Ganoderic acid loaded nano-lipidic carriers improvise treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Phyto-Fabrication of Moringa Oleifera Peel-Sourced Silver Nanoparticles: A Promising Approach for Combating Hepatic Cancer by Targeting Proinflammatory Cytokines and Mitigating Cytokine Storms

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises from precancerous nodules, leading to liver damage and inflammation, which triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Dysregulation of these cytokines can escalate into a cytokine storm, causing severe organ damage. Interestingly, Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) fruit peel, previously discarded as waste, contains an abundance of essential biomolecules and high nutritional value. This study focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles infused with M. oleifera peel extract biomolecules and their impact on regulating proinflammatory cytokines, as well as their potential anticancer effects against Wistar rats. The freshly synthesized nanoformulation underwent comprehensive characterization, followed by antihepatic cancer evaluation using a diethyl nitrosamine-induced model (at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 BW). The study demonstrates a significant reduction in proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB). Furthermore, it confirms that the newly biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit additional potential against hepatic cancer due to their capped biomolecules.

Enhancing cancer therapy: The role of drug delivery systems in STAT3 inhibitor efficacy and safety

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, resides in the nucleus to regulate genes essential for vital cellular functions, including survival, proliferation, self-renewal, angiogenesis, and immune response. However, continuous STAT3 activation in tumor cells promotes their initiation, progression, and metastasis, rendering STAT3 pathway inhibitors a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Nonetheless, these inhibitors frequently encounter challenges such as cytotoxicity and suboptimal biocompatibility in clinical trials. A viable strategy to mitigate these issues involves delivering STAT3 inhibitors via drug delivery systems (DDSs). This review delineates the regulatory mechanisms of the STAT3 signaling pathway and its association with cancer. It offers a comprehensive overview of the current application of DDSs for anti-STAT3 inhibitors and investigates the role of DDSs in cancer treatment. The conclusion posits that DDSs for anti-STAT3 inhibitors exhibit enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects in tumor therapy compared to anti-STAT3 inhibitors alone. This paper aims to provide an outline of the ongoing research and future prospects of DDSs for STAT3 inhibitors. Additionally, it presents our insights on the merits and future outlook of DDSs in cancer treatment.

Nanomaterials in Medicine: Understanding Cellular Uptake, Localization, and Retention for Enhanced Disease Diagnosis and Therapy

Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising tools for disease diagnosis and therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties. To maximize the effectiveness and design of NMs-based medical applications, it is essential to comprehend the complex mechanisms of cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention. This review illuminates the various pathways that NMs take to get from the extracellular environment to certain intracellular compartments by investigating the various mechanisms that underlie their interaction with cells. The cellular uptake of NMs involves complex interactions with cell membranes, encompassing endocytosis, phagocytosis, and other active transport mechanisms. Unique uptake patterns across cell types highlight the necessity for customized NMs designs. After internalization, NMs move through a variety of intracellular routes that affect where they are located subcellularly. Understanding these pathways is pivotal for enhancing the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and imaging probes. Furthermore, the cellular retention of NMs plays a critical role in sustained therapeutic efficacy and long-term imaging capabilities. Factors influencing cellular retention include nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, and the cellular microenvironment. Strategies for prolonging cellular retention are discussed, including surface modifications and encapsulation techniques. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention of NMs is essential for advancing their application in disease diagnosis and therapy. This review provides insights into the intricate interplay between NMs and biological systems, offering a foundation for the rational design of next-generation nanomedicines.

An Up-to-date Review on Protein-based Nanocarriers in the Management of Cancer

BACKGROUND

A big health issue facing the world's population is cancer. An alarming increase in cancer patients was anticipated by worldwide demographic statistics, which showed that the number of patients with different malignancies was rapidly increasing. By 2025, probably 420 million cases were projected to be achieved. The most common cancers diagnosed are breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung. Conventional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, have been practiced.

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, the area of cancer therapy has changed dramatically with expanded studies on the molecular-level detection and treatment of cancer. Recent advances in cancer research have seen significant advances in therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, although both have limitations in effectiveness and toxicity.

METHODS

The development of nanotechnology for anticancer drug delivery has developed several potentials as nanocarriers, which may boost the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of the drug product and substantially reduce the side effects.

RESULTS

The advancement in non-viral to viral-based protein-based nanocarriers for treating cancer has earned further recognition in this respect. Many scientific breakthroughs have relied on protein-based nanocarriers, and proteins are essential organic macromolecules for life. It allows targeted delivery of passive or active tumors using non-viral-based protein-based nanocarriers to viral-based protein nanocarriers. When targeting cancer cells, both animal and plant proteins may be used in a formulation process to create self-assembled viruses and platforms that can successfully eradicate metastatic cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

This review, therefore, explores in depth the applications of non-viral to viral proteinbased noncarriers with a specific focus on intracellular drug delivery and anti-cancer drug targeting ability.

Green synthesis of nano-based drug delivery systems developed for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: a review

This review presents an overview of one of the effective strategies for improving the anticancer impact of many drugs including sorafenib using a drug delivery system by employing nanoparticles that is produced through a biological system. The biological process has a lot of benefits, including being inexpensive and safe for the environment. Sorafenib is one of a multi-kinase inhibitor that inhibits molecularly targeted kinases. Because of its poor pharmacokinetic characteristics, such as fast elimination and limited water solubility, the bioavailability of Sorafenib is extremely low. More intelligent nano formulations of sorafenib have been developed to boost both the drug's target ability and bioavailability. Researchers in a wide variety of sectors, including nanomedicine, have recently been interested in the topic of nanotechnology. It is possible for the body to develop resistance to widely used drugs available for treatment of liver cancer, including sorafenib. As a result, our goal of this research is to highlight the efficacy of nanomedicine-based drug delivery system to enhance drug's cancer-fighting properties. Because of their magnetic properties, certain nanoparticle materials can be employed as a carrier for the medicine to the exact place where the cancer is located. This can lower the amount of the drug that is administered with no impact on the normal cells.

Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines

Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.

Pentapeptide cRGDfK-Surface Engineered Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as an Efficient Tool for Targeted Delivery of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for Battling Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Antitumor research aims to efficiently target hepatocarcinoma cells (HCC) for drug delivery. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are promising for active tumour targeting. Cell-penetrating peptides are feasible ligands for targeted cancer treatment.

Methods

In this study, we optimized gefitinib-loaded NLCs (GF-NLC) for HCC treatment. The NLCs contained cholesterol, oleic acid, Pluronic F-68, and Phospholipon 90G. The NLC surface was functionalized to enhance targeting with the cRGDfK-pentapeptide, which binds to the αvβ3 integrin receptor overexpressed on hepatocarcinoma cells.

Results

GF-NLC formulation was thoroughly characterized for various parameters using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis. In-vitro and in-vivo studies on the HepG2 cell line showed cRGDfK@GF-NLC's superiority over GF-NLC and free gefitinib. cRGDfK@GF-NLC exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity, growth inhibition, and cellular internalization. Biodistribution studies demonstrated enhanced tumour site accumulation without organ toxicity. The findings highlight cRGDfK@GF-NLC as a highly efficient carrier for targeted drug delivery, surpassing non-functionalized NLCs. These functionalized NLCs offer promising prospects for improving hepatocarcinoma therapy outcomes by specifically targeting HCC cells.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, cRGDfK@GF-NLC holds immense potential as a highly efficient carrier for targeted drug delivery of anticancer agents, surpassing the capabilities of non-functionalized NLCs. This research opens up new avenues for effective treatment strategies in hepatocarcinoma.

Involvement of PI3K/HIF-1α/c-MYC/iNOS Pathway in the Anticancer Effect of Suaeda vermiculata in Rats

Suaeda vermiculata Forssk. ex JF Gmel. (SV), a traditional known plant, has shown in vitro cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and HepG-2/ADR (doxorubicin-resistant cells) liver cell carcinoma cell lines, as well as hepatoprotection against paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. The current study evaluated the protective effect of SV, administered against N-diethylnitrosamine (NDEA)-induced HCC in rats. The possible modulatory effect of SV on the PI3K/HIF-1α/c-MYC/iNOS pathway was investigated. Sixty male adult albino rats (200 ± 10 g) were equally classified into five groups. Group I served as a control; Group 2 (SV control group) received SV (p.o., 200 mg/kg body weight); Group 3 (NDEA-administered rats) received freshly prepared NDEA solution (100 mg/L); and Groups 4 and 5 received simultaneously, for 16 weeks, NDEA + SV extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally). NDEA-treated rats displayed significant increases in serum levels of AFP, CEA, PI3K, malondialdehyde (MDA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR), with increased liver tissue protein expression of fibrinogen concomitant and significantly decreased concentrations of antioxidant parameters (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH)) in comparison to normal rats. On the flip side, AFP, CEA, PI3K, MDA, EGFR, and VEGFR serum levels were significantly reduced in rats that received NDEA with SV, both at low (SV LD) and high (SV HD) doses, accompanied by significant improvements in antioxidant parameters compared to the NDEA-treated group. Conclusions: SV possesses a significant hepatoprotective effect against NDEA-induced HCC via inhibiting the PI3K/HIF-1α/c-MYC/iNOS pathway, suggesting that SV could be a promising hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

In Vitro and In Vivo Synergistic Antitumor Activity of Albumin-Coated Oleic Acid-Loaded Liposomes toward Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers, closely associated with cirrhosis and fibrosis. This study aimed to assess the antitumor activity of oleic acid-liposomes (uncoated liposomes) upon coating with albumin against HCC. The in vitro studies revealed the high safety of the prepared uncoated and albumin-coated liposomes to normal HFB-4 cells (EC100 of 35.57 ± 0.17 and 79.133 ± 2.92 µM, respectively) with significant anticancer activity against HepG-2 cells with IC50 of 56.29 ± 0.91 and 26.74 ± 0.64 µM, respectively. The albumin-coated liposomes revealed superior apoptosis induction potential (80.7%) with significant upregulation of p53 gene expression (> 7.0-fold), compared to OA. The in vivo study revealed that the administration of uncoated or albumin-coated liposomes (100 mg/kg) for six weeks markedly retarded the DENA-induced HCC in Wistar albino rates through regulating the liver enzymes, total bilirubin level, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Accordingly, the current study supports the in vitro and in vivo chemo-preventive feature of albumin-coated liposomes against HCC through modulation of apoptosis, improvement of the immune response, reduction of inflammation, and restoration of impaired oxidative stress, which is the first reported to the best of our knowledge.

Green Synthesis of Genistein-Fortified Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles as a Potent Hepatic Cancer Inhibitor: Validation through Experimental and Computational Studies

In hepatic cancer, precancerous nodules account for damage and inflammation in liver cells. Studies have proved that phyto-compounds based on biosynthetic metallic nanoparticles display superior action against hepatic tumors. This study targeted the synthesis of genistein-fortified zinc ferrite nanoparticles (GENP) trailed by anticancer activity assessment against diethylnitrosamine and N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene induced hepatic cancer. The process of nucleation was confirmed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray beam diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and FT-IR. An in vitro antioxidant assay illustrated that the leaves of Pterocarpus mildbraedii have strong tendency as a reductant and, in the nanoformulation synthesis, as a natural capping agent. A MTT assay confirmed that GENP have a strong selective cytotoxic potential against HepG2 cancer cells. In silico studies of genistein exemplified the binding tendency towards human matrix metalloproteinase comparative to the standard drug marimastat. An in vivo anticancer evaluation showed that GENP effectively inhibit the growth of hepatic cancer by interfering with hepatic and non-hepatic biochemical markers.

Critical Review in Designing Plant-Based Anticancer Nanoparticles against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for 85% of liver cancer cases, continues to be the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although various forms of chemotherapy and immunotherapy have been investigated in clinics, patients continue to suffer from high toxicity and undesirable side effects. Medicinal plants contain novel critical bioactives that can target multimodal oncogenic pathways; however, their clinical translation is often challenged due to poor aqueous solubility, low cellular uptake, and poor bioavailability. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery presents great opportunities in HCC therapy by increasing selectivity and transferring sufficient doses of bioactives to tumor areas with minimal damage to adjacent healthy cells. In fact, many phytochemicals encapsulated in FDA-approved nanocarriers have demonstrated the ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment. In this review, information about the mechanisms of promising plant bioactives against HCC is discussed and compared. Their benefits and risks as future nanotherapeutics are underscored. Nanocarriers that have been employed to encapsulate both pure bioactives and crude extracts for application in various HCC models are examined and compared. Finally, the current limitations in nanocarrier design, challenges related to the HCC microenvironment, and future opportunities are also discussed for the clinical translation of plant-based nanomedicines from bench to bedside.

The Fractal Viewpoint of Tumors and Nanoparticles

Even though the promising therapies against cancer are rapidly improved, the oncology patients population has seen exponential growth, placing cancer in 5th place among the ten deadliest diseases. Efficient drug delivery systems must overcome multiple barriers and maximize drug delivery to the target tumors, simultaneously limiting side effects. Since the first observation of the quantum tunneling phenomenon, many multidisciplinary studies have offered quantum-inspired solutions to optimized tumor mapping and efficient nanodrug design. The property of a wave function to propagate through a potential barrier offer the capability of obtaining 3D surface profiles using imaging of individual atoms on the surface of a material. The application of quantum tunneling on a scanning tunneling microscope offers an exact surface roughness mapping of tumors and pharmaceutical particles. Critical elements to cancer nanotherapeutics apply the fractal theory and calculate the fractal dimension for efficient tumor surface imaging at the atomic level. This review study presents the latest biological approaches to cancer management based on fractal geometry.

A Pharmaco-Technical Investigation of Thymoquinone and Peat-Sourced Fulvic Acid Nanoemulgel: A Combination Therapy

Thymoquinone has a multitude of pharmacological effects and has been researched for a wide variety of indications, but with limited clinical success. It is associated with pharmaco-technical caveats such as hydrophobicity, high degradation, and a low oral bioavailability. A prudent approach warrants its usage through an alternative dermal route in combination with functional excipients to harness its potential for treating dermal afflictions, such as psoriasis. Henceforth, the present study explores a nanoformulation approach for designing a fulvic acid (peat-sourced)-based thymoquinone nanoemulsion gel (FTQ-NEG) for an enhanced solubility and improved absorption. The excipients, surfactant/co-surfactant, and oil selected for the o/w nanoemulsion (FTQ-NE) are Tween 80/Transcutol-P and kalonji oil. The formulation methodology includes high-energy ultrasonication complemented with a three-dimensional/factorial Box-Behnken design for guided optimization. The surface morphology assessment through scanning/transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy revealed a 100 nm spherical, globule-like structure of the prepared nanoemulsion. Furthermore, the optimized FTQ-NE had a zeta potential of -2.83 ± 0.14 Mv, refractive index of 1.415 ± 0.036, viscosity of 138.5 ± 3.08 mp, and pH of 5.8 ± 0.16, respectively. The optimized FTQ-NE was then formulated as a gel using Carbopol 971^® (1%). The in vitro release analysis of the optimized FTQ-NEG showed a diffusion-dominant drug release (Higuchi model) for 48 h. The drug permeation flux observed for FTQ-NEG (3.64 μg/cm²/h) was much higher compared to that of the pure drug (1.77 mg/cm²/h). The results were further confirmed by confocal microscopy studies, which proved the improved penetration of thymoquinone through mice skin. Long-term stability studies of the purported formulation were also conducted and yielded satisfactory results.

Nanotechnology strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy threatening human health, and existing diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are facing great challenges. In the last decade or so, nanotechnology has been developed and improved for tumor diagnosis and treatment. For example, nano-intravenous injections have been approved for malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the applications of nanotechnology in HCC in recent years: (I) in radiological imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging (FMI) and multimodality imaging. (II) For diagnostic applications in HCC serum markers. (III) As embolic agents in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or directly as therapeutic drugs. (IV) For application in photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. (V) As carriers of chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted drugs, and natural plant drugs. (VI) For application in gene and immunotherapy. Compared with the traditional methods for diagnosis and treatment of HCC, nanoparticles have high sensitivity, reduce drug toxicity and have a long duration of action, and can also be combined with photothermal and photodynamic multimodal combination therapy. These summaries provide insights for the further development of nanotechnology applications in HCC.

Development of D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate fabricated nanostructural lipid carrier of sorafenib tosylate for metastatic colorectal targeting application: Stability, physical characterization, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic studies against SW48 cells PTEN

The study aimed to create D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) of sorafenib tosylate (ST) as lymphatic delivery systems (LDDS) to fight Metastatic colorectal cancer. Initially, ST-SLN, ST-NLC, and ST-LNE were formulated considering oleic acid (OA), glycerol monolinoleate (GMO), glycerol monolinoleate (GML) as solid lipid and further characterised, and tested for stability. The most stable ST-NLC was fabricated with TPGS to produce ST-TPGS-NLC and evaluated by performing in vitro drug profiling, in vitro cytotoxicity, and apoptotic studies against human female colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines (SW48 Cells PTEN). Stability studies on three lipidic nanoparticles (ST-SLN, ST-NLC, ST-LEN) showed particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential ranging from 165 nm to 298 nm, 0.125 to 0.288, and -31 mV to -16 mV. At 1600 minutes, more than 80% of ST-NLC1 was released, confirming the sustained release pattern of the formulation. ST-NLC and ST-TPGS-NLC have entrapment efficiencies above 50%. Pure ST’s IC50 at 72 hr was 3.45 µg/mL, while 1.56 µg/mL was for ST-TPGS-NLC. The ST-TPGS-NLC reduced the number of livings SW48 Cells PTEN from 91% to 5%, compared to 75% to 8% of pure ST. The ST-TPGS-NLC is a promising LDDS for delivering ST for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Liposomes as Multifunctional Nano-Carriers for Medicinal Natural Products

Although medicinal natural products and their derivatives have shown promising effects in disease therapies, they usually suffer the drawbacks in low solubility and stability in the physiological environment, low delivery efficiency, side effects due to multi-targeting, and low site-specific distribution in the lesion. In this review, targeted delivery was well-guided by liposomal formulation in the aspects of preparation of functional liposomes, liposomal medicinal natural products, combined therapies, and image-guided therapy. This review is believed to provide useful guidance to enhance the targeted therapy of medicinal natural products and their derivatives.

Hispolon-Loaded Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles: Development, Stability, In Vitro Delivery Profile, and Assessment of Hepatoprotective Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The present work describes the development and characterization of liquid crystalline nanoparticles of hispolon (HP-LCNPs) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. HP-LCNPs were prepared by a top-down method utilizing GMO as the lipid and Pluronic F-127 as the polymeric stabilizer. The prepared formulations (HP1-HP8) were tested for long-term stability, where HP5 showed good stability with a particle size of 172.5 ± 0.3 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.38 ± 0.31 nm, a zeta potential of -10.12 mV ± 0.05, an entrapment efficiency of 86.81 ± 2.5%, and a drug loading capacity of 12.51 ± 1.12%. Optical photomicrography and transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated a consistent, low degree of aggregation and a spherical shape of LCNPs. The effect of temperature and pH on the optimized formulation (HP5) indicated good stability at 45 °C and at pH between 2 and 5. In vitro gastrointestinal stability indicated no significant change in the particle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency of the drug. The drug release study exhibited a biphasic pattern in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) for 2 h and simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4) for up to 24 h, while the best fitting of the profile was observed with the Higuchi model, indicating the Fickian diffusion mechanism. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated nearly 4.8-fold higher bioavailability from HP5 (AUC: 1774.3 ± 0.41 μg* h/mL) than from the HP suspension (AUC: 369.11 ± 0.11 μg* h/mL). The anticancer activity evaluation revealed a significant improvement in antioxidant parameters and serum hepatic biomarkers (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total bilirubin, and GGT) in the diethyl nitrosamine-treated group of rats with the optimized LCNP formulation (HP5) vis-à-vis HP suspension.

Lipid based nanoparticles as a novel treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive review on targeting and recent advances

Liver cancer is considered one of the deadliest diseases with one of the highest disease burdens worldwide. Among the different types of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma is considered to be the most common type. Multiple conventional approaches are being used in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Focusing on drug treatment, regular agents in conventional forms fail to achieve the intended clinical outcomes. In order to improve the treatment outcomes, utilizing nanoparticles-specifically lipid based nanoparticles-are considered to be one of the most promising approaches being set in motion. Multiple forms of lipid based nanoparticles exist including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, phytosomes, lipid coated nanoparticles, and nanoassemblies. Multiple approaches are used to enhance the tumor uptake as well tumor specificity such as intratumoral injection, passive targeting, active targeting, and stimuli responsive nanoparticles. In this review, the effect of utilizing lipidic nanoparticles is being discussed as well as the different tumor uptake enhancement techniques used.

Tumor-targeted hyaluronic acid-mPEG modified nanostructured lipid carriers for cantharidin delivery: An in vivo and in vitro study

AIM

Cantharidin (CTD), the major component of the anti-cancer medicine obtained from Mylabris cichorii, exerts good inhibitory effects on several cancers, such as liver and breast cancer. However, owing to its toxicity, its oral administration can cause various adverse effects, limiting its clinical applications. Therefore, the development of a novel nano-drug delivery system for CTD would be highly beneficial.

METHODS

A nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was designed to actively target CTD to tumor cells using a hyaluronic acid (HA)-decorated copolymer (mPEG-NH2); the NLCs were called HA-mPEG-CTD-NLC. HA-mPEG was synthesized using amidation, and HA-mPEG-CTD-NLC was generated through ultrasonic emulsification in water. The mean hydrodynamic diameter of the particles was approximately 119.3 nm.

RESULTS

Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the half-life of HA-mPEG-CTD-NLC and its area under the curve were higher than those of a CTD solution. Further, the plasma clearance rate of HA-mPEG-CTD-NLC was 0.41 times that of the CTD solution, implying a significantly prolonged drug retention time in vivo. Fluorescence in vivo endo-microscopy and optical in vivo imaging revealed that HA-mPEG-CTD-NLC had superior cytotoxicity and targeting efficacy against SMMC-7721 cells. An evaluation of the in vivo anti-tumor activity showed that HA-mPEG-CTD-NLC significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice, with a tumor inhibition rate of 65.96%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that HA-mPEG-CTD-NLC may have great potential in liver cancer-targeted therapy.

Traditional herbal medicine and nanomedicine: Converging disciplines to improve therapeutic efficacy and human health

Traditional herbal medicine (THM), an ancient science, is a gift from nature. For thousands of years, it has helped humans fight diseases and protect life, health, and reproduction. Nanomedicine, a newer discipline has evolved from exploitation of the unique nanoscale morphology and is widely used in diagnosis, imaging, drug delivery, and other biomedical fields. Although THM and nanomedicine differ greatly in time span and discipline dimensions, they are closely related and are even evolving toward integration and convergence. This review begins with the history and latest research progress of THM and nanomedicine, expounding their respective developmental trajectory. It then discusses the overlapping connectivity and relevance of the two fields, including nanoaggregates generated in herbal medicine decoctions, the application of nanotechnology in the delivery and treatment of natural active ingredients, and the influence of physiological regulatory capability of THM on the in vivo fate of nanoparticles. Finally, future development trends, challenges, and research directions are discussed.

Curcumae Ameliorates Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Alteration of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Gut Microbiota

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increased the risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD induces the hepatic-related cancer deaths mostly in middle-aged men. NAFLD enhanced the inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress in the hepatic tissue. Curcumae exhibited the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we made an attempt to scrutinize the protective effect of curcumae on obesity-induced HCC via alteration of inflammation, oxidative stress and gut microbiota.

METHODS

The rats used in this experiment were Wistar rats, 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (hepatic carcinogen) was used at 2 weeks. After 6 weeks of the experimental study, the rats were randomly divided into high-fat diet (HFD) with or without curcumae-treated group rats and received the treatment for 22 weeks. Hepatic, non-hepatic, cardiac, antioxidant, pro-inflammatory and inflammatory were estimated at the end of the study. The stools of the experimental rats were collected for estimating the gut microbiota.

RESULTS

Curcumae-treated group rats exposed reduction of the hepatic nodules in hepatic tissue. Curcumae significantly (P<0.001) diminished the level of hepatic parameters and antioxidant parameters in the serum. Curcumae significantly (P<0.001) suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines level, viz. interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-7 (IL-7) and augmented the level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum and hepatic tissue. Curcumae significantly (P<0.001) suppressed inflammatory mediators including cyclooxygenase (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the serum and hepatic tissue. Furthermore, curcumae increased the gut microbial diversity and richness and decreased the relative abundance of genus Mucispirillum and Clostridium, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Curcumae prevents HFD-induced inflammation during the hepatic carcinoma by modulating the oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction and gut microbiota.

iRGD Peptide-Mediated Liposomal Nanoparticles with Photoacoustic/Ultrasound Dual-Modality Imaging for Precision Theranostics Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Prepare a multifunctional ultrasound molecular probe, cell-penetrating peptide-modified 10-hydroxycamptothecin-loaded phase-transformation lipid nanoparticles (iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs), and to combine iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP -NPs with low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for precision theranostics against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

The morphology of nanoparticles (NPs) and iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs was detected. In vitro, we examined targeting ability by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), assessed penetration ability into hepatoma cells, and assessed killing ability. In vivo, we examined the targeting ability of the NPs with a photoacoustic (PA) imager and fluorometer (FL), while LIFU irradiation was used to trigger the release of chemotherapeutic drugs, which had a therapeutic effect on tumors.

Results

The particle size of iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs was 298.4 ± 10.42 nm. In vitro, iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs bound more to SK-Hep1 cells than ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs. iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs could achieve PA/ultrasound imaging. The percentage of antiproliferative and apoptotic cells in the iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs+LIFU group was significantly higher. In vivo, iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs can target tumor sites and achieve PA/ultrasound imaging. The tumor volume in the iRGD-ICG-10-HCPT-PFP-NPs+LIFU group was significantly smaller, and the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects were higher.

Conclusion

We successfully prepared a novel molecular probe that has good targeting, can perform ultrasound/PA dual-modality imaging, and can penetrate deep into tumors to achieve better therapeutic tumor effects, providing a new idea and method for theranostics of HCC.

Nano lipidic carriers for codelivery of sorafenib and ganoderic acid for enhanced synergistic antitumor efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma

The current study focuses on the development and evaluation of nano lipidic carriers (NLCs) for codelivery of sorafenib (SRF) and ganoderic acid (GA) therapy in order to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The dual drug-loaded NLCs were prepared by hot microemulsion technique, where SRF and GA as the drugs, Precirol ATO5, Capmul PG8 as the lipids, while Solutol HS15 and ethanol was used as surfactant and cosolvents. The optimized drug-loaded NLCs were extensively characterized through in vitro and in vivo studies. The optimized formulation had particle size 29.28 nm, entrapment efficiency 93.1%, and loading capacity 14.21%. In vitro drug release studies revealed>64% of the drug was released in the first 6 h. The enzymatic stability analysis revealed stable nature of NLCs in various gastric pH, while accelerated stability analysis at 25^◦C/60% RH indicated the insignificant effect of studied condition on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and loading capacity of NLCs. The cytotoxicity performed on HepG2 cells indicated higher cytotoxicity of SRF and GA-loaded NLCs as compared to the free drugs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the optimized formulation suppressed the development of hepatic nodules in the Wistar rats and significantly reduced the levels of hepatic enzymes and nonhepatic elements against DEN intoxication. The SRF and GA-loaded NLCs also showed a significant effect in suppressing the tumor growth and inflammatory cytokines in the experimental study. Further, histopathology study of rats treated SRF and GA-loaded NLCs and DEN showed absence of necrosis, apoptosis, and disorganized hepatic parenchyma, etc. over other treated groups of rats. Overall, the dual drug-loaded NLCs outperformed over the plain drugs in terms of chemoprotection, implying superior therapeutic action and most significantly eliminating the hepatic toxicity induced by DEN in Wistar rat model.

β-Sitosterol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles ameliorate complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats: involvement of NF-кB and HO-1/Nrf-2 pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune disease that is categorized via chronic inflammation manifestation, obesity, cardiovascular risk and even enhanced the mortality and affect the 0.3 and 1% of population worldwide. The current experimental study was scrutinize the anti-arthritic effect of β-sitosterol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) against complete Fruend adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis via dual pathway. Double emulsion solvent displacement method was used for the preparation of β-sitosterol solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). CFA was used to induce arthritis and rats were divided into different groups for 28 days. Biochemical, anti-inflammatory, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediator were estimated, respectively. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf₂), Heme Oxygenase-1(HO-1) and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression were estimated. β-sitosterol-SLN significantly (p < .001) reduced the paw edema, arthritic index and increased the body weight. β-sitosterol-SLN increased the redox status of synovium {reduce the malonaldehyde (MDA) and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT)} level and reduced the cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2, interleukin-6, interleukin-16, interleukin-17 and increased level of interleukin-10, Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). β-sitosterol-SLN significantly (p < .001) reduced the level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and NF-κB. β-sitosterol-SLN significantly increased the expression of HO-1,Nrf₂ and decreased the expression of NF-κB, RANKL, STAT3. In conclusion, β-sitosterol SLN showed the antiarthritic effect via suppression of NF-kB and activation of HO-1/Nrf-2 pathway.

Thiopental sodium loaded solid lipid nano-particles attenuates obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy via inactivation of inflammatory pathway

This work evaluates solid lipid nanoparticles of thiopental sodium against obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy and explores the possible mechanism of action. TS loaded SLNs were formulated by hot-homogenization and solvent diffusion method. TS-SLNs were scrutinized for entrapment efficiency, drug loading capacity, gastric stability, particle size, in vitro drug release. Mice were feed with the normal chow or high-fat diet for 08 weeks to induce obesity and primary cardiomyocytes. The therapeutic effects of thiopental sodium in the high fat diet (HFD) induced cardiac hypertrophy. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was estimated at a regular time interval. At the end of the experimental study, systolic pressure left ventricular, LV end-diastolic pressure and rate of increase of LV pressure and antioxidant, apoptosis, cytokines and inflammatory scrutinized. HFD induced group mice exhibited a reduction in the body weight and enhancement of cardiac hypertrophy marker and dose-dependent treatment of thiopental sodium up-regulation the body weight and down-regulated the cardiac hypertrophy. Thiopental sodium significantly (p < .001) dose-dependently altered the antioxidant, biochemical, cardiac parameters and remodeling. Thiopental sodium significantly (p < .001) dose-dependently reduced the SBP. Thiopental sodium altered the apoptosis marker, pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory parameters along with reduced the p38-MAPK level. The cardiac protective effect of thiopental sodium shed light on future therapeutic interventions in obesity and related cardiovascular complications via inflammatory pathway.

Advancement in design of nanostructured lipid carriers for cancer targeting and theranostic application

BACKGROUND

Cancer development is associated with abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth and causes significant economic and social burdens to society. The global statistics of different cancers have been increasing because of the aging population, and the increasing prevalence of risk factors such as stress condition, overweight, changing reproductive patterns, and smoking. The prognosis of cancer treatment is high, if diagnosed in the early stage. Late-stage diagnosis, however, is still a big challenge for the clinician. The usual treatment scheme involves chemotherapy and surgery followed by radiotherapy.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Chemotherapy is the most widely used therapeutic approach against cancer. However, it suffers from the major limitation of poor delivery of anticancer therapeutics to specific cancer-targeted tissues/cells.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Nanomedicines, particularly nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) can improve the efficacy of encapsulated payload either through an active or passive targeting approach against different cancers. The targeted nanomedicine can be helpful in transporting drug carriers to the specifically tumor-targeted tissue/cells while sparing abstaining from the healthy tissue/cells. The active targeting utilizes the binding of a specific cancer ligand to the surface of the NLCs, which improves the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the cancer therapeutics.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This review shed light on the utilization of NLCs system for targeted therapy in different cancers. Furthermore, modification of NLCs as cancer theranostics is a recent advancement that is also discussed in the manuscript with a review of contemporary research carried out in this field.

Nanotechnology Based Approach for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Targeting

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary liver cancer that has shown a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide among several types of cancers. A large variety of chemotherapeutic agents employed for the treatment have a limited success rate owing to their limited site-specific drug targeting ability. Thus, there is a demand to develop novel approaches for the treatment of HCC. With advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches, the challenges of conventional chemotherapy have been continuously decreasing. Nanomedicines constituted of lipidic and polymeric composites provide a better platform for delivering and opening new pathways for HCC treatment. A score of nanocarriers such as surface-engineered liposomes, nanoparticles, nanotubes, micelles, quantum dots, etc., has been investigated in the treatment of HCC. These nanocarriers are considered to be highly effective clinically for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs with high site-specificity ability and therapeutic efficiency. The present review highlights the current focus on the application of nanocarrier systems using various ligand-based receptor-specific targeting strategies for the treatment and management of HCC. Moreover, the article has also included information on the current clinically approved drug therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment and updates of regulatory requirements for approval of such nanomedicines.

Nanocarriers-loaded with natural actives as newer therapeutic interventions for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Cancer has always been a menace for the society. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and 3rdlargest causes of deaths around the world.Area covered: The emergence of natural actives is considered as the greatest boon for fighting cancer. The natural actives take precedence over the traditional chemotherapeutic drugs in terms of their multi-target, multi-level and coordinated effects in the treatment of HCC. Literature reports have indicated the tremendous potential of bioactive natural products in inhibiting the HCC via molecular drug targeting, augmented bioavailability, and the ability for both passive or active targeting and stimulus-responsive drug release characteristics. This review provides a newer treatment approaches involved in the mechanism of action of different natural actives used for the HCC treatment via different molecular pathways. Besides, the promising advantage of natural bioactive-loaded nanocarriers in HCC treatment has also been also presented in this review. Expert opinion: The remarkable outcomes have been observed with therapeutic efficacy of the nanocarriers of natural actives in the treatment of HCC.Furthermore, it requires a thorough assessment of the safety and efficacy evaluation of the nanocarriers for the delivery of targeted natural active ingredients in HCC.].

Development and validation of a new UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of ganoderic acid-A loaded nanolipidic carrier in rat plasma and application to pharmacokinetic studies

A systematic methodology was used to quantify ganoderic acid-A (GA-A) loaded nano-lipid carriers (NLC) in rat plasma using UPLC-MS/MS. Separation of the analyte was achieved using ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (1.7 µm) and mobile phase as water containing 0.1% Acetonitrile (40: 60% v/v) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL·min^-1. The analyte was detected using MRM mode to track precursor-to-product ion transitions of 515.37 → 285.31 m/z (time scan of 2 min) for GA-A, and 175.11 → 115.08 m/z (time scan of 4 min) for ascorbic acid as an internal standard (IS), respectively. The developed method was validated for linearity, accuracy, within and between day precisions, limit of quantification and recovery of the analyte. The results indicated intra and inter-day consistency and precision values were found to be within the acceptance limit for the plasma samples. The method applicability for determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of GA-A was assessed after oral administration of free GA-A solution and GA-A-loaded NLC, which indicated significant difference (p < 0.05) in the rate and extent of absorption parameters of GA-A from the NLC formulation vis-à-vis the plain solution. Overall, the studies construed successful development and application of UPLC-MS/MS method for estimation of GA-A in the lipidic formulation.

Chemoprotective Effect of Boeravinone B against DMBA/Croton Oil Induced Skin Cancer via Reduction of Inflammation

Inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress play a major role in cancer expansion. Boeravinone B (BB) had already proofed their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against various animal models of disease. In this experimental research, the chemoprotective effect of BB against skin cancer caused by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/croton oil was investigated and the possible mechanism was explored. Swiss albino mice were used in the current protocol. 100 µg/100 mL acetone, DMBA was used for induction the skin cancer and, after the 2-week repeated dose of croton oil (1% in acetone) give to the mice till end of the protocol. The mice were received the oral dose of BB (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, body weight). The body weight and tumor incidence were estimated at regular time interval. At the end of the protocol, the antioxidant, phase I, phase II, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators were scrutinized. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators were estimated. BB treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced tumor incidence, tumor yield, average latency period and tumor burden in a dose-dependent manner. BB treatment considerably (p < 0.001) reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increased the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) in DMBA/croton-induced skin cancer. BB treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the level of phase I and phase II enzymes. BB treatment considerably reduced the cytokines include tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inflammatory parameters such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), nuclear kappa B factor (NF-κB) and cycloxgenase-2 (COX-2) in DMBA/croton-induced skin cancer mice. BB considerably (p < 0.001) reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators. The results of the current investigation suggest that oral administration of boeravinone B significantly reduced skin cancer in mice via reduction of inflammatory reaction.

Current status and future directions of hepatocellular carcinoma-targeted nanoparticles and nanomedicine

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide. Conventional therapies covering either chemotherapy or combination therapy still have sub-optimal responses with significant adverse effects and toxicity. Moreover, tumor cells usually acquire resistance quickly for traditional approaches, limiting their use in HCC. Interest in nanomedicine due to minimal systemic toxicity and a high degree of target-specific drug-delivery have pulled the attention of health scientists in this area of therapeutics.

AREA COVERED

The review covers the incidence and epidemiology of HCC, proposed molecular drug targets, mechanistic approach and emergence of nanomedicines including nanoparticles, lipidic nanoparticles, vesicular-based nanocarrier, virus-like particles with momentous therapeutic aspects including biocompatibility, and toxicity of nanocarriers along with conclusions and future perspective, with an efficient approach to safely cross physiological barriers to reach the target site for treating liver cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Remarkable outcomes have recently been observed for the therapeutic efficacy of nanocarriers with respect to a specific drug target against the treatment of HCC by existing under trial drugs.

Cationic Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Resveratrol for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment: Systematic Optimization, in vitro Characterization and Preclinical Investigation

Aim

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of the resveratrol (RV)-loaded cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (RV-c-SLNs) for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

Optimization of formulation was performed using factorial design, and further in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity, biodistribution, in vivo preclinical, and biochemical evaluation were carried out.

Results

The optimized formulation exhibited uniform size, homogeneous disparity, positive zeta potential, and stability over 12-week storage at 25°C/60% RH. The in vitro drug release and cytotoxicity study showed 60% drug release within the first 6 hours and comparatively higher cytotoxicity on HepG2 cell line by resveratrol-solid lipid nanoparticle (RV-SLN) as compared to the RV solution. In addition, an anticancer action and biodistribution study on a rat model of HCC showed significant reduction of tumor volume and higher accumulation in the tumor tissue from RV-c-SLN (P<0.01) over RV solution and RV-SLN. Furthermore, RV-c-SLN showed significant down-regulation in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and balancing of antioxidant enzymes. Histopathological investigation showed reduced occurrence of hepatic nodules, necrosis formation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, blood vessels inflammation, and cell swelling.

Conclusion

Overall, the obtained results construed that RV-c-SLN with improved antitumor activity as clearly evident from in vitro, in vivo, and biochemical investigations.

Emergence in protein derived nanomedicine as anticancer therapeutics: More than a tour de force

Cancer has thwarted as a major health problem affecting the global population. With an alarming increase in the patient population suffering from diverse varieties of cancers, the global demographic data predicts sharp escalation in the number of cancer patients. This can be expected to reach 420 million cases by 2025. Among the diverse types of cancers, the most frequently diagnosed cancers are the breast, colorectal, prostate and lung cancer. From years, conventional treatment approaches like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been practiced. In the past few years, increasing research on molecular level diagnosis and treatment of cancers have significantly changed the realm of cancer treatment. Lately, uses of advanced chemotherapy and immunotherapy like treatments have gained significant progress in the cancer therapy, but these approaches have several limitations on their safety and toxicity. This has generated lot of momentum for the evolution of new drug delivery approaches for the effective delivery of anticancer therapeutics, which may improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effect of the drugs along with significant reduction in the side effects. In this regard, the protein-based nano-medicines have gained wider attention in the management of cancer. Proteins are organic macromolecules essential, for life and have quite well explored in developing the nano-carriers. Furthermore, it provides passive or active tumour cell targeted delivery, by using protein based nanovesicles or virus like structures, antibody drug conjugates, viral particles, etc. Moreover, by utilizing various formulation strategies, both the animal and plant derived proteins can be converted to produce self-assembled virus like nano-metric structures with high efficiency in targeting the metastatic cancer cells. Therefore, the present review extensively discusses the applications of protein-based nano-medicine with special emphasis on intracellular delivery/drug targeting ability for anticancer drugs.

Specific targeting cancer cells with nanoparticles and drug delivery in cancer therapy

Nanotechnology has been the latest approach for diagnosis and treatment for cancer, which opens up a new alternative therapeutic drug delivery option to treat disease. Nanoparticles (NPs) display a broad role in cancer diagnosis and has various advantages over the other conventional chemotherapeutic drug delivery. NPs possess more specific and efficient drug delivery to the targeted tissue, cell, or organs and minimize the risk of side effects. NPs undergo passive and active mode of drug targets to tumor area with less elimination of the drug from the system. Size and surface characteristics of nanoparticles play a crucial role in modulating nanocarrier efficiency and the biodistribution of chemo drugs in the body. Several types of nanocarriers, such as polymers, dendrimers, liposome-based, and carbon-based, are studied widely in cancer therapy. Although FDA approved very few nanotechnology drugs for cancer therapy, a large number of studies are undergoing for the development of novel nanocarriers for potent cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the details of the nano-based therapeutics and diagnostics strategies, and the potential use of nanomedicines in cancer therapy and cancer drug delivery.

Hydrocortisone Suppresses Early Paraneoplastic Inflammation And Angiogenesis To Attenuate Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression In Rats

Background

Inflammation is implicated in both hepatic cirrhosis development and hepatocellular carcinogenesis, and treatment with long-acting glucocorticoid dexamethasone prevented liver carcinogenesis in mice. However, it is unclear whether glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and if short-acting glucocorticoids (with fewer adverse effects) inhibit paraneoplastic inflammation and HCC progression.

Methods

To investigate whether different types of anti-inflammatory agents attenuate HCC progression, the current study compared effects of treatments with hydrocortisone (a short-acting glucocorticoid) or aspirin on HCC progression. HCC was induced in diethylnitrosamine-treated rats which were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8), respectively receiving orally once daily vehicle, glucuronolactone, glucuronolactone+hydrocortisone, and glucuronolactone+aspirin. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was given to rats in drinking water (100mg/L) to induce HCC. At weeks 12 and 16 post-induction, effects were compared on HCC nodule formation, microvessel density, and macrophage infiltration, and levels of paraneoplastic protein expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, interleukin (IL)-10, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results

Compared to the model and glucuronolactone alone groups, HCC nodule number and microvessel density in the glucuronolactone+hydrocortisone group were significantly lower at week 12. At week 12 but not week 16, significantly lower levels of macrophages, TNF-α, p-p38, NF-κB, IL-10, HGF, TGF-β1 and VEGF were observed in the paraneoplastic tissue of the glucuronolactone+hydrocortisone group when compared with the control and glucuronolactone groups.

Conclusion

The results suggest that hydrocortisone treatment reduces macrophage polarization, expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and angiogenesis in paraneoplastic tissue, and attenuates early HCC progression. Although hydrocortisone did not have attenuation effect on advanced solid tumor, the current study shows the potential benefits and supports potential clinical use of hydrocortisone in attenuating early progression of HCC, which is through suppressing paraneoplastic inflammation and angiogenesis.

Novel therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment using protein and peptide-based targeted smart systems

Cancer, being the most prevalent and resistant disease afflicting any gender, age or social status, is the ultimate challenge for the scientific community. The new generation therapeutics for cancer management has shifted the approach to personalized/precision medicine, making use of patient- and tumor-specific markers for specifying the targeted therapies for each patient. Peptides targeting these cancer-specific signatures hold enormous potential for cancer therapy and diagnosis. The rapid advancements in the combinatorial peptide libraries served as an impetus to the development of multifunctional peptide-based materials for targeted cancer therapy. The present review outlines benefits and shortcomings of peptides as cancer therapeutics and the potential of peptide modified nanomedicines for targeted delivery of anticancer agents.

Nanomedicine as a putative approach for active targeting of hepatocellular carcinoma

The effectiveness of chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is restricted by chemo-resistance and systemic side effects. To improve the efficacy and safety of chemotherapeutics in HCC management, scientists have attempted to deliver these drugs to malignant tissues using targeted carriers as nanoparticles (NPs). Among the three types of NPs targeting (active, passive, and stimuli-responsive), active targeting is the most commonly investigated in HCC treatment. Despite the observed promising results so far, clinical research on nanomedicine targeting for HCC treatment still faces many challenges.These include batch-to-batch physicochemical properties' variations, limiting large scale production and insufficient data on human and environmental toxicities. This review summarized the characteristics of different nanocarriers, ligands, targeted receptors on HCC cells and provided recommendations to overcome the challenges, facing this novel line of treatment for HCC.