Phytochylomicron as a dual nanocarrier for liver cancer targeting of luteolin: in vitro appraisal and pharmacodynamics

Codelivery of ivermectin and methyl dihydrojasmonate in nanostructured lipid carrier for synergistic antileukemia therapy

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a life-threatening blood-cancer prevalent among children and adolescents. Research for innovative therapeutics combine drug-repurposing, phytotherapeutics and nanodrug-delivery. Ivermectin (Ivn) is a potent anthelmintic, repurposed for antileukemic-activity. However, Ivn exerts off-target toxicity. Methyl-dihydrojasmonate (MJ) is a phytochemical of known antileukemic potential. Herein, we developed for the first-time Ivn/MJ-coloaded nanostructured-lipid-carrier (Ivn@MJ-NLC) for leveraging the antileukemic-activity of the novel Ivn/MJ-combination while ameliorating possible adverse-effects. The developed Ivn@MJ-NLC possessed optimum-nanosize (97 ± 12.70 nm), PDI (0.33 ± 0.02), entrapment for Ivn (97.48 ± 1.48 %) and MJ (99.48 ± 0.57 %) and controlled-release of Ivn (83 % after 140 h) and MJ (80.98 ± 2.45 % after 48 h). In-vitro K562 studies verified Ivn@MJ-NLC prominent cytotoxicity (IC50 = 35.01 ± 2.23 µg/mL) with pronounced Ivn/MJ-synergism (combination-index = 0.59) at low-concentrations (5-10 µg/mL Ivn). Superior Ivn@MJ-NLC cytocompatibility was established on oral-epithelial-cells (OEC) with high OEC/K562 viability-ratio (1.49-1.85). The innovative Ivn@MJ-NLC enhanced K562-nuclear-fragmentation and afforded upregulation of caspase-3 and BAX (1.71 ± 0.07 and 1.45 ± 0.07-fold-increase, respectively) compared to control. Ex-vivo hemocompatibility and in-vivo-biocompatibility of parenteral-Ivn@MJ-NLC, compared to Ivn-solution, was verified via biochemical-blood analysis, histological and histomorphometric studies of liver and kidney tissues. Our findings highlight Ivn@MJ-NLC as an Ivn/MJ synergistic antileukemic platform, ameliorating possible adverse-effects.

Luteolin, a flavone ingredient: Anticancer mechanisms, combined medication strategy, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical researches

Current pharmaceutical research is energetically excavating the pharmacotherapeutic role of herb-derived ingredients in multiple malignancies' targeting. Luteolin is one of the major phytochemical components that exist in various traditional Chinese medicine or medical herbs. Mounting evidence reveals that this phytoconstituent endows prominent therapeutic actions on diverse malignancies, with the underlying mechanisms, combined medication strategy, and pharmacokinetics elusive. Additionally, the clinical trial and pharmaceutical investigation of luteolin remain to be systematically delineated. The present review aimed to comprehensively summarize the updated information with regard to the anticancer mechanism, combined medication strategies, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical researches of luteolin. The survey corroborates that luteolin executes multiple anticancer effects mainly by dampening proliferation and invasion, spurring apoptosis, intercepting cell cycle, regulating autophagy and immune, inhibiting inflammatory response, inducing ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, as well as epigenetic modification, and so on. Luteolin can be applied in combination with numerous clinical anticarcinogens and natural ingredients to synergistically enhance the therapeutic efficacy of malignancies while reducing adverse reactions. For pharmacokinetics, luteolin has an unfavorable oral bioavailability, it mainly persists in plasma as glucuronides and sulfate-conjugates after being metabolized, and is regarded as potent inhibitors of OATP1B1 and OATP2B1, which may be messed with the pharmacokinetic interactions of miscellaneous bioactive substances in vivo. Besides, pharmaceutical innovation of luteolin with leading-edge drug delivery systems such as host-guest complexes, nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsion, microspheres, and hydrogels are beneficial to the exploitation of luteolin-based products. Moreover, some registered clinical trials on luteolin are being carried out, yet clinical research on anticancer effects should be continuously promoted.

Controlled release, chitosan-tethered luteolin phytocubosomes; Formulation optimization to in-vivo antiglaucoma and anti-inflammatory ocular evaluation

A chitosan-coated luteolin-loaded phytocubosomal system was prepared to improve the pharmacodynamic performance of luteolin in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular inflammation after topical ocular administration. Luteolin, a potent anti-oxidant herbal drug with poor aqueous solubility, was complexed with phospholipid. The prepared phytocubosomes were coated with chitosan, producing homogenously distributed nanosized particles (258 ± 9.05 nm) with a positive charge (+49 ± 6.09 mV), improved EE% (96 %), and increased concentration of encapsulated drug to 288 μg/ml. Polarized light microscopy revealed a cubic phase. Chitosan-coated phytocubosomes showed a sustained drug release profile (38 % over 24 h) and improved anti-oxidant activity (IC50 of 32 μg/ml). Ex vivo transcorneal permeation was higher by 3.60 folds compared to luteolin suspension. Irritancy tests confirmed their safety in ocular tissues after single and multiple administrations. The pharmacodynamic studies on glaucomatous rabbit eyes demonstrated 6.46-, 3.88-, and 1.89-fold reductions in IOP of chitosan-coated phytocubosomes compared to luteolin suspension, cubosomes, and phytocubosomes, respectively. Pharmacodynamic anti-inflammatory studies revealed faster recovery capabilities of chitosan-coated phytocubosomes over other formulations. Thus, chitosan-coated phytocubosomes could be a promising ocular hybrid system for delivering herbal lipophilic drugs such as luteolin.

Construction of the Gal-NH2/mulberry leaf polysaccharides-lysozyme/luteolin nanoparticles and the amelioration effects on lipid accumulation

Luteolin is a kind of natural flavonoid with great potential for lipid accumulation intervention. However, the poor water solubility and non-targeted release greatly diminish its efficiency. In this study, 4-aminophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside (Gal-NH2)/mulberry leaf polysaccharides- lysozyme/luteolin nanoparticles (Gal-MPL/Lut) were fabricated via amide reaction, self-assembly process and electrostatic interaction. The nanoparticles could hepatic-target of Lut and enhance action on liver tissue by specific recognition of asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). Physicochemical characterization of the nanoparticles showed a spherical shape with a uniform particle size distribution (77.8 ± 2.6 nm) with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.22 ± 0.06. Subsequently, in HepG2 cells model, administration with hepatic-targeted Gal-MPL/Lut nanoparticles promoted the cellular uptake of Lut, and regulated lipid metabolism manifested by remarkably inhibiting total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) expression levels through the modulation of PI3K/SIRT-1/FAS/CEBP-α signaling pathway. This study provides a promising strategy for a highly hepatic-targeted therapy to ameliorate lipid accumulation using natural medicines facilitated by nano-technology.

Carrageenan tethered ion sensitive smart nanogel containing oleophytocubosomes for improved ocular luteolin delivery

Ophthalmic delivery of luteolin (LU) was studied after formulating a carrageenan-based novel ion-sensitive in situ gel (ISG) incorporating oleophytocubosomes for prolonged ocular residence time and improved ocular bioavailability of the poorly absorbed herbal drug luteolin. The prepared oleophytocubosomes and ISG were compared with LU suspension. Optimized oleophytocubosomes possessed small, homogenously distributed negatively charged particles with high entrapment efficiency. Polarized light microscope revealed a cubic phase. Optimized ISG matrix composed of 0.4% kappa carrageenan (KC), and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) demonstrated rapid gelation, high resistance to dilution, increased viscosity after gelation, and strong mucoadhesive properties. oleophytocubosomes exerted improved drug release, while a more sustained release was observed for ISG oleophytocubosomes. The antioxidant activity of both formulations was significantly higher than that of LU suspension. Oleophytocubosome and ISG oleophytocubosome revealed significantly higher apparent permeability coefficients of 3.62 and 2.90 folds, respectively, compared to LU suspension. Irritation tests showed the safety of both formulations for single- and multiple-ocular administration. In-vivo studies demonstrated that the ISG system showed prolonged antiglaucoma effects and a faster anti-inflammatory effect, followed by oleophytocubosomes.

Self-assembled fisetin-phospholipid complex: Fisetin-integrated phytosomes for effective delivery to breast cancer

Nowadays, fisetin (FIS) is extensively studied as potent anticancer surrogate with a multitarget actions against various types of cancers including breast cancer. However, its poor aqueous solubility handicapped its clinical utility. The current work endeavored, for the first time, to develop FIS phytosomes (FIS-PHY) for improving its physicochemical properties and subsequently its anticancer activity. Optimization of FIS- phytosomes involved different preparation techniques (Thin film hydration and ethanol injection) and different FIS: phospholipid molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3). Complex formation was confirmed by complexation efficiency, infrared spectroscopy (IR), solubility studies and transmission electron microscope. The optimized FIS-PHY of 1:1 M ratio (PHY1) exhibited a nanometric particle size of 233.01 ± 9.46 nm with homogenous distribution (PDI = 0.27), negative zeta potential of - 29.41 mV, 100% complexation efficiency and controlled drug release over 24 h. In-vitro cytotoxicity study showed 2.5-fold decrease in IC50 of PHY1 compared with free FIS. Also, pharmacodynamic studies confirmed the promoted cytotoxicity of PHY1 against breast cancer through modulating TGF-β1/MMP-9 molecular pathways of tumorigenesis. Overall, overcoming FIS drawbacks were successfully achieved through development of innovative biocompatible phytosomal system.

Helwah MK, Noureldin MH, Abbas H. Dual-effects of caffeinated hyalurosomes as a nano-cosmeceutical gel counteracting UV-induced skin ageing

Caffeine (CAF) is a challenging natural bioactive compound with proven antiaging efficacy. However, being hydrophilic hampers its permeation through the skin. Our aim is to develop a novel CAF-loaded nano-cosmeceutical tool counteracting skin photoaging via improving CAF skin permeation using a bioactive nanocarrier. Caffeinated hyalurosomes are novel biocompatible antiaging nanoplatforms designed by immobilization of phospholipid vesicles with a hyaluronan polymer. Physicochemical properties of the selected hyalurosomes formulation showed nano-sized vesicles (210.10 ± 1.87 nm), with high zeta potential (-31.30 ± 1.19 mv), and high encapsulation efficiency (84.60 ± 1.05%). In vitro release results showed outstanding sustained release profile from caffeinated hyalurosomes compared to the CAF-loaded in conventional gel over 24 h. The in-vivo study revealed a photoprotective effect of caffeinated hyalurosomes, reflected from the intact and wrinkling-free skin. Results of biochemical analyses of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators, and anti-wrinkling markers further confirmed the efficacy of the prepared hyalurosomes compared to the CAF conventional gel. Finally, histopathological examination demonstrated normal histological structures of epidermal layers with minimal inflammatory cell infiltrates in the caffeinated hyalurosomes group compared to the positive control group. Conclusively, caffeinated hyalurosomes successfully achieved enhanced CAF loading and penetration into the skin besides the hydration effect of hyaluronan. Consequently, the developed delivery system presents a promising skin protection nano-platforms via the double effects of both hyaluronan and CAF, hence it guards against skin photodamage.

Luteolin-loaded exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: a promising therapy for liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a global life-threatening disorder with no approved treatment. It leads to serious hepatic complications when progressive, such as cirrhosis and carcinoma. Luteolin (LUT) is a plant flavonoid possessing a promising therapeutic potential in various liver diseases particularly, liver fibrosis. It was reported to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also suppresses the proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and induces their apoptosis. However, its poor aqueous solubility and exposure to metabolism hinder its clinical use. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles, have recently emerged as natural biocompatible drug delivery vehicles permitting efficient drug delivery. Accordingly, the present study aimed for the first time to investigate the potential of bone marrow MSCs-derived exosomes to improve LUTs antifibrotic effectiveness. LUT-loaded exosomes (LUT-Ex) were successfully developed, optimized and subjected to both in vitro and in vivo characterization. The elaborated LUT-Ex presented good colloidal properties (size; 150 nm, PDI; 0.3 and ζ-potential; −28 mV), typical vesicular shape, reasonable drug entrapment efficiency (40%) with sustained drug release over 72 h. Additionally, the cellular uptake study of coumarin-6-loaded exosomes in HEP-G2 revealed a significant enhancement in their uptake by 78.4% versus free coumarin-6 solution (p ≤ 0.001). Following a single intraperitoneal injection, LUT-Ex revealed a superior antifibrotic activity compared with either LUT-suspension or blank exosomes as evidenced by the results of biochemical and histopathological evaluation. In conclusion, the elaborated LUT-Ex could be addressed as a promising nanocarrier for effective treatment of liver fibrosis.

Novel Siprulina platensis Bilosomes for Combating UVB Induced Skin Damage

The recent interest in bioactive compounds from natural sources has led to the evolution of the skin care industry. Efforts to develop biologically active ingredients from natural sources have resulted in the emergence of enhanced skin care products. Spirulina (SPR), a nutritionally enriched cyanobacteria-type microalga, is rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. SPR possesses antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Spirulina-loaded bilosomes (SPR-BS), a novel antiaging drug delivery system, were designed for the first time by incorporation in a lecithin−bile salt-integrated system for bypassing skin delivery obstacles. The optimized BS had good entrapment efficiency, small particle size, optimal zeta potential, and sustained drug release pattern. Blank and SPR-loaded BS formulations were safe, with a primary irritancy index of <2 based on the Draize test. In vivo tests were conducted, and photoprotective antiaging effects were evaluated visually and biochemically by analyzing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkling markers following ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation. Results of biochemical marker analysis and histopathological examination confirmed the superior antiaging effect of SPR-BS compared with SPR. Thus, SPR-loaded BS is a promising nanoplatform for SPR delivery, can be used for treating UV-induced skin damage, and offers maximum therapeutic outcomes.

Mucoadhesive nanoemulsion enhances brain bioavailability of luteolin after intranasal administration and induces apoptosis to sh-sy5y neuroblastoma cells

Neuroblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children and accounts for 7% of all childhood malignancies and 15% cancer mortality in children. Luteolin (LUT) is recognized by its anticancer activity against several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to prepare chitosan-coated nanoemulsion containing luteolin (NECh-LUT), investigate its potential for brain delivery following intranasal administration, and to evaluate its cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells. NECh-LUT was developed by cavitation process and characterized for its size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and mucoadhesion. The developed formulation presented size 68±1 nm, zeta potential +13±1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 85.5±0.3%. The NECh-LUT presented nearly 6-fold higher permeation through the nasal mucosa ex vivo and prolonged LUT release up to 72 h in vitro, following Baker-Lonsdale kinetic model. The pharmacokinetic evaluation of NECh-LUT revealed a 10-fold increase in drug half-life and a 4.4 times enhancement in LUT biodistribution in brain tissue after intranasal administration of single-dose. In addition, NECh-LUT inhibited the growth of neuroblastoma cells after 24, 48 and 72 h in concentrations starting from 2 µM. The NECh-LUT developed for intranasal administration proved to be a promising alternative for brain delivery of LUT, and a viable option for the treatment of neuroblastoma.

Novel Luteolin-Loaded Chitosan Decorated Nanoparticles for Brain-Targeting Delivery in a Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model: Focus on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Amyloidogenic Pathways

Preparation and evaluation of a non-invasive intranasal luteolin delivery for the management of cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using novel chitosan decorated nanoparticles. Development of luteolin-loaded chitosomes was followed by full in vitro characterization. In vivo efficacy was evaluated using a sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD) animal model via intracerebroventricular injection of 3 mg/kg streptozotocin (ICV-STZ). Treatment groups of luteolin suspension and chitosomes (50 mg/kg) were then intranasally administered after 5 h of ICV-STZ followed by everyday administration for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies were conducted. Chitosomes yielded promising quality attributes in terms of particle size (PS) (412.8 ± 3.28 nm), polydispersity index (PDI) (0.378 ± 0.07), Zeta potential (ZP) (37.4 ± 2.13 mv), and percentage entrapment efficiency (EE%) (86.6 ± 2.05%). Behavioral findings showed obvious improvement in the acquisition of short-term and long-term spatial memory. Furthermore, histological evaluation revealed an increased neuronal survival rate with a reduction in the number of amyloid plaques. Biochemical results showed improved antioxidant effects and reduced pro-inflammatory mediators’ levels. In addition, a suppression by half was observed in the levels of both Aβ aggregation and hyperphosphorylated-tau protein in comparison to the model control group which in turn confirmed the capability of luteolin-loaded chitosomes (LUT-CHS) in attenuating the pathological changes of AD. The prepared nanoparticles are considered a promising safe, effective, and non-invasive nanodelivery system that improves cognitive function in SAD albino mice as opposed to luteolin suspension.

3D Bioprinted GelMA/PEGDA Hybrid Scaffold for Establishing an In Vitro Model of Melanoma

Due to the high incidence of malignant melanoma, the establishment of in vitro models that recapitulate the tumor microenvironment is of great biological and clinical importance for tumor treatment and drug research. In this study, 3D printing technology was used to prepare GelMA/PEGDA composite scaffolds that mimic the microenvironment of human malignant melanoma cell (A375) growth and construct in vitro melanoma micro-models. The GelMA/PEGDA hybrid scaffold was tested by the mechanical property, cell live/dead assay, cell proliferation assay, cytoskeleton staining and drug loading assay. The growth of tumor cells in two- and three-dimensional culture systems and the anti-cancer effect of luteolin were evaluated using the live/dead staining method and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The results showed a high aggregation of tumor cells on the 3D scaffold, which was suitable for long-term culture. Cytoskeleton staining and immunofluorescent protein staining were used to evaluate the degree of differentiation of tumor cells under 2D and 3D culture systems. The results indicated that 3D bioprinted scaffolds were more suitable for tumor cell expansion and differentiation, and the tumor cells were more aggressive. In addition, luteolin was time- and dose-dependent on tumor cells, and tumor cells in the 3D culture system were more resistant to the drug.

Pectin coated Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Targeted Piperine Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Piperine (PIP) is a herbal drug with well-known anticancer activity against different types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma. However, low aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism limit its clinical use. In this study, positively charged PIP-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (PIP-NLCs) were prepared via melt-emulsification and ultra-sonication method followed by pectin coating to get novel pectin-coated NLCs (PIP-P-NLCs) targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Complete in vitro characterization was performed. In addition, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of nanosystems in HepG2 cells were evaluated. Finally, in vivo anticancer activity was tested in the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mice model. Successful pectin coating was confirmed by an increased particle size of PIP-NLCs from 150.28±2.51 nm to 205.24±5.13 nm and revered Zeta potential from 33.34±3.52 mV to -27.63±2.05 mV. Nanosystems had high entrapment efficiency, good stability, spherical shape, and sustained drug release over 24 hours. Targeted P-NLCs enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake compared to untargeted NLCs. Furthermore, PIP-P-NLCs improved in vivo anticancer effect of PIP as proved by histological examination of liver tissues, suppression of liver enzymes and oxidative stress environment in the liver, and alteration of cell cycle regulators. To conclude, PIP-P-NLCs can act as a promising approach for targeted delivery of PIP to hepatocellular carcinoma.

A Brain-Targeted Approach to Ameliorate Memory Disorders in a Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model via Intranasal Luteolin-Loaded Nanobilosomes

Impaired memory and cognitive function are the main features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Unfortunately, currently available treatments cannot cure or delay AD progression. Moreover, the blood–brain barrier hampers effective delivery of treatment to the brain. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of intranasally delivered luteolin on AD using bile-salt-based nano-vesicles (bilosomes). Different bilosomes were prepared using 23-factorial design. The variables were defined by the concentration of surfactant, the molar ratio of cholesterol:phospholipid, and the concentration of bile salt. Results demonstrated optimized luteolin-loaded bilosomes with particle size (153.2 ± 0.98 nm), zeta potential (−42.8 ± 0.24 mV), entrapment efficiency% (70.4 ± 0.77%), and % drug released after 8 h (80.0 ± 1.10%). In vivo experiments were conducted on an AD mouse model via intracerebroventricular injection of 3 mg/kg streptozotocin. We conducted behavioral, biochemical marker, histological, and immune histochemistry assays after administering a luteolin suspension or luteolin bilosomes (50 mg/kg) intranasally for 21 consecutive days. Luteolin bilosomes improved short-term and long-term spatial memory. They also exhibited antioxidant properties and reduced levels of proinflammatory mediators. They also suppressed both amyloid β aggregation and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein levels in the hippocampus. In conclusion, luteolin bilosomes are an effective, safe, and non-invasive approach with superior cognitive function capabilities compared to luteolin suspension.

Nanoemulsomes for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of the Anticancer Phytochemical Andrographolide: Characterization and Pharmacokinetics

Andrographolide (AG) is an antitumor phytochemical that acts against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, AG shows low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism and P-glycoprotein efflux. Novel biocompatible lipoprotein-simulating nanosystems, emulsomes (EMLs), have gained significant attention due to their composition of natural components, in addition to being lymphotropic. Loading AG on EMLs is believed to mitigate the disadvantage of AG and enhance its lymphatic transport. This study developed a chylomicron-simulating system (EMLs) as a novel tool to overcome the AG oral delivery obstacles. Optimized EML-AG had a promising vesicular size of 281.62 ± 1.73 nm, a zeta potential of - 22.73 ± 0.06 mV, and a high entrapment efficiency of 96.55% ± 0.25%, which favors lymphatic targeting. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies of EML-AG showed significant enhancement (> sixfold increase) in the rate and extent of AG absorption compared with free AG. However, intraperitoneal injection of a cycloheximide inhibitor caused a significant decrease in AG absorption (~ 52%), confirming the lymphatic targeting potential of EMLs. Therefore, EMLs can be a promising novel nanoplatform for circumventing AG oral delivery obstacles and provide targeted delivery to the lymphatic system at a lower dose with fewer side effects.

Pegylated liquisomes: A novel combined passive targeting nanoplatform of L-carnosine for breast cancer

PEGylated Liquisomes (P-Liquisomes), a novel drug delivery system was designed for the first time by incorporating phospholipid complex in PEGylated liquid crystalline nanoparticles (P-LCNPs). L-carnosine (CN), a challenging dipeptide, has proven to be a promising anti-cancer drug. However, it exhibits high water solubility and extensive in-vivo degradation that halts its use. The objective of this work was to investigate the ability of our novel system to improve the CN anticancer activity by prolonging it's release and protecting it in-vivo. In-vitro appraisal revealed spherical light-colored vesicles encapsulated in the liquid crystals, confirming the successful formation of the combined system. P-Liquisomes were nano-sized (149.3 ± 1.4 nm), with high ZP (-40.2 ± 1.5 mV), complexation efficiency (97.5 ± 0.9%) and outstanding sustained release of only 75.4% released after 24 h, compared to P-LCNPs and Phytosomes. The results obtained with P-Liquisomes are considered as a break through compared to P-LCNPs or Phytosomes alone, especially when dealing with the hydrophilic CN. In-vitro cytotoxicity evaluation, revealed superior cytotoxic effect of P-Liquisomes (IC₅₀ = 25.9) after 24 h incubation. Besides, P-Liquisomes proved to be non-toxic in-vivo and succeeded to show superior chemopreventive activity manifested by reduction of; % tumor growth (7.1%), VEGF levels (14.3 pg/g tissue), cyclin D1 levels 15.5 ng/g tissue and elevation in caspase-3 level (36.4 ng/g tissue), compared to Phytosomes and CN solution. Conclusively, P-Liquisomes succeded to achieve the maximum therapeutic outcome of CN without altering its activity and might be used as a sustained delivery system for other promising hydrophilic compounds.

Therapeutic strategies to overcome taxane resistance in cancer

One of the primary causes of attenuated or loss of efficacy of cancer chemotherapy is the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR). Numerous studies have been published regarding potential approaches to reverse resistance to taxanes, including paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel, which represent one of the most important classes of anticancer drugs. Since 1984, following the FDA approval of paclitaxel for the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma, taxanes have been extensively used as drugs that target tumor microtubules. Taxanes, have been shown to affect an array of oncogenic signaling pathways and have potent cytotoxic efficacy. However, the clinical success of these drugs has been restricted by the emergence of cancer cell resistance, primarily caused by the overexpression of MDR efflux transporters or by microtubule alterations. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the mechanisms underlying the resistance to PTX and docetaxel are primarily due to alterations in α-tubulin and β-tubulin. Moreover, resistance to PTX and docetaxel results from: 1) alterations in microtubule-protein interactions, including microtubule-associated protein 4, stathmin, centriole, cilia, spindle-associated protein, and kinesins; 2) alterations in the expression and activity of multidrug efflux transporters of the ABC superfamily including P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1); 3) overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins or inhibition of apoptotic proteins and tumor-suppressor proteins, as well as 4) modulation of signal transduction pathways associated with the activity of several cytokines, chemokines and transcription factors. In this review, we discuss the abovementioned molecular mechanisms and their role in mediating cancer chemoresistance to PTX and docetaxel. We provide a detailed analysis of both in vitro and in vivo experimental data and describe the application of these findings to therapeutic practice. The current review also discusses the efficacy of different pharmacological modulations to achieve reversal of PTX resistance. The therapeutic roles of several novel compounds, as well as herbal formulations, are also discussed. Among them, many structural derivatives had efficacy against the MDR phenotype by either suppressing MDR or increasing the cytotoxic efficacy compared to the parental drugs, or both. Natural products functioning as MDR chemosensitizers offer novel treatment strategies in patients with chemoresistant cancers by attenuating MDR and increasing chemotherapy efficacy. We broadly discuss the roles of inhibitors of P-gp and other efflux pumps, in the reversal of PTX and docetaxel resistance in cancer cells and the significance of using a nanomedicine delivery system in this context. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating the reversal of drug resistance, combined with drug efficacy and the application of target-based inhibition or specific drug delivery, could signal a new era in modern medicine that would limit the pathological consequences of MDR in cancer patients.

Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan nanoparticles loaded with quinacrine attenuate growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating gastrointestinal tumor with limited Chemotherapeutic options. Treatment is restricted by its poor vascularity and dense surrounding stroma. Quinacrine is a repositioned drug with an anticancer activity but suffers a limited ability to reach tumor cells. This could be enhanced using nanotechnology by the preparation of quinacrine-loaded Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan nanoparticles. The system exploited fucoidan as both a delivery system of natural origin and active targeting ligand. Lactoferrin was added as a second active targeting ligand. Single and dual-targeted particles prepared through nanoprecipitation and ionic interaction respectively were appraised. Both particles showed a size lower than 200 nm, entrapment efficiency of 80% and a pH-dependent release of the drug in the acidic environment of the tumor. The anticancer activity of quinacrine was enhanced by 5.7 folds in dual targeted particles compared to drug solution with a higher ability to inhibit migration and invasion of cancer. In vivo, these particles showed a 68% reduction in tumor volume compared to only 20% for drug solution. In addition, they showed a higher animals' survival rate with no hepatotoxicity. Hence, these particles could be an effective option for the eradication of pancreatic cancer cells.

Lactoferrin/Hyaluronic acid double-coated lignosulfonate nanoparticles of quinacrine as a controlled release biodegradable nanomedicine targeting pancreatic cancer

Quinacrine is an antimalarial drug that was repositioned for treatment of cancer. This is the first work to enhance quinacrine activity and minimize its associated hepatotoxicity via loading into bio-degradable, bio-renewable lignosulfonate nanoparticles. Particles were appraised for treatment of pancreatic cancer, one of the most life-threatening tumors with a five-year survival estimate. Optimum nanocomposites prepared by polyelectrolyte interaction exhibited a particle size of 138 nm, a negative surface charge (-28 mV) and a pH dependent release of the drug in an acidic environment. Ligands used for active targeting (lactoferrin and hyaluronic acid) were added to nanoparticles' surface via layer by layer coating technique. The highest anticancer activity on PANC-1 cells was demonstrated with dual active targeted particles (3-fold decrease in IC₅₀) along with an increased ability to inhibit migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. In vivo studies revealed that elaborated nanoparticles particles showed the highest tumor volume reduction with enhanced survival without any toxicity on major organs. In conclusion, the elaborated nanoparticles could be considered as a promising targeted nanotherapy for treatment of pancreatic cancer with higher efficacy& survival rate and lower organ toxicity.

Current strategies for different paclitaxel-loaded Nano-delivery Systems towards therapeutic applications for ovarian carcinoma: A review article

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is one of the leading causes of death among gynecologic malignancies all over the world. It is characterized by high mortality rate because of the lack of early diagnosis. The first-line chemotherapeutic regimen for late stage epithelial ovarian cancer is paclitaxel in combination to carboplatin. However, in most of cases, relapse occurs within six months despite the initial success of this chemotherapeutic combination. A lot of challenges have been encountered with the conventional delivery of paclitaxel in addition to the occurrence of severe off-target toxicity. One major problem is poor paclitaxel solubility which was improved by addition of Cremophor EL that unfortunately resulted in hypersensitivity side effects. Another obstacle is the multi drug resistance which is the main cause of OC recurrence. Accordingly, incorporation of paclitaxel, solely or in combination to other drugs, in nanocarrier systems has grabbed attention of many researchers to circumvent all these hurdles. The current review is the first article that provides a comprehensive overview on multi-faceted implementations of paclitaxel loaded nanoplatforms to solve delivery obstacles of paclitaxel in management of ovarian carcinoma. Moreover, challenges in physicochemical properties, biological activity and targeted delivery of PTX were depicted with corresponding solutions using nanotechnology. Different categories of nanocarriers employed were collected included lipid, protein, polymeric, solid nanoemulsion and hybrid systems. Future perspectives including imperative research considerations in ovarian cancer therapy were proposed as well.

Dietary flavonoids: Nano delivery and nanoparticles for cancer therapy

Application of nanotechnologies to cancer therapy might increase solubility and/or bioavailability of bioactive compounds of natural or synthetic origin and offers other potential benefits in cancer therapy, including selective targeting. In the present review we aim to evaluate in vivo studies on the anticancer activity of nanoparticles (NPs) obtained from food-derived flavonoids. From a systematic search a total of 60 studies were identified. Most of the studies involved the flavanol epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and the flavonol quercetin, in both delivery and co-delivery (with anti-cancer drugs) systems. Moreover, some studies investigated the effects of other flavonoids, such as anthocyanins aglycones anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones and isoflavonoids. NPs inhibited tumor growth in both xenograft and chemical-induced animal models of cancerogenesis. Encapsulation improved bioavailability and/or reduced toxicity of both flavonoids and/or co-delivered drugs, such as doxorubicin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, honokiol and vincristine. Moreover, flavonoids have been successfully applied in molecular targeted nanosystems. Selectivity for cancer cells involves pH- and/or reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, flavonoids are good candidates as drug delivery for anticancer drugs in green synthesis systems. In conclusion, although human studies are needed, NPs obtained from food-derived flavonoids have promising anticancer effects in vivo.