Investigation of Copper Cysteamine Nanoparticles as a New Type of Radiosensitiers for Colorectal Carcinoma Treatment

Copper and Copper Complexes in Tumor Therapy

Copper (Cu), a crucial trace element in physiological processes, has garnered significant interest for its involvement in cancer progression and potential therapeutic applications. The regulation of cellular copper levels is essential for maintaining copper homeostasis, as imbalances can lead to toxicity and cell death. The development of drugs that target copper homeostasis has emerged as a promising strategy for anticancer treatment, with a particular focus on copper chelators, copper ionophores, and novel copper complexes. Recent research has also investigated the potential of copper complexes in cancer therapy.

Combination of disulfiram and Copper-Cysteamine nanoparticles induces mitochondria damage and promotes apoptosis in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) stands as one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies affecting women, with its incidence and disease-related mortality steadily on the rise. Disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved medication primarily used for treating alcohol addiction, has exhibited promising anti-tumor properties. Studies have revealed DSF's capacity for enhanced anti-tumor activity, particularly when combined with copper. The novel Copper-Cysteamine (CuCy) compound, Cu3Cl(SR)2 (R[bond, double bond]CH2CH2NH2), showcases photodynamic effects and demonstrates significant anti-tumor potential under various conditions, including exposure to ultraviolet light, X-ray, microwave, and ultrasound. This study delves into exploring the synergistic anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms by utilizing copper-cysteamine in conjunction with DSF against endometrial cancer. The investigation involved comprehensive analyses encompassing in vitro experiments utilizing Ishikawa cells, in vivo studies, and transcriptomic analyses. Remarkably, the combined administration of both compounds at a low dose of 0.5 μM exhibited pronounced efficacy in impeding tumor growth, inhibiting blood vessel formation, and stimulating cell apoptosis. Notably, experiments involving transplanted tumors in nude mice vividly demonstrated the significant in vivo anti-tumor effects of this combination treatment. Detailed examination through transmission electron microscopy unveiled compelling evidence of mitochondrial damage, cellular swelling, and rupture, indicative of apoptotic changes in morphology due to the combined treatment. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis unveiled substantial downregulation of mitochondrial-related genes at the molecular level, coupled with a significant hindrance in the DNA repair pathway. These findings strongly suggest that the combined application of CuCy and DSF induces mitochondrial impairment in Ishikawa cells, thereby fostering apoptosis and ultimately yielding potent anti-tumor effects.

Cysteamine Chemisorption at Mercury-Solution Interfaces in the Context of Redox and Microdissociation Equilibria

The redox behavior and chemisorption of cysteamine (CA) at a charged mercury surface are described, with an emphasis on its acid-base properties supported by molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical calculations. It was found that CA forms chemisorbed layers on the surface of the mercury electrode. The formation of Hg-CA complexes is connected to mercury disproportionation, as reflected in peaks SII and SI at potentials higher than the electrode potential of zero charge (p.z.c.). Both the process of chemisorption of CA and its consequent redox transformation are proton-dependent. Also, depending on the protonation of CA, the formation of typical populations of chemisorbed conformers can be observed. In addition, cystamine (CA disulfide dimer) can be reduced on the mercury surface. Between the potentials of this reduction and peak SI, the p.z.c. of the electrode used can be found. Furthermore, CA can serve as an LMW catalyst for hydrogen evolution. The mechanistic insights presented here can be used for follow-up research on CA chemisorption and targeted modification of other metallic surfaces.

Tumor Targeted Cuprous-Based Nanocomposite as Responsive Cascade Nanocatalyst for Efficient Tumor Synergistic Therapy

The single-functionality of traditional chemodynamic therapy (CDT) reagents usually limits the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatment. Synergistic nanocomposites that involve cascade reaction provide a promising strategy to achieve satisfactory anticancer effects. Herein, a cuprous-based nanocomposite (CCS@GOx@HA) is fabricated, which owns the tumor targeting ability and can undergo tumor microenvironment responsive cascade reaction to enhance the tumor therapeutic efficiency significantly. Surface modification of nanocomposite with hyaluronic acid enables the targeted delivery of the nanocomposite to cancer cells. Acid-triggered decomposition of nanocomposite in cancer cell results in the release of Cu+ , Se2- and GOx. The Cu+ improves the Fenton-like reaction with endogenous H2 O2 to generate highly toxic • OH for CDT. While GOx can not only catalyze the in situ generation of endogenous H2 O2 , but also accelerate the consumption of intratumoral glucose to reduce nutrient supply in tumor site. In addition, Se2- further improves the therapeutic effects of CDT by upregulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells. Meanwhile, the surface modification endows the nanocomposite the good water dispersibility and biocompatibility. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate satisfactory anti-cancer therapeutic performance by the synergistic cascade function of CCS@GOx@HA than CDT alone.

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Cytokine Addition After the Freeze-Thawing Process Improves Human Sperm Motility and Vitality in Asthenoteratozoospermia Patients

The cryopreservation-thawing process of spermatozoa cells has negative impacts on their structure, function, and fertility parameters, which are known as cryoinjury. Asthenozoospermia patients are more susceptible to cryoinjury. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) increases sperm glucose uptake via the induction of glucose transporters, resulting in increased sperm motility. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of GM-CSF supplementation of the cryopreservation media for semen samples of asthenoteratozoospermia patients. The study was carried out on 20 semen samples from infertile men referred to diagnosing semen analysis. To avoid subjective bias, two main sperm motility parameters, including velocity along the curvilinear path and velocity along the straight-line path were considered by the computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Afterward, each semen sample was divided into three equal aliquots and randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group I (control, freezing media only), group II (+GM-CSF, freezing medium supplemented with 2 μL/mL GM-CSF), or group III (GM-CSF added after thawing and washing). Following semen thawing, standard parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the DNA Fragmentation Index were analyzed. Total sperm motility (progressive and non-progressive) improved significantly in group III samples after a 30-minute incubation with GM-CSF compared with the control group (26.5% ± 3.1% vs. 17.51% ± 2.59%). However, no differences in progressive motility or sperm morphology were found among the three thawed samples. The percentage of vitality was significantly higher in group III compared with the other two groups (28.38% ± 3.4% vs. 22.4% ± 3.08% and 22.14% ± 2.77%, respectively) (p < 0.05). JC-1 levels (a marker of MMP) were not significantly different between the examined groups (44.95% ± 8.26% vs. 36.61% ± 6.95% vs. 46.67% ± 7.7%, for control, group II, and group III, respectively) (p > 0.05). GM-CSF may be advantageous as an additive after freezing, improving total motility and viability after 30 minutes of post-thaw incubation; however, when supplied to the freezing media before cryopreservation, it is unable to protect against cryoinjury.

Photodynamic Therapy for Inflammatory and Cancerous Diseases of the Intestines: Molecular Mechanisms and Prospects for Application

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment that effectively targets cancer and inflammatory diseases. It has gained recognition for its efficacy, low toxicity, and potential for repeated use. Colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC), impose a significant burden on global intestinal health, with increasing incidence and prevalence rates. PDT shows promise as an emerging approach for gastrointestinal disease treatment, particularly IBD and CRC. Extensive preclinical research has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of PDT for IBD and CRC, while clinical studies are currently underway. This review provides an overview of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of PDT, offering insights into the clinical application of PDT in IBD and CRC treatment. It is expected that this review will serve as a valuable reference for future research on PDT for CRC and IBD, contributing to advancements in the treatment of inflammatory and cancerous diseases of the intestines.

Cuproptosis-related risk score predicts prognosis and characterizes the tumor microenvironment in colon adenocarcinoma

Introduction

Cuproptosis is a novel copper-dependent regulatory cell death (RCD), which is closely related to the occurrence and development of multiple cancers. However, the potential role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains unclear.

Methods

Transcriptome, somatic mutation, somatic copy number alteration and the corresponding clinicopathological data of COAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). Difference, survival and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the characteristics of CRGs in COAD patients. Consensus unsupervised clustering analysis of CRGs expression profile was used to classify patients into different cuproptosis molecular and gene subtypes. TME characteristics of different molecular subtypes were investigated by using Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Next, CRG Risk scoring system was constructed by applying logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox regression analysis and multivariate cox analysis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to exam the expression of key Risk scoring genes.

Results

Our study indicated that CRGs had relatively common genetic and transcriptional variations in COAD tissues. We identified three cuproptosis molecular subtypes and three gene subtypes based on CRGs expression profile and prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) expression profile, and found that changes in multilayer CRGs were closely related to the clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS), different signaling pathways, and immune cell infiltration of TME. CRG Risk scoring system was constructed according to the expression of 7 key cuproptosis-related risk genes (GLS, NOX1, HOXC6, TNNT1, GLS, HOXC6 and PLA2G12B). RT-qPCR and IHC indicated that the expression of GLS, NOX1, HOXC6, TNNT1 and PLA2G12B were up-regulated in tumor tissues, compared with those in normal tissues, and all of GLS, HOXC6, NOX1 and PLA2G12B were closely related with patient survival. In addition, high CRG risk scores were significantly associated with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), tumor mutation burden (TMB), cancer stem cell (CSC) indices, stromal and immune scores in TME, drug susceptibility, as well as patient survival. Finally, a highly accurate nomogram was constructed to promote the clinical application of the CRG Risk scoring system.

Discussion

Our comprehensive analysis showed that CRGs were greatly associated with TME, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis of patient with COAD. These findings may promote our understanding of CRGs in COAD, providing new insights for physicians to predict prognosis and develop more precise and individualized therapy strategies.

Copper-cysteamine nanoparticle-mediated microwave dynamic therapy improves cancer treatment with induction of ferroptosis

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) holds a great promise for cancer patients, however, due to the hypoxic characteristics of most solid tumors and the limited penetration depth of light in tissues, the extensive clinical application of PDT is limited. Herein, we report microwave induced copper-cysteamine (Cu-Cy) nanoparticles-based PDT as a promising cancer treatment to overcome cancer resistance in combination with ferroptosis. The treatment efficiency of Cu-Cy-mediated microwave dynamic therapy (MWDT) tested on HCT15 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells via cell titer-blue cell viability assay and live/dead assay reveal that Cu-Cy upon MW irradiation can effectively destroy HCT15 CRC cells with average IC-50 values of 20 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity of Cu-Cy to tumor cells after MW stimulation can be alleviated by ferroptosis inhibitor. Furthermore, Cu-Cy mediated MWDT could deplete glutathione peroxide 4 (GPX4) and enhance lipid peroxides (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Our findings demonstrate that MW-activated Cu-Cy killed CRC cells by inducing ferroptosis. The superior in vivo antitumor efficacy of the Cu-Cy was corroborated by a HCT15 tumor-bearing mice model. Immunohistochemical experiments showed that the GPX4 expression level in Cu-Cy + MW group was significantly lower than that in other groups. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Cu-Cy nanoparticles have a safe and promising clinical application prospect in MWDT for deep-seated tumors and effectively inhibit tumor cell proliferation by inducing ferroptosis, which provides a potential solution for cancer resistance.

Combining Radiotherapy (RT) and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Clinical Studies on Conventional RT-PDT Approaches and Novel Nanoparticle-Based RT-PDT Approaches under Preclinical Evaluation

Radiotherapy (RT) is the primary standard of care for many locally advanced cancers. Often times, however, the efficacy of RT is limited due to radio-resistance that cancer cells develop. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained importance as an alternative local therapy. Because its mechanism involves minimal acquired resistance, PDT is a useful adjunct to RT. This review discusses recent advances in combining RT with PDT for cancer treatment. In the first part of this review, we will discuss clinical trials on RT + PDT combination therapies. All these approaches suffer from the same inherent limitations as any current PDT methods; (i) visible light has a short penetration depth in human tissue (&lt;∼10 mm), and (ii) it is difficult to illuminate the entire tumor homogeneously by external/interstitial laser irradiation. To address these limitations, scintillating nanoparticle-mediated RT-PDT approaches have been explored in which nanoparticles convert X-rays (RT) into visible light (PDT); high-energy X-rays can reach deep into the body to irradiate cancers uniformly and precisely. The second part of this review will discuss recent efforts in developing and applying nanoparticles for RT-PDT applications.

Radionuclide Delivery Strategies in Tumor Treatment: A Systematic Review

The aim of this review was to assess recent progress in targeted radionuclide tumor therapy, focusing on the best delivery strategies. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using the terms "radionuclides", "liposomes", "avidin-biotin interaction", "theranostic", and "molecular docking". The 10 year filter was applied, except for the avidin-biotin interaction. Data were retrieved from both preclinical and clinical settings. Three targeting strategies were considered: pretargeting, liposomes, and ligands. Pretargeting can be achieved by exploiting the avidin-biotin interaction. This strategy seems very promising, although it has been investigated mainly in resectable tumors. Radiolabeled liposomes have attracted new interest as probes to identify the most suitable patients for treatment with liposomal formulations of common chemotherapeutics. The use of ligands for the delivery of radiotherapeutics to a specific target is still the most appealing strategy for treating tumors. The most appropriate ligand can be identified by virtually simulating its interaction with the receptor. All strategies showed great potential for use in targeted radionuclide therapy, but they also have numerous drawbacks. The most promising option is probably the one based on the use of new ligands.

Multidrug Resistance in Cancer: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms, Immunoprevention and Therapeutic Approaches

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Several treatments are available for cancer treatment, but many treatment methods are ineffective against multidrug-resistant cancer. Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a major obstacle to effective therapeutic interventions against cancer. This review describes the known MDR mechanisms in cancer cells and discusses ongoing laboratory approaches and novel therapeutic strategies that aim to inhibit, circumvent, or reverse MDR development in various cancer types. In this review, we discuss both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, in addition to highlighting hypoxia- and autophagy-mediated drug resistance mechanisms. Several factors, including individual genetic differences, such as mutations, altered epigenetics, enhanced drug efflux, cell death inhibition, and various other molecular and cellular mechanisms, are responsible for the development of resistance against anticancer agents. Drug resistance can also depend on cellular autophagic and hypoxic status. The expression of drug-resistant genes and the regulatory mechanisms that determine drug resistance are also discussed. Methods to circumvent MDR, including immunoprevention, the use of microparticles and nanomedicine might result in better strategies for fighting cancer.

Colorectal liver metastasis: molecular mechanism and interventional therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently occurring malignancy tumors with a high morbidity additionally, CRC patients may develop liver metastasis, which is the major cause of death. Despite significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, the survival rate of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) patients remains very low. CRLM, as a complex cascade reaction process involving multiple factors and procedures, has complex and diverse molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms/pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment of CRLM. We also focus on an overview of the recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of CRLM with a special emphasis on tumor microenvironment and promise of newer targeted therapies for CRLM, further improving the prognosis of CRLM patients.

Study of copper-cysteamine based X-ray induced photodynamic therapy and its effects on cancer cell proliferation and migration in a clinical mimic setting

Copper-cysteamine as a new generation of sensitizers can be activated by light, X-rays, microwaves, or ultrasound to produce reactive oxygen species. X-ray induced photodynamic therapy (X-PDT) has been studied extensively; however, most of the studies reported so far were conducted in the laboratory, which is not conducive to the clinical translation conditions. In this contribution, for the first time, we investigated the treatment efficiency of copper-cysteamine (Cu-Cy) based X-PDT by mimicking the clinical conditions with a clinical linear accelerator and building deep-seated tumor models to study not only the effectiveness but also its effects on the cell migration and proliferation in the level of the cell, tissue, and animal. The results showed that, without X-ray irradiation, Cu-Cy nanoparticles (NPs) had a low toxicity in HepG2, SK-HEP-1, Li-7, and 4T1 cells at a concentration below 100 mg/L. Interestingly, for the first time, it was observed that Cu-Cy mediated X-PDT can inhibit the proliferation and migration of these cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Antigen markers of migration and cell proliferation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and E-cadherin, from tumor tissue in the X-PDT group were remarkably different from that of the control group. Furthermore, the MRI assessment showed that the Cu-Cy based X-PDT inhibited the growth of deeply located tumors in mice and rabbits (p < 0.05) without any obvious toxicities in vivo. Overall, these new findings demonstrate that Cu-Cy NPs have a safe and promising clinical application prospect in X-PDT to improve the efficiency of radiotherapy (RT) for deep-seated tumors and effectively inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration.

Recent Advances of Upconversion Nanomaterials in the Biological Field

Rare Earth Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are a type of material that emits high-energy photons by absorbing two or more low-energy photons caused by the anti-stokes process. It can emit ultraviolet (UV) visible light or near-infrared (NIR) luminescence upon NIR light excitation. Due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, including exceptional optical stability, narrow emission band, enormous Anti-Stokes spectral shift, high light penetration in biological tissues, long luminescent lifetime, and a high signal-to-noise ratio, it shows a prodigious application potential for bio-imaging and photodynamic therapy. This paper will briefly introduce the physical mechanism of upconversion luminescence (UCL) and focus on their research progress and achievements in bio-imaging, bio-detection, and photodynamic therapy.

Recent progress in sono-photodynamic cancer therapy: From developed new sensitizers to nanotechnology-based efficacy-enhancing strategies

Many sensitizers have not only photodynamic effects, but also sonodynamic effects. Therefore, the combination of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using sensitizers for sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT) provides alternative opportunities for clinical cancer therapy. Although significant advances have been made in synthesizing new sensitizers for SPDT, few of them are successfully applied in clinical settings. The anti-tumor effects of the sensitizers are restricted by the lack of tumor-targeting specificity, incapability in deep intratumoral delivery, and the deteriorating tumor microenvironment. The application of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) can solve the above shortcomings, thereby improving the SPDT efficacy. This review summarizes various sensitizers as sono/photosensitizers that can be further used in SPDT, and describes different strategies for enhancing tumor treatment by NDDSs, such as overcoming biological barriers, improving tumor-targeted delivery and intratumoral delivery, providing stimuli-responsive controlled-release characteristics, stimulating anti-tumor immunity, increasing oxygen supply, employing different therapeutic modalities, and combining diagnosis and treatment. The challenges and prospects for further development of intelligent sensitizers and translational NDDSs for SPDT are also discussed.

Total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris inhibit proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and influence MAPK signalling pathways on the colorectal cancer cell

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in incidence and second in mortality among all types of cancer, and due to its insidious onset and lack of early symptoms, it is usually diagnosed at a later stage. Saponins, a class of compounds abundant in plants, have been reported to possess prominent anti‑tumour properties. The use of ginsenoside Rg3 in the clinical setting was authorized by the National Medicinal Products Administration of China. In the present study, total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris (RPMTG) were prepared, and the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the anti‑CRC effects of RPMTG were investigated. The effect of RPMTG on the proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis of HCT116 and SW620 cells were detected by MTT, flow cytometry and western blotting assays, and it was demonstrated that RPMTG could inhibit the proliferation of HCT116 and SW620 cells with IC50 values of 315.8 and 355.1 µg/ml, respectively, induce cell cycle arrest in the S and G0/G1 phase, and trigger apoptosis by downregulating the expression of the anti‑apoptotic proteins Bcl‑2, Bcl‑xL and induced myeloid leukaemia cell differentiation protein Mcl‑1, and increasing the expression of the pro‑apoptotic proteins Bax and Bad, cleaved caspased‑3 and poly(ADP)‑ribose polymerase. These findings suggested that RPMTG induced apoptosis through mitochondrial‑related pathways. In addition, RPMTG also decreased the expression of phosphorylated (p)‑extracellular signal‑regulated kinase and increased p‑c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (p‑JNK) and p‑p38. Moreover, the effects of RPMTG on cell proliferation and apoptosis were partially reversed when the JNK and p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were inhibited, indicating that RPMTG triggered apoptosis mainly via regulating JNK and p38 MAPK signalling. Therefore, RPMTG may have potential as an anti‑CRC agent, and further evaluations are needed.

Nanomedicine to Overcome Multidrug Resistance Mechanisms in Colon and Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Progress

The development of drug resistance is one of the main causes of cancer treatment failure. This phenomenon occurs very frequently in different types of cancer, including colon and pancreatic cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In recent years, nanomedicine has improved the delivery and efficacy of drugs, and has decreased their side effects. In addition, it has allowed to design drugs capable of avoiding certain resistance mechanisms of tumors. In this article, we review the main resistance mechanisms in colon and pancreatic cancers, along with the most relevant strategies offered by nanodrugs to overcome this obstacle. These strategies include the inhibition of efflux pumps, the use of specific targets, the development of nanomedicines affecting the environment of cancer-specific tissues, the modulation of DNA repair mechanisms or RNA (miRNA), and specific approaches to damage cancer stem cells, among others. This review aims to illustrate how advanced nanoformulations, including polymeric conjugates, micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, metallic and carbon-based nanoparticles, are allowing to overcome one of the main limitations in the treatment of colon and pancreatic cancers. The future development of nanomedicine opens new horizons for cancer treatment.

Copper-Based Nanoscale Coordination Polymers Augmented Tumor Radioimmunotherapy for Immunogenic Cell Death Induction and T-Cell Infiltration

Insufficient T-cell infiltration seriously hinders the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a potentially feasible approach to increase T-cell infiltration. Since ionizing radiation can only induce low-level ICD, this study constructs Cu-based nanoscale coordination polymers (Cu-NCPs) with mixed-valence (Cu⁺ /Cu²⁺ ), which can simultaneously and independently induce the generation of Cu⁺ -triggered hydroxyl radicals and Cu²⁺ -triggered GSH elimination, to synergize with radiation therapy for potent ICD induction. Markedly, this synergetic therapy remarkably enhances dendritic cell maturation and promotes antitumor CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration, thereby potentiating the development of checkpoint blockade immunotherapies against primary and metastatic tumors.

Combination of Disulfiram and Copper-Cysteamine Nanoparticles for an Enhanced Antitumor Effect on Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide with a low 5-year survival rate. More effective chemotherapeutic drugs, either new or repurposing ones, are urgently needed. Disulfiram (DSF) is a safe and public domain drug for alcohol addiction treatment and later shown to have anti-cancer capability, especially when administrated together with copper. The present study is to test the hypothesis that a newly developed copper-cysteamine (Cu-Cy) nanoparticles (NPs) can enhance the anti-tumor effect of DSF on esophageal cancer with reduced risk of copper poisoning. Our results showed that Cu-Cy NPs could greatly facilitate DSF to inhibit cell proliferation in cultured human esophageal cancer cells. Interestingly, the combined inhibitory function could be further enhanced when DSF and Cu-Cy NPs were present at an optimal molar ratio of 1:4. The results of the change in physical color, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, and FTIR spectra from a mixture of DSF and Cu-Cy NPs suggest a possible reaction between DSF and Cu-Cy NPs and the formation of new materials. Furthermore, cellular mechanistic studies revealed that the combination of DSF and Cu-Cy NPs resulted in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and blocked nuclear translocation of NF-ƙB (p65) in esophageal cancer cells. Moreover, in xenograft nude mice, combined administration of DSF and Cu-Cy NPs greatly inhibited tumor growth without noticeable histological toxicity, while any single agent at the same doses presented no inhibitory function. Together, this study demonstrates an effective anti-cancer function of combined treatment of DSF and Cu-Cy NPs in vitro and in vivo, which could be a promising new chemotherapy for esophageal cancer patients.

Effects of Nanoparticle Size and Radiation Energy on Copper-Cysteamine Nanoparticles for X-ray Induced Photodynamic Therapy

The Copper-cysteamine (Cu-Cy) nanoparticle is a novel sensitizer with a potential to increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. In this work, the effect of nanoparticle size and the energy of X-rays on the effectiveness of radiation therapy are investigated. The effect of the particle size on their performance is very complicated. The nanoparticles with an average size of 300 nm have the most intense photoluminescence, the nanoparticles with the average size of 100 nm have the most reactive oxygen species production upon X-ray irradiation, while the nanoparticles with the average size of 40 nm have the best outcome in the tumor suppression in mice upon X-ray irradiation. For energy, 90 kVp radiation resulted in smaller tumor sizes than 250 kVp or 350 kVp radiation energies. Overall, knowledge of the effect of nanoparticle size and radiation energy on radiation therapy outcomes could be useful for future applications of Cu-Cy nanoparticles.

The Rational Design and Biological Mechanisms of Nanoradiosensitizers

Radiotherapy (RT) has been widely used for cancer treatment. However, the intrinsic drawbacks of RT, such as radiotoxicity in normal tissues and tumor radioresistance, promoted the development of radiosensitizers. To date, various kinds of nanoparticles have been found to act as radiosensitizers in cancer radiotherapy. This review focuses on the current state of nanoradiosensitizers, especially the related biological mechanisms, and the key design strategies for generating nanoradiosensitizers. The regulation of oxidative stress, DNA damage, the cell cycle, autophagy and apoptosis by nanoradiosensitizers in vitro and in vivo is highlighted, which may guide the rational design of therapeutics for tumor radiosensitization.

A powerful combination of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles with potassium iodide for bacterial destruction

Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate that the combination of copper-cysteamine (Cu-Cy) nanoparticles (NPs) and potassium iodide (KI) can significantly inactivate both Gram-positive MRSA and Gram-negative E. coli. To uncover the mystery of the killing, the interaction of KI with Cu-Cy NPs was investigated systematically and the products from their interaction were identified. No copper ions were released after adding KI to Cu-Cy NPs in cell-free medium and, therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the Fenton reaction induced by copper ions is not responsible for the bacterial killing. Based on the observations, we propose that the major killing mechanism involves the generation of toxic species, such as hydrogen peroxide, triiodide ions, iodide ions, singlet oxygen, and iodine molecules. Overall, the powerful combination of Cu-Cy NPs and KI has good potential as an independent treatment or a complementary antibiotic treatment to infectious diseases.

Theoretical studies on the energy structures and optical properties of copper cysteamine - a novel sensitizer

Copper cysteamine (Cu-Cy) is a new type of photosensitizer, which can be activated not only by ultraviolet light, but also by X-rays, microwaves and ultrasound to generate reactive oxygen species for treating cancer and infection diseases. Moreover, copper cysteamine has a strong luminescence, which can be used for both therapeutics and imaging. In addition, it can also be used for solid state lighting, radiation detection and sensing. However, its electronic structures, and particularly its excited states, are not yet clear. Here, we present a computational study aiming to determine the nature of the excited states involved in the photophysical processes that lead to the luminescence of this compound. This study has been conducted using density functional theory (DFT), using both hybrid functionals and time-dependent DFT. It is found that both absorption and emission involve the replacement of an electron among the 3d and 4s orbitals of one or the other of the two types of Cu atoms found in the system. Our computed results compared well with the experimental absorption and emission results. These results are very helpful for the understanding of the experimental observations.

Exploration of Copper-Cysteamine Nanoparticles as a New Type of Agents for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation

Copper-cysteamine (Cu-Cy) nanoparticles (NPs) are a new type of sensitizers that can be activated by UV light, X-rays, microwaves and ultrasound to produce reactive oxygen species for cancer treatment. Here, for the first time, we explored Cu-Cy NPs for bacteria inactivation by treating gram-positive bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii), respectively. The results show that Cu-Cy NPs are very effective in killing gram-positive bacteria but are quite limited in killing gram-negative bacteria yet. The major killing mechanism is cell damage by singlet oxygen and Cu-Cy NPs are potential agents for bacteria inactivation.

Nanovectors Design for Theranostic Applications in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a diffused disease with limited therapeutic options, none of which are often curative. Based on the molecular markers and targets expressed by the affected tissues, numerous novel approaches have been developed to study and treat this disease. In particular, the field of nanotechnology offers an astonishingly wide array of innovative nanovectors with high versatility and adaptability for both diagnosis and therapy (the so called “theranostic platforms”). However, such complexity can make the selection of a specific nanocarrier model to study a perplexing endeavour for the biomedical scientist or clinician not familiar with this field of inquiry. This review offers a comprehensive overview of this wide body of knowledge, in order to outline the essential requirements for the clinical viability evaluation of a nanovector model in CRC. In particular, the differences among the foremost designs, their specific advantages, and technological caveats will be treated, never forgetting the ultimate endpoint for these systems development: the clinical practice.

X-ray induced photodynamic therapy with copper-cysteamine nanoparticles in mice tumors

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment that uses a photosensitizer, molecular oxygen, and light to kill target cells, is a promising cancer treatment method. However, a limitation of PDT is its dependence on light that is not highly penetrating, precluding the treatment of tumors located deep in the body. Copper-cysteamine nanoparticles are a new type of photosensitizer that can generate cytotoxic singlet oxygen molecules upon activation by X-rays. In this paper, we report on the use of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles, designed to be targeted to tumors, for X-ray-induced PDT. In an in vivo study, results show a statistically significant reduction in tumor size under X-ray activation of pH-low insertion peptide-conjugated, copper-cysteamine nanoparticles in mouse tumors. This work confirms the effectiveness of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles as a photosensitizer when activated by radiation and suggests that these Cu-Cy nanoparticles may be good candidates for PDT in deeply seated tumors when combined with X-rays and conjugated to a tumor-targeting molecule.

MRI-Based Radiomics Predicts Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Background: Conventional methods for predicting treatment response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are limited.

Methods: This study retrospectively recruited 134 LARC patients who underwent standard nCRT followed by total mesorectal excision surgery in our institution. Based on pre-operative axial T2-weighted images, machine learning radiomics was performed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to test the efficiencies of the predictive model.

Results: Among the 134 patients, 32 (23.9%) achieved pathological complete response (pCR), 69 (51.5%) achieved a good response, and 91 (67.9%) achieved down-staging. For prediction of pCR, good-response, and down-staging, the predictive model demonstrated high classification efficiencies, with an AUC value of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.83–0.98), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.83–0.97), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87–0.98), respectively.

Conclusion: Our machine learning radiomics model showed promise for predicting response to nCRT in patients with LARC. Our predictive model based on the commonly used T2-weighted images on pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans has the potential to be adapted in clinical practice.

Novelty and Impact Statements: Methods for predicting the response of the locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC, T3-4, or N+) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is lacking. In the present study, we developed a new machine learning radiomics method based on T2-weighted images. As a non-invasive tool, this method facilitates prediction performance effectively. It achieves a satisfactory overall diagnostic accuracy for predicting of pCR, good response, and down-staging show an AUC of 0.908, 0.902, and 0.930 in LARC patients, respectively.

The effectiveness and safety of X-PDT for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma

Aim: To clarify the effectiveness and safety of x-ray-activated photodynamic therapy (X-PDT) for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Materials & methods: Copper-cysteamine nanoparticles were used as a photosensitizer of X-PDT. The dark toxicity and cytotoxicity were studied in vitro. Tumor volume, microvessel density and acute toxicity of mice were evaluated in vivo. Results: Without x-ray irradiation, copper-cysteamine nanoparticles were nontoxic for keratinocyte cells. XL50 cells (SCC) were more sensitive to X-PDT than B16F10 cells (melanoma). X-PDT successfully inhibited the growth of SCC in vivo (p < 0.05), while the B16F10 melanoma was resistant. Microvessel density in SCC tissue was remarkably reduced (p < 0.05). No obvious acute toxicity reaction was observed. Conclusion: X-PDT is a safe and effective treatment for SCC.

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Enhanced Radiosensitizing Effect via Destructive Autophagy

Emerging nanotechnologies for radiotherapy are attracting increasing interest from researchers in recent years. To improve the radiotherapeutic performance, developing nanoparticles that can efficiently generate toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) under X-ray irradiation are highly desirable. Here, we investigate the potential of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) as nanoradiosensitizers. Increased cancer cell inhibition is observed in colony formation assay and real-time cell analysis after the combined treatment with CuO NPs and X-ray irradiation, whereas the CuO NPs alone do not have any negative influence on cell viability, indicating the radiosensitization effect of CuO NPs. Importantly, the significantly increased ROS level in cells contributes to the enhanced damage to cancer cells under the combined treatment. Besides, the cell cycle is regulated to the X-ray-sensitive phase (G₂/M phase) by CuO NPs, which may also account for the inhibited proliferation of cancer cells. Furthermore, results from Western blot analysis and colony formation assay reveal that the increased cell death may be mainly attributed to the excessive autophagy induced by both CuO NPs and X-ray irradiation. Moreover, in vivo experiments verify the radiosensitization of CuO NPs and their favorable biosafety. The current study suggests that CuO NPs can be utilized as nanoradiosensitizers for increasing the efficiency of cancer radiotherapy.

Investigation of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles as a new photosensitizer for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver and occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. HCC is now the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with over 500,000 people affected. However, there is no complete effective (ideal) treatment for liver cancer yet, and the new methods are expected to be discovered. Herein, for the first time, we report the anti-HCC effects of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles (Cu-Cy NPs), a new type of photosensitizers. An in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay shows that Cu-Cy NPs could significantly reduce the activity of HepG2 cells at a very low dose after a short time of ultraviolet radiation. In addition, we found that cell death was induced by Cu-Cy NPs, which is associated with cellular apoptosis. This implied that apoptosis might be the main mechanism of the Cu-Cy's anti-HCC activity. Furthermore, we found that Cu-Cy NPs obviously inhibited the tumor growth in vivo. More interestingly, we found that the soluble Cu-Cy NPs were able to enter exosomes which were secreted by tumor cells, and exosomes could be used to deliver Cu-Cy NPs to target tumor cells. All these observations suggest that Cu-Cy NPs have a good potential for cancer treatment.

A facile method for the synthesis of copper–cysteamine nanoparticles and study of ROS production for cancer treatment

A facile synthesis method of copper–cysteamine nanoparticles is reported and their application for cancer treatment through ROS-mediated mechanisms is explored.

New CeF3-ZnO nanocomposites for self-lighted photodynamic therapy that block adenocarcinoma cell life cycle

AIM

To synthesize and characterize the performances of a new all-inorganic nanocomposite (NC) for self-lighted photodynamic therapy against cancer. This NC could allow radiotherapy doses to be reduced, as it enhances the effects of x-rays, generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species as singlet oxygen.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The proposed NC combines CeF₃ and ZnO; CeF₃ absorbs 6-MeV x-rays and activates the photosensitizer ZnO. Characterization is performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning-TEM, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopies. Efficiency on human adenocarcinoma cells (A549) was tested by fluorescence spectroscopy, cytofluorimetry, viability assays, clonogenic assays, cell cycle progression assays.

RESULTS

NC blocks A549's cell cycle before mitosis in the dark. Upon low-dose x-ray irradiation (2 Gy), reactive oxygen species/singlet oxygen are generated, further blocking cell cycle and reducing viability by 18% with respect to the sum of x-ray irradiation and NC dark activity.

CONCLUSION

These novel NCs promise to reduce doses in radiotherapy, helping to reduce unwanted side effects.

Using X-rays in photodynamic therapy: an overview

Photodynamic therapy is a therapeutic option to treat cancer and other diseases.