An efficient Trojan delivery of tetrandrine by poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PVP-b-PCL) nanoparticles shows enhanced apoptotic induction of lung cancer cells and inhibition of its migration and invasion

Advances in nano-preparations for improving tetrandrine solubility and bioavailability

Tetrandrine (TET) is a natural bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Stephania species with a wide range of biological and pharmacologic activities; it mainly serves as an anti-inflammatory agent or antitumor adjuvant in clinical applications. However, limitations such as prominent hydrophobicity, severe off-target toxicity, and low absorption result in suboptimal therapeutic outcomes preventing its widespread adoption. Nanoparticles have proven to be efficient devices for targeted drug delivery since drug-carrying nanoparticles can be passively transported to the tumor site by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects, thus securing a niche in cancer therapies. Great progress has been made in nanocarrier construction for TET delivery due to their outstanding advantages such as increased water-solubility, improved biodistribution and blood circulation, reduced off-target irritation, and combinational therapy. Herein, we systematically reviewed the latest advancements in TET-loaded nanoparticles and their respective features with the expectation of providing perspective and guidelines for future research and potential applications of TET.

Advancement of regulating cellular signaling pathways in NSCLC target therapy via nanodrug

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of high cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of LC. The mechanisms of NSCLC evolution involve the alterations of multiple complex signaling pathways. Even with advances in biological understanding, early diagnosis, therapy, and mechanisms of drug resistance, many dilemmas still need to face in NSCLC treatments. However, many efforts have been made to explore the pathological changes of tumor cells based on specific molecular signals for drug therapy and targeted delivery. Nano-delivery has great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. In recent years, many studies have focused on different combinations of drugs and nanoparticles (NPs) to constitute nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDS), which deliver drugs regulating specific molecular signaling pathways in tumor cells, and most of them have positive implications. This review summarized the recent advances of therapeutic targets discovered in signaling pathways in NSCLC as well as the related NDDS, and presented the future prospects and challenges.

Biobased, Macro-, and Nanoscale Fungicide Delivery Approaches for Plant Fungi Control

In this report, two polymeric matrix systems at macro and nanoscales were prepared for efficacious fungicide delivery. The macroscale delivery systems used millimeter-scale, spherical beads composed of cellulose nanocrystals and poly(lactic acid). The nanoscale delivery system involved micelle-type nanoparticles, composed of methoxylated sucrose soyate polyols. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.), a destructive fungus affecting high-value industrial crops, was used as a model pathogen against which the efficacy of these polymeric formulations was demonstrated. Commercial fungicides are applied on plants frequently to overcome the transmission of fungal infection. However, fungicides alone do not persist on the plants for a prolonged period due to environmental factors such as rain and airflow. There is a need to apply fungicides multiple times. As such, standard application practices generate a significant environmental footprint due to fungicide accumulation in soil and runoff in surface water. Thus, approaches are needed that can either increase the efficacy of commercially active fungicides or prolong their residence time on plants for sustained antifungal coverage. Using azoxystrobin (AZ) as a model fungicide and canola as a model crop host, we hypothesized that the AZ-loaded macroscale beads, when placed in contact with plants, will act as a depot to release the fungicide at a controlled rate to protect plants against fungal infection. The nanoparticle-based fungicide delivery approach, on the other hand, can be realized via spray or foliar applications. The release rate of AZ from macro- and nanoscale systems was evaluated and analyzed using different kinetic models to understand the mechanism of AZ delivery. We observed that, for macroscopic beads, porosity, tortuosity, and surface roughness governed the efficiency of AZ delivery, and for nanoparticles, contact angle and surface adhesion energy were directing the efficacy of the encapsulated fungicide. The technology reported here can also be translated to a wide variety of industrial crops for fungal protection. The strength of this study is the possibility of using completely plant-derived, biodegradable/compostable additive materials for controlled agrochemical delivery formulations, which will contribute to reducing the frequency of fungicide applications and the potential accumulation of formulation components in soil and water.

A Novel Nanoemulsion Formula for an Improved Delivery of a Thalidomide Analogue to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer; Synthesis, Formulation, Characterization and Molecular Studies

Background

Thalidomide (THD) and its analogues were recently reported as a promising treatment for different types of solid tumors due to their antiangiogenic effect.

Methods

In this work, we synthesized a novel THD analogue (TA), and its chemistry was confirmed with different techniques such as IR, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis as well as ¹H and ¹³C NMR. To increase solubility and anticancer efficacy, a new oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion (NE) was used in the formulation of the analogue. The novel formula's surface charge, size, stability, FTIR, FE-TEM, in vitro drug release and physical characteristics were investigated. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were conducted to predict the possible binding modes and molecular interactions behind the inhibitory activities of the THD and TA.

Results

TA showed a significant cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ ranging from 0.326 to 43.26 µmol/mL when evaluated against cancerous cells such as MCF-7, HepG2, Caco-2, LNCaP and RKO cell lines. The loaded analogue showed more potential cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7-ADR cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 0.0293 and 0.0208 nmol/mL, respectively. Moreover, flow cytometry of cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were performed showing a suppression in the expression levels of TGF-β, MCL-1, VEGF, TNF-α, STAT3 and IL-6 in the MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Conclusion

The novel NE formula dramatically reduced the anticancer dosage of TA from micromolar efficiency to nanomolar efficiency. This indicates that the synthesized analogue exhibited high potency in the NE formulation and proved its efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer cell line.

Manganese-Based Prussian Blue Nanocatalysts Suppress Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Growth and Metastasis via Photothermal and Chemodynamic Therapy

Based on the safety of prussian blue (PB) in biomedical application, we prepared manganese-based prussian blue (MnPB) nanocatalysts to achieve enhanced photothermal therapy and chemodynamic therapy. And we conducted a series of experiments to explore the therapeutic effects of MnPB nanoparticles (NPs) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vivo and in vitro. For in vitro experiments, the MnPB NPs suppressed growth of A549 cells by reactive oxygen species upregulation and near-infrared irradiation. Moreover, the MnPB NPs could inhibit lung cancer metastasis through downregulating the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in A549 cells. And for in vivo experiments, the MnPB NPs inhibited the growth of xenografted tumor effectively and were biologically safe. Meanwhile, Mn²⁺ as a T1-weighted agent could realize magnetic resonance imaging-guided diagnosis and treatment. To sum up, the results in this study clearly demonstrated that the MnPB NPs had remarkable effects for inhibiting the growth and metastasis of NSCLC and might serve as a promising multifunctional nanoplatform for NSCLC treatment.

Evaluation of the Physicochemical Properties, Pharmacokinetics, and In Vitro Anticancer Effects of Docetaxel and Osthol Encapsulated in Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-Poly(caprolactone) Polymeric Micelles

Docetaxel (DTX), a taxane-based anticancer drug, and osthol (OTH), a coumarin-derivative compound, have shown anticancer effects against different types of cancers through various mechanisms. However, these drugs have low solubility in water and low oral bioavailability, and thus their clinical application is difficult. To overcome these problems, we encapsulated DTX and OTH in methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(caprolactone) (mPEG-b-PCL) and conducted studies in vitro and in vivo. We selected a 1:4 ratio as the optimal ratio of DTX and OTH, through combination index analysis in A549 cancer cells, and prepared micelles to evaluate the encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, particle size, and zeta potential. The in vitro drug-release profile showed that DTX/OTH-loaded mPEG-b-PCL micelles could slowly release DTX and OTH. In the clonogenic assay, DTX/OTH-loaded mPEG-b-PCL micelles showed 3.7 times higher inhibitory effect than the DTX/OTH solution. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that micelles in combination with DTX and OTH exhibited increased area under curve and decreased clearance values, as compared with single micelles.

The Use of Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) in the Delivery of Drugs: A Review

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a hydrophilic polymer widely employed as a carrier in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and nutraceutical fields. Up to now, several PVP-based systems have been developed to deliver different active principles, of both natural and synthetic origin. Various formulations and morphologies have been proposed using PVP, including microparticles and nanoparticles, fibers, hydrogels, tablets, and films. Its versatility and peculiar properties make PVP one of the most suitable and promising polymers for the development of new pharmaceutical forms. This review highlights the role of PVP in drug delivery, focusing on the different morphologies proposed for different polymer/active compound formulations. It also provides detailed information on active principles and used technologies, optimized process parameters, advantages, disadvantages, and final applications.

Extracellular Vesicles as a Neprilysin Delivery System Memory Improvement in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder which has no effective treatment yet due to the blood barrier in the brain that limits the drugs with the potential of disease improvement. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biocompatible nanoparticles with a lipid membrane. These vesicles are secreted from various cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and can pass through biological barriers for transfer of information such as signals or be used as carriers for various proteins like Neprilysin (NEP). NEP is an active enzyme in the clearance of abnormal aggregated beta-amyloid sheets in the brain. In the present study, we used EVs to carry NEP for memory improvement in Alzheimer's disease. For this purpose, bone marrow MSCs were isolated from rat femur. Stemness evaluation of established cells was characterized by differentiation potency and specific markers with flowcytometry. EVs were isolated from MSCs supernatant by ultracentrifugation and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and western blotting. EVs were loaded with NEP by freeze-thaw cycle and then administrated intranasally in a rat model of the AD for 14 days. Our findings showed EV-loaded NEP caused a decrease in IL-1beta and also BAX but an increase in BCL2 expression level in the rat brain. Altogether, these data showed that EV-loaded NEP can improve brain-related behavioural function which may be mediated through the regulation of inflammation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that EV-loaded NEP can be considered as a potential drug delivery system for the improvement of AD.

Delivery of Doxorubicin for Human Cervical Carcinoma Targeting Therapy by Folic Acid-Modified Selenium Nanoparticles

Cancer-specific drug delivery represents an attractive approach to preventing undesirable side effects and increasing the accumulation of the drug in tumors. The surface modification of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with targeting moieties thus represents an effective strategy for cancer therapy. In this study, SeNPs were modified with folic acid (FA), whose receptors were overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells, including human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells, to fabricate tumor-targeting delivery carrier FA-SeNPs nanoparticles. Then, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto the surface of the FA-SeNPs for improving the antitumor efficacy of DOX in human cervical carcinoma therapy. The chemical structure characterization of FA-Se@DOX showed that DOX was successfully loaded to the surface of FA-SeNPs to prepare FA-Se@DOX nanoparticles. FA-Se@DOX exhibited significant cellular uptake in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells (folate receptor overexpressing cells) in comparison with lung cancer A549 cells (folate receptor deficiency cells), and entered HeLa cells mainly by the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. Compared to free DOX or Se@DOX at the equivalent dose of DOX, FA-Se@DOX showed obvious activity to inhibit HeLa cells' proliferation and induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells. More importantly, FA-Se@DOX could specifically accumulate in the tumor site, which contributed to the significant antitumor efficacy of FA-Se@DOX in vivo. Taken together, FA-Se@DOX may be one novel promising drug candidate for human cervical carcinoma therapy.

Developments in drug delivery of bioactive alkaloids derived from traditional Chinese medicine

The bioactive alkaloids (e.g. vincristine, hydroxycamptothecin, ligustrazine, and so on) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have exerted potent efficacies (e.g. anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, immunosuppression, etc.). However, a series of undesirable physicochemical properties (like low solubility and weak stability) and baneful pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles (e.g. low bioavailability, short half time, rapid clearance, etc.) have severely restricted their applications in clinic. In addition, some side effects (like cumulative toxicities caused by high-frequency administration and their own toxicities) have recently been reported and also confined their clinical uses. Therefore, developments in drug delivery of such alkaloids are of significance in improving their drug-like properties and, thus, treatment efficiencies in clinic. Strategies, including (i) specific delivery via liposomes; (ii) sustained delivery via nanoparticles, gels, and emulsions; and (iii) transdermal delivery via ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and penetrating enhancers, have been reported to improve the pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characters of problematic TCM alkaloids, decline their adverse effects, and thus, boost their curative efficacies. In this review, the recent reports in this field were comprehensively summarized with the aim of providing an informative reference for relevant readers.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Tetrandrine for Improved Bioavailability: Physicochemical Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Study

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of self-nanoemulsified drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to improve the oral bioavailability of tetrandrine (Tet). SNEDDS was developed by using rational blends of excipients with good solubilizing ability for Tet which was selected based on solubility studies. Further ternary phase diagram was constructed to determine the self-emulsifying region. The optimal formulation with the best self-nanoemulsified and solubilization ability consisted of 40% (w/w) oleic acid as oil, 15% (w/w) SPC and 30% (w/w) Cremophor RH-40 as surfactant, and 15% (w/w) PEG₄₀₀ as cosurfactant. The average droplet size and zeta-potential of the optimal Tet SNEDDS were 19.75±0.37 nm and 1.87±0.26 mv, respectively. The dissolute rate of Tet SNEDDS in various dissolution media was remarkably faster than Tet commercial tablet. Moreover, in vivo pharmacokinetic study results show that significant increase (p≤ 0.05) in the peak concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curve (AUC) of Tet was observed after the oral administration of Tet SNEDDS and the absorption of Tet from SNEDDS resulted in approximately 2.33-fold increase in oral bioavailability compared with the commercial tablet. Our research suggests that the prepared Tet SNEDDS could be a good candidate for improved the dissolution and oral bioavailability of Tet.

Development of polyvinylpyrrolidone/paclitaxel self-assemblies for breast cancer

The goal of this investigation was to develop and demonstrate a polymer/paclitaxel self-assembly (PTX-SA) formulation. Polymer/PTX-SAs were screened based on smaller size of formulation using dynamic light scattering analysis. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry studies exhibited that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based PTX-SAs (PVP/PTX-SAs) had superior cellular internalization capability in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The optimized PVP/PTX-SAs exhibited less toxicity to human red blood cells indicating a suitable formulation for reducing systemic toxicity. The formation of PVP and PTX self-assemblies was confirmed using fluorescence quenching and transmission electron microscopy which indicated that the PVP/PTX-SAs were spherical in shape with an average size range of 53.81 nm as detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR spectral analysis demonstrates incorporation of polymer and paclitaxel functional groups in PVP/PTX-SAs. Both proliferation (MTS) and clonogenic (colony formation) assays were used to validate superior anticancer activity of PVP/PTX-SAs in breast cancer cells over paclitaxel. Such superior anticancer activity was also demonstrated by downregulation of the expression of pro-survival protein (Bcl-xL), upregulation of apoptosis-associated proteins (Bid, Bax, cleaved caspase 7, and cleaved PARP) and β-tubulin stabilization. These results support the hypothesis that PVP/PTX-SAs improved paclitaxel delivery to cancer cells.

Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effect of thalidomide nanoparticles on lung cancer

Introduction

Thalidomide (THA) is an angiogenesis inhibitor and an efficient inhibitor of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). However, the clinical application of THA has been limited due to hydrophobicity of the compound.

Materials and methods

To increase the water solubility of THA and in order to evaluate the anticancer abilities of this material on human lung carcinoma, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with THA (THA-NPs) were prepared. The synthesis of THA-NPs was carried out via a dialysis method with relative satisfactory encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, size distribution, and zeta potential.

Results

A cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that THA-NPs inhibited the growth of cells in a dose-dependent manner. The evaluation of anti-tumor activity in vivo showed that THA-NPs could inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that THA-NPs inhibited cell proliferation (Ki-67 positive rate, 32.8%±4.2%, P<0.01), and resulted in a decreased rate of the tumor tissue microvessel density (3.87%±0.77%, P<0.01), VEGF (26.67%±4.02%, P<0.01), and TNF-α (75.21±6.85 ng/mL, P<0.01).

Conclusion

In general, the drug delivery system reported herein may shed light on future targeted therapy in lung cancer treatment.

Tetrandrine suppresses adhesion, migration and invasion of human colon cancer SW620 cells via inhibition of nuclear factor-κB, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 signaling pathways

Tetrandrine (TET) exhibits biological activities, including anticancer activity. In Chinese medicine, TET has been used to treat hypertensive and arrhythmic conditions and has been demonstrated to induce cytotoxic effects on human cancer cell lines. However, to the best of the author's knowledge, no previous studies have revealed that TET affects cell metastasis in SW620 human colon cancer cells. The present study demonstrated that TET decreased the cell number and inhibited cell adhesion and mobility of SW620 cells. Furthermore, a wound healing assay was performed to demonstrate that TET suppressed cell movement, and Transwell chamber assays were used to reveal that TET suppressed the cell migration and invasion of SW620 cells. Western blotting demonstrated that TET significantly reduced protein expression levels of SOS Ras/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, growth factor receptor bound protein 2, phosphorylated (p)-c Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2, p-p38, p38, 14-3-3, Rho A, β-catenin, nuclear factor-κB p65, signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, in comparison with untreated SW620 cells. Overall, the results of the present study suggested that TET may be used as a novel anti-metastasis agent for the treatment of human colon cancer in the future.

Tetrandrine, a Chinese plant-derived alkaloid, is a potential candidate for cancer chemotherapy

Cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of cells governed by tumorigenic factors. Chemotherapy is one of the major cancer treatment strategies, and it functions by targeting the physiological capabilities of cancer cells, including sustained proliferation and angiogenesis, the evasion of programmed cell death, tissue invasion and metastasis. Remarkably, natural products have garnered increased attention in the chemotherapy drug discovery field because they are biologically friendly and have high therapeutic effects. Tetrandrine, isolated from the root of Stephania tetrandra S Moore, is a traditional Chinese clinical agent for silicosis, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Recently, the novel anti-tumor effects of tetrandrine have been widely investigated. More impressive is that tetrandrine affects multiple biological activities of cancer cells, including the inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion; the induction of apoptosis and autophagy; the reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR); and the enhancement of radiation sensitization. This review focuses on introducing the latest information about the anti-tumor effects of tetrandrine on various cancers and its underlying mechanism. Moreover, we discuss the nanoparticle delivery system being developed for tetrandrine and the anti-tumor effects of other bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid derivatives on cancer cells. All current evidence demonstrates that tetrandrine is a promising candidate as a cancer chemotherapeutic.

Targeted Magnetic Nanotheranostics of Cancer

Current advances in targeted magnetic nanotheranostics are summarized in this review. Unique structural, optical, electronic and thermal properties of magnetic materials in nanometer scale are attractive in the field of biomedicine. Magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with therapeutic molecules, ligands for targeted delivery, fluorescent and other chemical agents can be used for cancer diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. High selectivity, small size, and low immunogenicity of synthetic nucleic acid aptamers make them attractive delivery agents for therapeutic purposes. Properties, production and functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles and aptamers as ligands for targeted delivery are discussed herein. In recent years, magnetic nanoparticles have been widely used in diagnostic methods, such as scintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Raman spectroscopy. Therapeutic purposes of magnetic nanoconstructions are also promising. They are used for effective drug delivery, magnetic mediated hypertermia, and megnetodynamic triggering of apoptosis. Thus, magnetic nanotheranostics opens a new venue for complex differential diagnostics, and therapy of metastatic cancer.

Synergistic anti-glioma effect of a coloaded nano-drug delivery system

The anti-glioma effect of temozolomide (Tem) is sometimes undermined by the emerging resistance. Recently, resveratrol (Res), herbal medicine extracted from grape seeds, has been demonstrated for its potential use in chemosensitization. In the current study, both these drugs were loaded simultaneously into nanoparticles with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly epsilon caprolactone (mPEG-PCL) as drug carriers in order to achieve better antitumor efficiency. Tem/Res-coloaded mPEG-PCL nanoparticles were constructed, characterized, and tested for antitumor effect on glioma cells by using in vitro and xenograft model system. The nanoparticle constructs were satisfactory with drug loading content (Res =~12.4%; Tem =~9.3%) and encapsulation capacity of >85% for both the drugs. In addition, the coencapsulation led to better in vitro stability of the nanoparticles than Tem-loaded nanoparticles. An in vitro uptake study demonstrated a high uptake efficiency of the nanoparticles by glioma cells. The synergistic antitumor effect against glioma cells was observed in the combinational treatment of Res and Tem. Tem/Res-coloaded nanoparticles induced higher apoptosis in U87 glioma cells as compared to cells treated by the combination of free drugs. Tem/Res-coloaded particles caused more effective inhibition of phosphor-Akt, leading to upregulation of the downstream apoptotic proteins. In addition, the in vivo study showed the superior tumor delaying effect of coloaded nanoparticles than that of free drug combination. These results suggest that Tem/Res-coloaded nanoparticles could be a potential useful chemotherapeutic formulation for glioma therapy.

Efficient antitumor effect of co-drug-loaded nanoparticles with gelatin hydrogel by local implantation

Tetrandrine (Tet) could enhance the antitumor effect of Paclitaxel (Ptx) by increasing intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, which leads to the possibility of co-delivery of both drugs for synergistic antitumor effect. In the current study, we reported an efficient, local therapeutic strategy employing effective Tet and Ptx delivery with a nanoparticle-loaded gelatin system. Tet- and Ptx co-loaded mPEG-PCL nanoparticles (P/T-NPs) were encapsulated into the physically cross-linked gelatin hydrogel and then implanted on the tumor site for continuous drug release. The drug-loaded gelatin hydrogel underwent a phase change when the temperature slowly increased. In vitro study showed that Tet/Ptx-loaded PEG-b-PCL nanoparticles encapsulated within a gelatin hydrogel (P/T-NPs-Gelatin) inhibited the growth and invasive ability of BGC-823 cells more effectively than the combination of free drugs or P/T-NPs. In vivo study validated the therapeutic potential of P/T-NPs-Gelatin. P/T-NPs-Gelatin significantly inhibited the activation of p-Akt and the downstream anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and also inducing the activation of pro-apoptotic Bax protein. Moreover, the molecular-modulating effect of P/T-NPs-Gelatin on related proteins varied slightly under the influence of NAC, which was supported by the observations of the tumor volumes and weights. Based on these findings, local implantation of P/T-NPs-Gelatin may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer.

A novel tetrandrine-loaded chitosan microsphere: characterization and in vivo evaluation

In this study, novel tetrandrine-loaded chitosan microspheres were prepared by the emulsion cross-linking method. The systems were then characterized for physicochemical properties and in vitro drug release. In addition, the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of microspheres were further verified in animal models. Particle-size distribution indicated that the size of microspheres was within the range of 7–15 μm, with a median diameter of 12.4 μm. The drug loading and entrapment efficiency of the formulation were 34.6%±12.5% and 87.3%±9.7% (mean ± SD), respectively. In vitro release showed a typical sustained and long-term drug release behavior. The Higuchi equation was the model that fit best with release data. Maintaining a relatively constant plasma concentration in the long-term drug treatment is an outstanding pharmacokinetic advantage of tetrandrine microspheres in vivo. Moreover, compared with tetrandrine solution, tetrandrine microspheres produced a lower drug concentration in the heart, liver, and kidneys. This indicated that the microspheres used in this study were preferable for targeting lung tissue versus other tissues. No damage to the tissues of the lung was found in histopathological examination.

Efficient delivery of ursolic acid by poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-block-poly (ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles for inhibiting the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Previous reports have shown that ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from Catharanthus trichophyllus roots, could inhibit the growth of a series of cancer cells. However, the potential for clinical application of UA is greatly hampered by its poor solubility, whereas the hydrophobicity of UA renders it a promising model drug for nanosized delivery systems. In the current study, we loaded UA into amphiphilic poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-block-poly (ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles and performed physiochemical characterization as well as analysis of the releasing capacity. In vitro experiments indicated that UA-NPs inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells and induced cellular apoptosis more efficiently than did free UA. Moreover, UA-NPs significantly delayed tumor growth and localized to the tumor site when compared with the equivalent dose of UA. In addition, both Western blotting and immunohistochemistry suggested that the possible mechanism of the superior efficiency of UA-NPs is mediation by the regulation of apoptosis-related proteins. Therefore, UA-NPs show potential as a promising nanosized drug system for liver cancer therapy.

Deguelin induces the apoptosis of lung cancer cells through regulating a ROS driven Akt pathway

Background

Duguelin is a rotenoid extracted from plants and has potent antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism underlying the antitumor effect remains unclear. Our preliminary study showed that Deguelin is effective to stimulate the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). In the current study, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of Deguelin against lung cancer cells and studied whether a ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), can reverse the inhibitory effect of Deguelin.

Results

We showed that the dose-dependent apoptotic inducing effect of Deguelin could be partially reversed by the co-administration of NAC. Moreover, Deguelin reduced the phosphorylation of Akt protein and induced the apoptotic protein Caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Co-treatment with NAC partially attenuated this effect and rescued some cells from apoptosis.

Conclusion

Deguelin induces the apoptosis of cancer cells through a ROS driven Akt pathway, which could translate into a promising therapeutic for lung cancer.

Nanoparticles inhibit cancer cell invasion and enhance antitumor efficiency by targeted drug delivery via cell surface-related GRP78

Nanoparticles (NPs) which target specific agents could effectively recognize the target cells and increase the stability of chemical agents by encapsulation. As such, NPs have been widely used in cancer treatment research. Recently, over 90% of treatment failure cases in patients with metastatic cancer were attributed to resistance to chemotherapy. Surface-exposed glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa (GRP78) is expressed highly on many tumor cell surfaces in many human cancers and is related to the regulation of invasion and metastasis. Herein, we report that NPs conjugated with antibody against GRP78 (mAb GRP78-NPs) inhibit the adhesion, invasion, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promote drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil into GRP78 high-expressed human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Our new findings suggest that mAb GRP78-NPs could enhance drug accumulation by effectively transporting NPs into cell surface GRP78-overexpressed human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and then inhibit cell proliferation and viability and induce cell apoptosis by regulating caspase-3. In brief, mAb GRP78-NPs effectively inhibit cancer cell invasion and enhance antitumor efficiency by targeted drug delivery.