Poly(butylcyanoacrylate) and Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanoparticles Loaded with 5-Fluorouracil Increase the Cytotoxic Effect of the Drug in Experimental Colon Cancer

Urolithin C suppresses colorectal cancer progression via the AKT/mTOR pathway

Urolithin families are gut-microbial metabolites of ellagic acid (EA). Although urolithin A (UA) and urolithin B (UB) were reported to have antiproliferative activities in cancer cells, the role and related mechanisms of urolithin C (UC) in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not yet been clarified. In this study, we assess the antitumor activities of UC in vitro and in vivo and further explore the underlying mechanisms in CRC cell lines. We found that UC inhibited the proliferation and migration of CRC cells, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in vitro, and UC inhibited tumor growth in a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model in vivo. Mechanically, UC blocked the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by decreasing the expression of Y-box binding protein 1(YBX1). The AKT agonist SC79 could reverse the suppression of cell proliferation in UC-treated CRC cells. In conclusion, our research revealed that UC could prevent the progression of CRC by blocking AKT/mTOR signaling, suggesting that it may have potential therapeutic values.

LGR5 as a Therapeutic Target of Antibody-Functionalized Biomimetic Magnetoliposomes for Colon Cancer Therapy

Purpose

The lack of specificity of conventional chemotherapy is one of the main difficulties to be solved in cancer therapy. Biomimetic magnetoliposomes are successful chemotherapy controlled-release systems, hyperthermia, and active targeting agents by functionalization of their surface with monoclonal antibodies. The membrane receptor Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) stands out as colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarker and appears to be related to treatment resistance and the development of metastasis. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of LGR5-targeted biomimetic magnetoliposomes loaded with oxaliplatin (OXA) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the selective treatment of CRC and their possible application in hyperthermia.

Methods

Synthesis, characterization and determination of heating capacity of magnetoliposomes transporting OXA or 5-FU (with and without LGR5 functionalization) were conducted. In vitro antitumoral activity was assayed in multiple colorectal cell lines at different times of exposition. In addition to this, cell internalization was studied by Prussian Blue staining, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. In vivo acute toxicity of magnetoliposomes was performed to evaluate iron-related toxicity.

Results

OXA and 5-FU loaded magnetoliposomes functionalized with LGR5 antibody showed higher cellular uptake than non-targeted nanoformulation with a reduction of the percentage of proliferation in colon cancer cell lines up to 3.2-fold of the IC50 value compared to that of free drug. The differences between non-targeted and targeted nanoformulations were more evident after short exposure times (4 and 8 hours). Interestingly, assays in the MC38 transduced cells with reduced LGR5 expression (MC38-L(-)), showed lower cell internalization of LGR5-targeted magnetoliposomes compared to non-transduced MC38 cell line. In addition, magnetoliposomes showed an in vitro favorable heating response under magnetic excitation and great iron-related biocompatibility data in vivo.

Conclusion

Drug-loaded magnetoliposomes functionalized with anti-LGR5 antibodies could be a promising CRC treatment strategy for LGR5+ targeted chemotherapy, magnetic hyperthermia, and both in combination.

Synthesis and performance evaluation of 5-fluorouracil-loaded zwitterionic poly(4-vinylpyridine) nanoparticles

After polymerizing 4-vinylpyridine, the obtained polymer was converted into zwitterionic nanoparticles containing 5-fluorouracil. Their potential for long-term blood circulation was investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

The development of a novel oral 5-Fluorouracil in-situ gelling nanosuspension to potentiate the anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells

5-Fluorouracil is an anticancer drug with a short biological half-life. This study aimed to develop oral sustained-release nano-formulations of 5-Fluorouracil. 5-Fluorouracil-carrageenan coated particles were prepared and characterized. To formulate a suspension, the coated particles were encapsulated in an aqueous hydrodynamic gel of sodium alginate with carrageenan-lambda or chitosan in excess, and the optimum suspension was determined using drug release analysis, gel characterization, and particle size analysis. Afterward, the optimal formulation was tested against colorectal cancer cells to assess the cell viability, level of apoptosis, and caspase-9 activity. Interestingly, the sustained-release formulations with the best ability to form a coherent insoluble sedimented gel when in contact with 0.1N hydrogen chloride were the F5 and F6 formulations. Moreover, those formulations were nanosuspensions (20-63 nm) and the 5-Fluorouracil nanoparticles released from them were coated with carrageenan and sodium alginate. After the antitumor characterization against HCT-116 cells, the 5-Fluorouracil nanoparticle formulation was approved for its contribution to the sustained-release characteristics, sensitivity, and time-dependent efficacy. This nanosuspension is suggested to serve as a long-acting therapy, which it could protect the drug nanoparticles through the pH-selective and sustained release matrix, in-situ gel formation in the stomach, and the polymer coating of the released nano-drug particles.

Gemcitabine-Loaded Magnetically Responsive Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanoparticles against Breast Cancer

A reproducible and efficient interfacial polymer disposition method has been used to formulate magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone) (core/shell) nanoparticles (average size ≈ 125 nm, production performance ≈ 90%). To demonstrate that the iron oxide nuclei were satisfactorily embedded within the polymeric solid matrix, a complete analysis of these nanocomposites by, e.g., electron microscopy visualizations, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and contact angle goniometry was conducted. The magnetic responsive behaviour of these nanoparticles was quantitatively characterized by the hysteresis cycle and qualitatively investigated by visualization of the colloid under exposure to a 0.4 T magnet. Gemcitabine entrapment into the polymeric shell reported adequate drug loading values (≈11%), and a biphasic and pH-responsive drug release profile (≈ four-fold faster Gemcitabine release at pH 5.0 compared to pH 7.4). Cytotoxicity studies in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells proved that the half maximal inhibitory concentration of Gem-loaded nanocomposites was ≈ two-fold less than that of the free drug. Therefore, these core/shell nanoparticles could have great possibilities as a magnetically targeted Gemcitabine delivery system for breast cancer treatment.

Synergistic Effect of Tangeretin and Atorvastatin for Colon Cancer Combination Therapy: Targeted Delivery of These Dual Drugs Using RGD Peptide Decorated Nanocarriers

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death over the world. Nano-sized drug delivery systems are used for the treatment of cancers. The aim of this study was to develop a tangeretin (TAGE) and atorvastatin (ATST) combined nano-system decorated with RGD (RGD-ATST/TAGE CNPs) for colon cancer combination therapy.

Materials and Methods

In this study, cyclized arginine-glycine-aspartic acid sequences (RGD) contained ligand was synthesized by conjugating cyclo (Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe-Lys) (cRGDfK) with D-α-tocopheryl succinate dichloromethane (TOSD) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a linker to obtain cRGDfK-PEG-TOSD. ATST and TAGE combined nano-systems: RGD-ATST/TAGE CNPs were prepared. The combination effects as well as antitumor effects of these two agents were evaluated on colon cancer cells and mice bearing cancer models.

Results

Drug entrapment efficiencies of nano-systems were high (around 90%), suggesting the good loading capacity. The release profiles of ATST or TAGE from RGD-ATST/TAGE CNPs followed Higuchi model. The RGD-decorated nano-system showed more obvious cytotoxicity on HT-29 cells than the undecorated nano-system, but no obvious difference was found on normal CCD-18 cells. The strongest synergism was observed when the weight ratio of ATST to TAGE was 1:1. In vivo biodistribution of RGD-ATST/TAGE CNPs in the tumor site is high and prominently inhibited the in vivo tumor growth.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that RGD-ATST/TAGE CNPs showed the most significant synergistic therapeutic efficacy, exhibited no significant toxicity to major organs and tissues, and body weight of the treated mice was stable. Therefore, the combination nano-system is a promising platform for colon cancer therapy.

Magnetically active pNIPAM nanosystems as temperature-sensitive biocompatible structures for controlled drug delivery

Here, temperature-sensitive hybrid poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) nanosystems with magnetic response are synthesised and investigated for controlled release of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin (OXA). Initially, magnetic nanoparticles (@Fe₃O₄) are synthesised by co-precipitation approach and functionalised with acrylic acid (AA), 3-butenoic acid (3BA) or allylamine (AL) as comonomers. The thermo-responsive polymer is grown by free radical polymerisation using N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as monomer, N,N'-methylenbisacrylamide (BIS) as cross-linker, and 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidene) (V50) as initiator. We evaluate particle morphology by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size and surface charge by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Z-potential (ZP) measurements. These magnetically active pNIPAM@ nanoformulations are loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin (OXA) to determine loading efficiency, drug content and release as well as the cytotoxicity against T-84 colon cancer cells. Our results show high biocompatibility of pNIPAM nanoformulations using human blood cells and cultured cells. Interestingly, the pNIPAM@Fe₃O₄-3BA + 5FU nanoformulation significantly reduces the growth of T-84 cells (57% relative inhibition of proliferation). Indeed, pNIPAM-co-AL@Fe₃O₄-AA nanosystems produce a slight migration of HCT15 cells in suspension in the presence of an external magnetic field. Therefore, the obtained hybrid nanoparticles can be applied as a promising biocompatible nanoplatform for the delivery of 5FU and OXA in the improvement of colon cancer treatments.

Synthesis of bioactive polyaniline-b-polyacrylic acid copolymer nanofibrils as an effective antibacterial and anticancer agent in cancer therapy, especially for HT29 treatment

In this work, a new highly water-soluble copolymer of polyacrylic acid with polyaniline is introduced. Acrylic acid was polymerized via the Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer method (RAFT) in the presence of an initiator and the obtained polyacrylic acid was copolymerized with aniline at room temperature. As the main achievements of this work, the resulting block copolymer with nanosized structure revealed favorable solubility in polar solvents, as well as excellent antibacterial and anticancer activities. Therefore, it is an appropriate candidate for medical applications such as wound healing and cancer therapy, especially in HT29 treatment.

Biomimetic Magnetoliposomes as Oxaliplatin Nanocarriers: In Vitro Study for Potential Application in Colon Cancer

Current chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) includes the use of oxaliplatin (Oxa), a first-line cytotoxic drug which, in combination with irinotecan/5-fluorouracil or biologic agents, increases the survival rate of patients. However, the administration of this drug induces side effects that limit its application in patients, making it necessary to develop new tools for targeted chemotherapy. MamC-mediated biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles coupled with Oxa (Oxa-BMNPs) have been previously demonstrated to efficiently reduce the IC₅₀ compared to that of soluble Oxa. However, their strong interaction with the macrophages revealed toxicity and possibility of aggregation. In this scenario, a further improvement of this nanoassembly was necessary. In the present study, Oxa-BMNPs nanoassemblies were enveloped in phosphatidylcholine unilamellar liposomes (both pegylated and non-pegylated). Our results demonstrate that the addition of both a lipid cover and further pegylation improves the biocompatibility and cellular uptake of the Oxa-BMNPs nanoassemblies without significantly reducing their cytotoxic activity in colon cancer cells. In particular, with the pegylated magnetoliposome nanoformulation (a) hemolysis was reduced from 5% to 2%, being now hematocompatibles, (b) red blood cell agglutination was reduced, (c) toxicity in white blood cells was eliminated. This study represents a truly stepforward in this area as describes the production of one of the very few existing nanoformulations that could be used for a local chemotherapy to treat CRC.

Bengamide Analogues Show A Potent Antitumor Activity against Colon Cancer Cells: A Preliminary Study

The limited success and side effects of the current chemotherapeutic strategies against colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common cancer worldwide, demand an assay with new drugs. The prominent antitumor activities displayed by the bengamides (Ben), a family of natural products isolated from marine sponges of the Jaspidae family, were explored and investigated as a new option to improve CRC treatment. To this end, two potent bengamide analogues, Ben I (5) and Ben V (10), were selected for this study, for which they were synthesized according to a new synthetic strategy recently developed in our laboratories. Their antitumor effects were analyzed in human and mouse colon cell lines, using cell cycle analysis and antiproliferative assays. In addition, the toxicity of the selected analogues was tested in human blood cells. These biological studies revealed that Ben I and V produced a significant decrease in CRC cell proliferation and induced a significant cell cycle alteration with a greater antiproliferative effect on tumor cell lines than normal cells. Interestingly, no toxicity effects were detected in blood cells for both compounds. All these biological results render the bengamide analogues Ben I and Ben V as promising antitumoral agents for the treatment of CRC.

Oxaliplatin-Biomimetic Magnetic Nanoparticle Assemblies for Colon Cancer-Targeted Chemotherapy: An In Vitro Study

Conventional chemotherapy against colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common cancer in the world, includes oxaliplatin (Oxa) which induces serious unwanted side effects that limit the efficiency of treatment. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches are urgently required. In this work, biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) mediated by MamC were coupled to Oxa to evaluate the potential of the Oxa-BMNP nanoassembly for directed local delivery of the drug as a proof of concept for the future development of targeted chemotherapy against CRC. Electrostatic interactions between Oxa and BMNPs trigger the formation of the nanoassembly and keep it stable at physiological pH. When the BMNPs become neutral at acidic pH values, the Oxa is released, and such a release is greatly potentiated by hyperthermia. The coupling of the drug with the BMNPs improves its toxicity to even higher levels than the soluble drug, probably because of the fast internalization of the nanoassembly by tumor cells through endocytosis. In addition, the BMNPs are cytocompatible and non-hemolytic, providing positive feedback as a proof of concept for the nanoassembly. Our study clearly demonstrates the applicability of Oxa-BMNP in colon cancer and offers a promising nanoassembly for targeted chemotherapy against this type of tumor.

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of magnetoliposomes as a potential nanotool in colorectal cancer therapy

Magnetoliposomes (MLPs) offer many new possibilities in cancer therapy and diagnosis, including the transport of antitumor drugs, hyperthermia treatment, detection using imaging techniques, and even cell migration. However, high biocompatibility and functionality after cell internalization are essential to their successful application. We synthesized maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe₂O₃) by oxidizing magnetite cores (Fe₃O₄) and coating them with phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes, obtained using the thin film hydration method, to generate MLPs. The MLPs were tested in vitro, using human tumor and non-tumor colon cell lines, for cytotoxicity, cell uptake and cellular distribution, and magnetically-induced cell mobility. In addition, blood cells biocompatibility studies were performed. The mean size of the MLPs, with a core of γ-Fe₂O₃ completely surrounded by PC liposomes, was 90 ± 20 nm, showing a soft magnetic character and a great biocompatibility in all the cell lines assayed including blood cells. Prussian blue staining showed a high MLP cell uptake with maximum internalization at 24 h. TEM analysis showed the MLPs surrounded by the cell membrane and in the cell periphery, suggesting internalization by endocytosis and/or macropinocytosis. Interestingly, the mitochondria presented MLP accumulations, particularly in tumor cells. Finally, MLPs within colon cancer cells were able to induce cell migration when a magnetic field was applied in vitro, indicating the functionality of our nanoformulation. A promising biomedical application of these MLPs is anticipated based on their physical, chemical and biological properties.

Cytotoxic Evaluation of (2S)-5,7-Dihydroxy-6-prenylflavanone Derivatives Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles against MiaPaCa-2 Cells

The search for new alternatives for the prevention and treatment of cancer is extremely important to minimize human mortality. Natural products are an alternative to chemical drugs, since they are a source of many potential compounds with anticancer properties. In the present study, the (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-prenylflavanone (semi-systematic name), also called (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-Benzopyran-4-one (CAS Name registered) (1) was isolated from Eysenhardtia platycarpa leaves. This flavanone 1 was considered as the lead compound to generate new cytotoxic derivatives 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d. These compounds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d were then loaded in nanosized drug delivery systems such as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). Small homogeneous spherical shaped NPs were obtained. Cytotoxic activity of free compounds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d and encapsulated in polymeric NPs (NPs1, NPs1a, NPs1b, NPs1c and NPs1d) were evaluated against the pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2. The obtained results demonstrated that NPs1a and NPs1b exhibited optimal cytotoxicity, and an even higher improvement of the cytotoxic efficacy was exhibited with the encapsulation of 1a. Based on these results, NPs1a were proposed as promising anticancer agent candidates.

Strategies for targeted drug delivery in treatment of colon cancer: current trends and future perspectives

Despite advances in treatment modalities, colon cancer (CC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Subsequent unfavorable effects owing to toxicity of conventional drugs are a challenging problem associated with chemotherapy. There is noticeable concern toward site-specific/targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs specifically to the affected site of the colon in a predictable and reproducible manner. However, the biggest challenge in successful drug targeting for the colon is avoidance of drug absorption and/or degradation in the upper gastrointestinal tract before the drug reaches the colon. Nanoparticles endowed with targeting abilities offer a novel approach for site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. The present review focuses on recent approaches for colon-specific drug delivery (CDDS) and aims to unveil the emerging possibilities and advances in the treatment of CC with CDDS.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Carboxymethyl Pachyman in Fluorouracil-Treated CT26-Bearing Mice

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the chemotherapeutic agent of first choice for the treatment ofcolorectal cancer, however, treatment-related liver toxicity remains a major concern. Thereby, it is desirable to search for novel therapeutic approaches that can effectively enhance curative effects and reduce the toxic side effects of 5-FU. Carboxymethyl Pachyman (CMP) exhibits strong antitumor properties, but the antitumor and hepatoprotective effects of CMP and the molecular mechanisms behind these activities, are however poorly explored. Thereby, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of CMP in 5-FU-treated CT26-bearing mice, and further explore the underlying mechanism(s) of action. Initially, a CT26 colon carcinoma xenograft mice model was established. The immune organ indexes, blood indicators, liver tissue injury, and indicators associated with inflammation, antioxidant and apoptosis were then measured. Our results showed that CMP administration increased the tumor inhibitory rates of 5-FU and, meanwhile, it reversed reduction of peripheral white blood cells (WBC) and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC), increase of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), GSH-Px and glutathione(GSH) induced by 5-FU. Moreover, CMP in combination with 5-FU alleviated severe liver injury induced by 5-FU via reducing the levels of ROS, IL-1β, and IL-6, decreasing expression of p-IκB-α, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, pp38 and Bax, and elevating levels of Nrf2, GCL, HO-1 and Bcl-2. Collectively, these outcomes suggested that CMP effectively enhanced the curative effects of 5-FU and simultaneously reduced the liver injuries induced by 5-FU in CT26-bearing mice, and the mechanism may be associated with regulation of NF-κB, Nrf2-ARE and MAPK/P38/JNK pathways.

Magnetic solid lipid nanoparticles in hyperthermia against colon cancer

A reproducible double emulsion/solvent evaporation procedure is developed to formulate magnetic solid lipid nanoparticles (average size≈180 nm) made of iron oxide cores embedded within a glyceryl trimyristate solid matrix. The physicochemical characterization of the nanocomposites ascertained the efficacy of the preparation conditions in their production, i.e. surface properties (electrokinetic and thermodynamic data) were almost indistinguishable from those of the solid lipid nanomatrix, while electron microscopy characterizations and X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the satisfactory coverage of the magnetite nuclei. Hemocompatibility of the particles was established in vitro. Hysteresis cycle determinations defined the appropriate magnetic responsiveness of the nanocomposites, and their heating characteristics were investigated in a high frequency alternating gradient of magnetic field: a constant maximum temperature of 46 °C was obtained within 40 min. Finally, in vitro tests performed on human HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells demonstrated a promising decrease in cell viability after treatment with the nanocomposites and exposure to that alternating electromagnetic field. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such type of nanoformulation with very promising hyperthermia characteristics has been developed for therapeutic aims.

Exploring Different Strategies for Efficient Delivery of Colorectal Cancer Therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the world. Currently available chemotherapy of CRC usually delivers the drug to both normal as well as cancerous tissues, thus leading to numerous undesirable effects. Much emphasis is being laid on the development of effective drug delivery systems for achieving selective delivery of the active moiety at the anticipated site of action with minimized unwanted side effects. Researchers have employed various techniques (dependent on pH, time, pressure and/or bacteria) for targeting drugs directly to the colonic region. On the other hand, systemic drug delivery strategies to specific molecular targets (such as FGFR, EGFR, CD44, EpCAM, CA IX, PPARγ and COX-2) overexpressed by cancerous cells have also been shown to be effective. This review aims to put forth an overview of drug delivery technologies that have been, and may be developed, for the treatment of CRC.