.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Translational medicine pursues the conversion of scientific discovery into human health improvement. It aims to establish strategies for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Cancer treatment is difficult. Radio-pharmaceutical research has played an important role in multiple disciplines, particularly in translational oncology. Based on the natural phenomenon of necrosis avidity, OncoCiDia has emerged as a novel generic approach for treating solid malignancies. Under this systemic dual targeting strategy, a vascular disrupting agent first selectively causes massive tumor necrosis that is followed by iodine-131 labeled-hypericin (123I-Hyp), a necrosis-avid compound that kills the residual cancer cells by crossfire effect of beta radiation. In this review, by emphasizing the potential clinical applicability of OncoCiDia, we summarize our research activities including optimization of radioiodinated hypericin Hyp preparations and recent studies on the biodistribution, dosimetry, pharmacokinetic and, chemical and radiochemical toxicities of the preparations. Myocardial infarction is a global health problem. Although cardiac scintigraphy using radioactive perfusion tracers is used in the assessment of myocardial viability, searching for diagnostic imaging agents with authentic necrosis avidity is pursued. Therefore, a comparative study on the biological profiles of the necrosis avid 123I-Hyp and the commercially available 99mTc-Sestamibi was conducted and the results are demonstrated. Cholelithiasis or gallstone disease may cause gallbladder inflammation, infection and other severe complications. While studying the mechanisms underlying the necrosis avidity of Hyp and derivatives, their naturally occurring fluorophore property was exploited for targeting cholesterol as a main component of gallstones. The usefulness of Hyp as an optical imaging agent for cholelithiasis was studied and the results are presented. Multiple uses of automatic contrast injectors may reduce costs and save resources. However, cross-contaminations with blood-borne pathogens of infectious diseases may occur. We developed a radioactive method for safety evaluation of a new replaceable patient-delivery system. By mimicking pathogens with a radiotracer, we assessed the feasibility of using the system repeatedly without septic risks. This overview is deemed to be interesting to those involved in the related fields for translational research.
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Cona MM, Alpizar YA, Li J, Bauwens M, Feng Y, Sun Z, Zhang J, Chen F, Talavera K, de Witte P, Verbruggen A, Oyen R, Ni Y. Radioiodinated hypericin: its biodistribution, necrosis avidity and therapeutic efficacy are influenced by formulation. Pharm Res 2013; 31:278-90. [PMID: 23934256 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-013-1159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study whether formulation influences biodistribution, necrosis avidity and tumoricidal effects of the radioiodinated hypericin, a necrosis avid agent for a dual-targeting anticancer radiotherapy. METHODS Iodine-123- and 131-labeled hypericin ((123)I-Hyp and (131)I-Hyp) were prepared with Iodogen as oxidant, and formulated in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/PEG400 (polyethylene glycol 400)/water (25/60/15, v/v/v) or DMSO/saline (20:80, v/v). The formulations with excessive Hyp were optically characterized. Biodistribution, necrosis avidity and tumoricidal effects were studied in rats (n = 42) without and with reperfused liver infarction and implanted rhabdomyosarcomas (R1). To induce tumor necrosis, R1-rats were pre-treated with a vascular disrupting agent. Magnetic resonance imaging, tissue-gamma counting, autoradiography and histology were used. RESULTS The two formulations differed significantly in fluorescence and precipitation. (123)I-Hyp/Hyp in DMSO/PEG400/water exhibited high uptake in necrosis but lower concentration in the lung, spleen and liver (p < 0.01). Tumor volumes of 0.9 ± 0.3 cm(3) with high radioactivity (3.1 ± 0.3% ID/g) were detected 6 days post-treatment. By contrast, (131)I-Hyp/Hypin DMSO/saline showed low uptake in necrosis but high retention in the spleen and liver (p < 0.01). Tumor volumes reached 2.6 ± 0.7 cm(3) with low tracer accumulation (0.1 ± 0.04%ID/g). CONCLUSIONS The formulation of radioiodinated hypericin/hypericin appears crucial for its physical property, biodistribution, necrosis avidity and tumoricidal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlein Miranda Cona
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
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Li J, Cona MM, Chen F, Feng Y, Zhou L, Zhang G, Nuyts J, de Witte P, Zhang J, Yu J, Oyen R, Verbruggen A, Ni Y. Sequential systemic administrations of combretastatin A4 Phosphate and radioiodinated hypericin exert synergistic targeted theranostic effects with prolonged survival on SCID mice carrying bifocal tumor xenografts. Theranostics 2013; 3:127-37. [PMID: 23423247 PMCID: PMC3575593 DOI: 10.7150/thno.5790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Based on the soil-to-seeds principle, we explored the small-molecular sequential dual-targeting theranostic strategy (SMSDTTS) for prolonged survival and imaging detectability in a xenograft tumor model. Materials and Methods: Thirty severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice bearing bilateral radiation-induced fibrosarcoma-1 (RIF-1) subcutaneously were divided into group A of SMSDTTS with sequential intravenous injections of combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) and 131I-iodohypericin (131I-Hyp) at a 24 h interval; group B of single targeting control with CA4P and vehicle of 131I-Hyp; and group C of vehicle control (10 mice per group). Tumoricidal events were monitored by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and planar gamma scintiscan, and validated by ex vivo autoradiography and histopathology. Besides, 9 mice received sequential intravenous injections of CA4P and 131I-Hyp were subjected to biodistribution analysis at 24, 72 and 120 h. Results: Gamma counting revealed fast clearance of 131I-Hyp from normal organs but intense accumulation in necrotic tumor over 120 h. After only one treatment, significantly prolonged survival (p<0.001) was found in group A compared to group B and C with median survival of 33, 22, and 21 days respectively. Tumor volume on day 15 was 2.0 ± 0.89, 5.66 ± 1.66, and 5.02 ± 1.0 cm3 with tumor doubling time 7.8 ± 2.8, 4.4 ± 0.67, and 4.5 ± 0.5 days respectively. SMSDTTS treated tumors were visualized as hot spots on gamma scintiscans, and necrosis over tumor ratio remained consistently high on MRI, autoradiography and histology. Conclusion: The synergistic antitumor effects, multifocal targetability, simultaneous theranostic property, and good tolerance of the SMSDTTS were evident in this experiment, which warrants further development for preclinical and clinical applications.
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Li J, Oyen R, Verbruggen A, Ni Y. Small Molecule Sequential Dual-Targeting Theragnostic Strategy (SMSDTTS): from Preclinical Experiments towards Possible Clinical Anticancer Applications. J Cancer 2013; 4:133-45. [PMID: 23412554 PMCID: PMC3572405 DOI: 10.7150/jca.5635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hitting the evasive tumor cells proves challenging in targeted cancer therapies. A general and unconventional anticancer approach namely small molecule sequential dual-targeting theragnostic strategy (SMSDTTS) has recently been introduced with the aims to target and debulk the tumor mass, wipe out the residual tumor cells, and meanwhile enable cancer detectability. This dual targeting approach works in two steps for systemic delivery of two naturally derived drugs. First, an anti-tubulin vascular disrupting agent, e.g., combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P), is injected to selectively cut off tumor blood supply and to cause massive necrosis, which nevertheless always leaves peripheral tumor residues. Secondly, a necrosis-avid radiopharmaceutical, namely 131I-hypericin (131I-Hyp), is administered the next day, which accumulates in intratumoral necrosis and irradiates the residual cancer cells with beta particles. Theoretically, this complementary targeted approach may biologically and radioactively ablate solid tumors and reduce the risk of local recurrence, remote metastases, and thus cancer mortality. Meanwhile, the emitted gamma rays facilitate radio-scintigraphy to detect tumors and follow up the therapy, hence a simultaneous theragnostic approach. SMSDTTS has now shown promise from multicenter animal experiments and may demonstrate unique anticancer efficacy in upcoming preliminary clinical trials. In this short review article, information about the two involved agents, the rationale of SMSDTTS, its preclinical antitumor efficacy, multifocal targetability, simultaneous theragnostic property, and toxicities of the dose regimens are summarized. Meanwhile, possible drawbacks, practical challenges and future improvement with SMSDTTS are discussed, which hopefully may help to push forward this strategy from preclinical experiments towards possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Li
- 1. Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical Sciences Group; KU Leuven, Belgium. ; 2. Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Faculty of Medicine; KU Leuven, Belgium
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Cona MM, Li J, Chen F, Feng Y, Alpizar YA, Vanstapel F, Talavera K, de Witte P, Verbruggen A, Sun Z, Oyen R, Ni Y. A safety study on single intravenous dose of tetrachloro-diphenyl glycoluril [iodogen] dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). Xenobiotica 2013; 43:730-7. [PMID: 23294333 DOI: 10.3109/00498254.2012.756559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
1. Iodogen (tetrachloro-diphenyl glycoluril) dissolved in DMSO (dimethyl sulphoxide) appears indispensable in radioiodination of hypericin for a new anticancer strategy. We studied the safety of intravenously administered iodogen/DMSO in mice (n = 132). 2. Median lethal dose (LD50) of iodogen/DMSO was determined with doses of 40.0, 50.0, 55.0, 60.0, 65.0 and 70.0 mg/kg. Next, toxicity of iodogen/DMSO at 30.0 mg/kg was evaluated using saline and DMSO as controls. Changes in behaviour, body weight and serum biochemistry were evaluated. Histopathology of lungs, heart, liver and kidney was performed. 3. LD50 values of iodogen/DMSO were 59.5 mg/kg (95% confidence limits (CI): 54.1-65.4 mg/kg) and 61.0 mg/kg (95%CI: 56.2-66.2 mg/kg) for female and male mice, respectively. Similar to that of control groups, no animal deaths were encountered after iodogen/DMSO administration at 30.0 mg/kg. Body weights over 24 h were not altered in all groups, but significantly higher in iodogen/DMSO and DMSO groups (p < 0.05) 14 d post-injection. Blood urea nitrogen and alkaline phosphatase increased (p < 0.05) in iodogen/DMSO group without clinical symptoms. No pathologies were found by gross and microscopic inspection. 4. A single dose of iodogen/DMSO up to 30.0 mg/kg, over 3000 times the dose in potential human applications, appears safe, with an LD50 doubling that dose in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlein Miranda Cona
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Li J, Cona MM, Chen F, Feng Y, Zhou L, Yu J, Nuyts J, de Witte P, Zhang J, Himmelreich U, Verbruggen A, Ni Y. Exploring theranostic potentials of radioiodinated hypericin in rodent necrosis models. Theranostics 2012; 2:1010-9. [PMID: 23139728 PMCID: PMC3493203 DOI: 10.7150/thno.4924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The present animal experiments were conducted to evaluate radioiodinated Hypericin (Hyp) for its regional distribution as well as theranostic potentials. Materials and Methods: Rat models of reperfused liver infarction (RLI) and hepatic rhabdomyosarcoma (R1) were surgically induced. R1 models received Combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) intravenously at 10 mg/kg 24 h prior to radioiodinated Hyp. Three groups of 6 rats each containing 3 RLI and 3 R1 models received iv injections of 123I-Hyp at 37, 74, and 185 MBq/kg respectively and followed by 0.1 ml of 1% Evans blue solution were sacrificed at 4, 24 and 48 hour post injection immediately after in vivo examination of MRI and planar gamma scintigraphy. Besides, two groups of 6 R1 models that received either 300 MBq/kg of 131I-Hyp or vehicle intravenously were examined using MRI to compare tumor growth for 12 days. Autoradiography, gamma counting, and histopathology were performed for postmortem verifications and quantification. Results: Necrosis as seen in vivo on contrast-enhanced MRI corresponded well with the hot spots on planar scintigraphy. Autoradiography and gamma counting revealed intense accumulation of 123I-Hyp in necrotic liver (3.94 ± 1.60, 5.38 ± 1.04, and 6.03 ± 2.09 %ID/g ± SD) and necrotic tumor (4.27 ± 0.76, 5.57 ± 0.76, and 5.68 ± 1.33 %ID/g ± SD) relative to normal liver (1.76 ± 0.54, 0.41 ± 0.18, and 0.16 ± 0.07 %ID/g ± SD), with a high necrosis-to-liver ratio of 2.3, 14.0, and 37.0 at 4, 24 and 48 h respectively. Tumor volumes in R1 models that received 131I-Hyp and vehicle changed from 0.45 ± 0.09, and 0.47 ± 0.12 cm3 (p > 0.05) on day 0 to1.32 ± 0.76 and 3.63 ± 0.72 cm3 (p < 0.001) on day 12, with the corresponding necrosis ratios from 73 ± 12 %, and 76 ± 17 % to 47 ± 18% and 17 ± 13 % (p < 0.01), and with the tumor DT of 7.3 ± 1.0 and 4.2 ± 0.7 days, respectively. Conclusions: Radioiodinated Hyp as a necrosis avid tracer appears promising for non-invasive imaging diagnosis of necrosis-related pathologies. Its prominent targetability to necrosis allows targeted radiotherapy for malignancies on top of a prior necrosis-inducing treatment.
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