Optimization and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Synergistic Fenbendazole and Rapamycin Co-Encapsulated in Methoxy Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-b-Poly(Caprolactone) Polymeric Micelles

Gemcitabine and rapamycin-loaded mixed polymeric thermogel for metastatic pancreatic cancer therapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death and has a poor 5-year overall survival. The superior therapeutic benefits of combination or co-administration of drugs as intraperitoneal chemotherapy have increased interest in developing strategies to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to patients safely. In this study, we prepared a gel comprising the thermosensitive poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) polymer and gemcitabine (GEM), which is currently used as the primary chemotherapy for PDAC and rapamycin (RAPA), a mammalian TOR (mTOR) inhibitor, to deliver the drug through intraperitoneal injection. We performed in vitro cytotoxicity experiments to verify the synergistic effects of the two drugs at different molar ratios and characterized the physicochemical properties of the GEM, RAPA, and GEM/RAPA-loaded thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA gels, hereafter referred to as (g(G), g(R), and g(GR)), respectively. The g(GR) comprising PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymer (25% w/v) and GEM and RAPA at a molar ratio of 11:1 showed synergism and was optimized. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed by treating Panc-1-luc2 tumor spheroids with g(G), g(R), or g(GR). The g(GR) treatment group showed a 2.75-fold higher inhibition rate than the non-treated (NT) and vehicle-treated groups. Furthermore, in vivo drug release assay in mice by intraperitoneal injection of g(G), g(R), or g(GR) showed a more rapid release rate of GEM than RAPA, similar to the in vitro release pattern. The drugs in the gel were released faster in vivo than in vitro and degraded in 48 h. In addition, g(GR) showed the highest anti-tumor efficacy with no toxicity to mice. These results provide evidence for the safety and efficacy of g(GR) for intraperitoneal drug delivery. This study will assist in developing and clinically administering topical anti-cancer formulations.

Resveratrol-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles: The Effects of D-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate (TPGS) on Physicochemical and Biological Properties against Breast Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Resveratrol (RSV), a phytoalexin from grapes and peanuts, has been reported to exhibit antiproliferative effects on various cancer cell lines. In breast cancer, RSV has been demonstrated to exert an antiproliferative effect on both hormone-dependent and hormone-independent breast cancer cell lines. However, RSV is a lipophilic drug, and its therapeutic effect could be improved through nanoencapsulation. Functionalizing polymeric nanoparticles based on polycaprolactone (PCL) with polyethylene glycol 1000 tocopheryl succinate (TPGS) has been reported to prolong drug circulation and reduce drug resistance. However, the effect of TPGS on the physicochemical properties and biological effects of breast cancer cells remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to develop RSV-loaded PCL nanoparticles using nanoprecipitation and investigate the effect of TPGS on the nanoparticles' physicochemical characteristics (particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, and release rate) and biological effects on the 4T1 breast cancer cell line (cytotoxicity and cell uptake), in vitro and in vivo. The optimized nanoparticles without TPGS had a size of 138.1 ± 1.8 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.182 ± 0.01, a zeta potential of -2.42 ± 0.56 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 98.2 ± 0.87%, while nanoparticles with TPGS had a size of 127.5 ± 3.11 nm, PDI of 0.186 ± 0.01, zeta potential of -2.91 ± 0.90 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 98.40 ± 0.004%. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical nanoparticles with low aggregation tendency. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified the constituents of the nanoparticles and the presence of drug encapsulation in an amorphous state. In vitro release studies showed that both formulations followed the same dissolution profiles, with no statistical differences. In cytotoxicity tests, IC₅₀ values of 0.12 µM, 0.73 µM, and 4.06 µM were found for the formulation without TPGS, with TPGS, and pure drug, respectively, indicating the potentiation of the cytotoxic effect of resveratrol when encapsulated. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy tests indicated excellent cellular uptake dependent on the concentration of nanoparticles, with a significant difference between the two formulations, suggesting that TPGS may pose a problem in the endocytosis of nanoparticles. The in vivo study evaluating the antitumor activity of the nanoparticles confirmed the data obtained in the in vitro tests, demonstrating that the nanoparticle without TPGS significantly reduced tumor volume, tumor mass, maintained body weight, and improved survival in mice. Moreover, the biochemical evaluation evidenced possible hepatotoxicity for formulation with TPGS.

Synergistic Encapsulation of Paclitaxel and Sorafenib by Methoxy Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-b-Poly(Caprolactone) Polymeric Micelles for Ovarian Cancer Therapy

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate due to difficult detection at an early stage. It is necessary to develop a novel anticancer treatment that demonstrates improved efficacy while reducing toxicity. Here, using the freeze-drying method, micelles encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX) and sorafenib (SRF) with various polymers were prepared, and the optimal polymer (mPEG-b-PCL) was selected by measuring drug loading (%), encapsulation efficiency (%), particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The final formulation was selected based on a molar ratio (PTX:SRF = 1:2.3) with synergistic effects on two ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3-red-fluc, HeyA8). In the in vitro release assay, PTX/SRF micelles showed a slower release than PTX and SRF single micelles. In pharmacokinetic evaluation, PTX/SRF micelles showed improved bioavailability compared to PTX/SRF solution. In in vivo toxicity assays, no significant differences were observed in body weight between the micellar formulation and the control group. The anticancer effect of PTX/SRF combination therapy was improved compared to the use of a single drug. In the xenografted BALB/c mouse model, the tumor growth inhibition rate of PTX/SRF micelles was 90.44%. Accordingly, PTX/SRF micelles showed improved anticancer effects compared to single-drug therapy in ovarian cancer (SKOV3-red-fluc).

Evaluation of pH-Sensitive Polymeric Micelles Using Citraconic Amide Bonds for the Co-Delivery of Paclitaxel, Etoposide, and Rapamycin

Paclitaxel (PTX), etoposide (ETP), and rapamycin (RAPA) have different mechanisms, allowing multiple pathways to be targeted simultaneously, effectively treating various cancers. However, these drugs have a low hydrosolubility, limiting clinical applications. Therefore, we used pH-sensitive polymeric micelles to effectively control the drug release in cancer cells and to improve the water solubility of PTX, ETP, and RAPA. The synergistic effect of PTX, ETP, and RAPA was evaluated in gastric cancer, and the combination index values were evaluated. Thin-film hydration was used to prepare PTX/ETP/RAPA-loaded mPEG-pH-PCL micelles, and various physicochemical properties of these micelles were evaluated. In vitro cytotoxicity, pH-sensitivity, drug release profiles, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution studies of PTX/ETP/RAPA-loaded mPEG-pH-PCL micelles were evaluated. In the pH-sensitivity evaluation, the size of the micelles increased more rapidly at a pH of 5.5 than at a pH of 7.4. The release rate of each drug increased with decreasing pH values in PTX/ETP/RAPA-loaded mPEG-pH-PCL micelles. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that PTX/ETP/RAPA-loaded mPEG-pH-PCL micelles exhibit different drug release behaviors depending on the pH of the tumor and normal tissues and increased bioavailability and circulation time in the blood than solutions. Therefore, we propose that PTX/ETP/RAPA- loaded mPEG-pH-PCL micelles are advantageous for gastric cancer treatment in drug delivery systems.

Anticancer Evaluation of Methoxy Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-b-Poly(Caprolactone) Polymeric Micelles Encapsulating Fenbendazole and Rapamycin in Ovarian Cancer

Purpose

We aimed to inhibit ovarian cancer (OC) development by interfering with microtubule polymerization and inhibiting mTOR signaling. To achieve this, previously developed micelles containing fenbendazole and rapamycin were applied.

Methods

Herein, we prepared micelles for drug delivery using fenbendazole and rapamycin at a 1:2 molar ratio and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(caprolactone)(mPEG-b-PCL) via freeze-drying. We revealed their long-term storage capacity of up to 120 days. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity test was performed on the OC cell line HeyA8, and an orthotopic model was established for evaluating in vivo antitumor efficacy.

Results

Fenbendazole/rapamycin-loaded mPEG-b-PCL micelle (M-FR) had an average particle size of 37.2 ± 1.10 nm, a zeta potential of -0.07 ± 0.09 mV, and a polydispersity index of 0.20 ± 0.02. Additionally, the average encapsulation efficiency of fenbendazole was 75.7 ± 4.61% and that of rapamycin was 98.0 ± 1.97%. In the clonogenic assay, M-FR was 6.9 times more effective than that free fenbendazole/rapamycin. The in vitro drug release profile showed slower release in the combination formulation than in the single formulation.

Conclusion

There was no toxicity, and tumor growth was suppressed substantially by our formulation compared with that seen with the control. The findings of our study lay a foundation for using fenbendazole and rapamycin for OC treatment.

Myricetin loaded nano-micelles delivery system reduces bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats through inhibition of osteoclast formation

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the therapeutic effects of phytochemicals on osteoporosis. Other studies have shown that myricetin (MY) could promote osteogenic activity and inhibit osteoclastic effect, albeit little is known about effect of MY micellar system on osteoporosis. Therefore, we sought to discuss the therapeutic effect and mechanism of MY-loaded bone-targeting micelles on osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVA) in rats. The AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles were prepared via ethanol injection method, while in vitro release study, bone targeting, pharmacokinetic studies, and the effect on proliferation of osteoblasts were investigated. Further, the therapeutic effect on osteoporosis was studied through ovariectomized rats. Compared with free MY, oral bioavailability of AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles in rats was increased by 3.54 times. The AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles exhibited bone targeting potential, and could significantly increase the activity of alkaline phosphatase and promote the proliferation of osteoblasts. Importantly, AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles mainly regulated bone metabolism by inhibiting bone resorption, thereby improving the symptoms of osteoporosis in OVA rats. The AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles substantially enhanced the oral bioavailability of MY and demonstrated good bone targeting capability, thereby suggesting its prospect as carrier for osteoporotic improvement in OVA rats.

Safety Profile of Rapamycin Perfluorocarbon Nanoparticles for Preventing Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury

Cancer treatment-induced toxicities may restrict maximal effective dosing for treatment and cancer survivors' quality of life. It is critical to develop novel strategies that mitigate treatment-induced toxicity without affecting the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. Rapamycin is a macrolide with anti-cancer properties, but its clinical application has been hindered, partly by unfavorable bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and side effects. As a result, significant efforts have been undertaken to develop a variety of nano-delivery systems for the effective and safe administration of rapamycin. While the efficacy of nanostructures carrying rapamycin has been studied intensively, the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and safety remain to be investigated. In this study, we demonstrate the potential for rapamycin perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles to mitigate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury with a single preventative dose. Evaluations of pharmacokinetics and biodistribution suggest that the PFC nanoparticle delivery system improves rapamycin pharmacokinetics. The safety of rapamycin PFC nanoparticles was shown both in vitro and in vivo. After a single dose, no disturbance was observed in blood tests or cardiac functional evaluations. Repeated dosing of rapamycin PFC nanoparticles did not affect overall spleen T cell proliferation and responses to stimulation, although it significantly decreased the number of Foxp3+CD4+ T cells and NK1.1+ cells were observed.

PEGylated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MCM-41): A Promising Carrier for the Targeted Delivery of Fenbendazole into Prostrate Cancer Cells

Low water solubility and thus low bioavailability limit the clinical application of fenbendazole (FBZ) as a potential anticancer drug. Solubilizing agents, such as Mobil Composition of Matter Number 41 (MCM) as a drug carrier, can improve the water solubility of drugs. In this study, PEGylated MCM (PEG-MCM) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and loaded with FBZ (PEG-MCM-FBZ) to improve its solubility and, as a result, its cytotoxicity effect against human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. The loading efficiency of FBZ onto PEG-MCM NPs was 17.2%. The size and zeta potential of PEG-MCM-FBZ NPs were 366.3 ± 6.9 nm and 24.7 ± 0.4 mV, respectively. They had a spherical shape and released the drug in a controlled manner at pH 1.2 and pH 6.2. PEG-MCM-FBZ were found to inhibit the migration of PC-3 cells, increase the cytotoxicity effects of FBZ against PC-3 cells by 3.8-fold, and were more potent by 1.4-fold, when compared to the non-PEGylated NPs. In addition, PEG-MCM-FBZ promoted the production of reactive oxygen species by 1.3- and 1.2-fold, respectively, when compared to FBZ and MCM-FBZ. Overall, the results demonstrate that PEG-MCM-FBZ NPs enhanced FBZ delivery to PC-3 cells; therefore, they have the potential to treat prostate cancer after a comprehensive in vivo study.