Multimodal iron oxide (Fe3O4)-saturated lactoferrin nanocapsules as nanotheranostics for real-time imaging and breast cancer therapy of claudin-low, triple-negative (ER-/PR-/HER2-)

The effect of bovine milk lactoferrin-loaded exosomes (exoLF) on human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line

BACKGROUND

Cancer is still the most challenging disease and is responsible for many deaths worldwide. Considerable research now focuses on targeted therapy in cancer using natural components to improve anti-tumor efficacy and reduce unfavorable effects. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in body fluids. Increasing evidence suggests that lactoferrin is a safe agent capable of inducing anti-cancer effects. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of the exosomal form of bovine milk lactoferrin on a human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line.

METHODS

The exosomes were isolated from cancer cells by ultracentrifugation and incorporated with bovine milk lactoferrin through the incubation method. The average size of the purified exosome was determined using SEM imaging and DLS analysis. The maximum percentage of lactoferrin-loaded exosomes (exoLF) was achieved by incubating 1 mg/ml of lactoferrin with 30 µg/ml of MDA-MB-231 cells-derived exosomes. Following treatment of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells and normal cells with 1 mg/ml exoLF MTT assay applied to evaluate the cytotoxicity, PI/ annexin V analysis was carried out to illustrate the apoptotic phenotype, and the real-time PCR was performed to assess the pro-apoptotic protein, Bid, and anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2.

RESULTS

The average size of the purified exosome was about 100 nm. The maximum lactoferrin loading efficiency of exoLF was 29.72%. MTT assay showed that although the 1 mg/ml exoLF treatment of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells induced 50% cell growth inhibition, normal mesenchymal stem cells remained viable. PI/ annexin V analysis revealed that 34% of cancer cells had late apoptotic phenotype after treatment. The real-time PCR showed an elevated expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bid and diminished anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 following exoLF treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that exoLF could induce selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells compared to normal cells. Incorporating lactoferrin into the exosome seems an effective agent for cancer therapy. However, further studies are required to evaluate anti-tumor efficacy and the underlying mechanism of exoLF in various cancer cell lines and animal models.

Single inhalation exposure to polyamide micro and nanoplastic particles impairs vascular dilation without generating pulmonary inflammation in virgin female Sprague Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in humans is being identified in both the indoor and outdoor environment. Detection of these materials in the air has made inhalation exposure to MNPs a major cause for concern. One type of plastic polymer found in indoor and outdoor settings is polyamide, often referred to as nylon. Inhalation of combustion-derived, metallic, and carbonaceous aerosols generate pulmonary inflammation, cardiovascular dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Additionally, due to the additives present in plastics, MNPs may act as endocrine disruptors. Currently there is limited knowledge on potential health effects caused by polyamide or general MNP inhalation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to assess the toxicological consequences of a single inhalation exposure of female rats to polyamide MNP during estrus by means of aerosolization of MNP.

METHODS

Bulk polyamide powder (i.e., nylon) served as a representative MNP. Polyamide aerosolization was characterized using particle sizers, cascade impactors, and aerosol samplers. Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) modeling was used to evaluate pulmonary deposition of MNPs. Pulmonary inflammation was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell content and H&E-stained tissue sections. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), wire myography of the aorta and uterine artery, and pressure myography of the radial artery was used to assess cardiovascular function. Systemic inflammation and endocrine disruption were quantified by measurement of proinflammatory cytokines and reproductive hormones.

RESULTS

Our aerosolization exposure platform was found to generate particles within the micro- and nano-size ranges (thereby constituting MNPs). Inhaled particles were predicted to deposit in all regions of the lung; no overt pulmonary inflammation was observed. Conversely, increased blood pressure and impaired dilation in the uterine vasculature was noted while aortic vascular reactivity was unaffected. Inhalation of MNPs resulted in systemic inflammation as measured by increased plasma levels of IL-6. Decreased levels of 17β-estradiol were also observed suggesting that MNPs have endocrine disrupting activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate aerosolization of MNPs in our inhalation exposure platform. Inhaled MNP aerosols were found to alter inflammatory, cardiovascular, and endocrine activity. These novel findings will contribute to a better understanding of inhaled plastic particle toxicity.

Proteins and their functionalization for finding therapeutic avenues in cancer: Current status and future prospective

Despite the remarkable advancement in the health care sector, cancer remains the second most fatal disease globally. The existing conventional cancer treatments primarily include chemotherapy, which has been associated with little to severe side effects, and radiotherapy, which is usually expensive. To overcome these problems, target-specific nanocarriers have been explored for delivering chemo drugs. However, recent reports on using a few proteins having anticancer activity and further use of them as drug carriers have generated tremendous attention for furthering the research towards cancer therapy. Biomolecules, especially proteins, have emerged as suitable alternatives in cancer treatment due to multiple favourable properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural flexibility for easy surface functionalization. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that various proteins derived from animal, plant, and bacterial species, demonstrated strong cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties against malignant cells in native and their different structural conformations. Moreover, surface tunable properties of these proteins help to bind a range of anticancer drugs and target ligands, thus making them efficient delivery agents in cancer therapy. Here, we discuss various proteins obtained from common exogenous sources and how they transform into effective anticancer agents. We also comprehensively discuss the tumor-killing mechanisms of different dietary proteins such as bovine α-lactalbumin, hen egg-white lysozyme, and their conjugates. We also articulate how protein nanostructures can be used as carriers for delivering cancer drugs and theranostics, and strategies to be adopted for improving their in vivo delivery and targeting. We further discuss the FDA-approved protein-based anticancer formulations along with those in different phases of clinical trials.

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells as the Key Driver of Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Resistance

The emerging concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as the key driver behind carcinogenesis, progression, and diversity has displaced the prior model of a tumor composed of cells with similar subsequently acquired mutations and an equivalent capacity for renewal, invasion, and metastasis. This significant change has shifted the research focus toward targeting CSCs to eradicate cancer. CSCs may be characterized using cell surface markers. They are defined by their capacity to self-renew and differentiate, resist conventional therapies, and generate new tumors following repeated transplantation in xenografted mice. CSCs' functional capabilities are governed by various intracellular and extracellular variables such as pluripotency-related transcription factors, internal signaling pathways, and external stimuli. Numerous natural compounds and synthetic chemicals have been investigated for their ability to disrupt these regulatory components and inhibit stemness and terminal differentiation in CSCs, hence achieving clinical implications. However, no cancer treatment focuses on the biological consequences of these drugs on CSCs, and their functions have been established. This article provides a biomedical discussion of cancer at the time along with an overview of CSCs and their origin, features, characterization, isolation techniques, signaling pathways, and novel targeted therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we highlighted the factors endorsed as controlling or helping to promote stemness in CSCs. Our objective was to encourage future studies on these prospective treatments to develop a framework for their application as single or combined therapeutics to eradicate various forms of cancer.

Research Advances of Lactoferrin in Electrostatic Spinning, Nano Self-Assembly, and Immune and Gut Microbiota Regulation

Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally present iron-binding globulin with the structural properties of an N-lobe strongly positively charged terminus and a cage-like structure of nano self-assembly encapsulation. These unique structural properties give it potential for development in the fields of electrostatic spinning, targeted delivery systems, and the gut-brain axis. This review will provide an overview of LF's unique structure, encapsulation, and targeted transport capabilities, as well as its applications in immunity and gut microbiota regulation. First, the microstructure of LF is summarized and compared with its homologous ferritin, revealing both structural and functional similarities and differences between them. Second, the electrostatic interactions of LF and its application in electrostatic spinning are summarized. Its positive charge properties can be applied to functional environmental protection packaging materials and to improving drug stability and antiviral effects, while electrostatic spinning can promote bone regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects. Then the nano self-assembly behavior of LF is exploited as a cage-like protein to encapsulate bioactive substances to construct functional targeted delivery systems for applications such as contrast agents, antibacterial dressings, anti-cancer therapy, and gene delivery. In addition, some covalent and noncovalent interactions of LF in the Maillard reaction and protein interactions and other topics are briefly discussed. Finally, LF may affect immunological function via controlling the gut microbiota. In conclusion, this paper reviews the research advances of LF in electrostatic spinning, nano self-assembly, and immune and gut microbiota regulation, aiming to provide a reference for its application in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

Trends in iron oxide nanoparticles: a nano-platform for theranostic application in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the deadliest malignant disorder globally, with a significant mortality rate. The development of tolerance throughout cancer treatment and non-specific targeting limits the drug's response. Currently, nano therapy provides an interdisciplinary area for imaging, diagnosis, and targeted drug delivery for BC. Several overexpressed biomarkers, proteins, and receptors are identified in BC, which can be potentially targeted by using nanomaterial for drug/gene/immune/photo-responsive therapy and bio-imaging. In recent applications, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) have shown tremendous attention to the researcher because they combine selective drug delivery and imaging functionalities. IONs can be efficaciously functionalised for potential application in BC therapy and diagnosis. In this review, we explored the current application of IONs in chemotherapeutics delivery, gene delivery, immunotherapy, photo-responsive therapy, and bio-imaging for BC based on their molecular mechanism. In addition, we also highlighted the effect of IONs' size, shape, dimension, and functionalization on BC targeting and imaging. To better comprehend the functionalization potential of IONs, this paper provides an outline of BC cellular development. IONs for BC theranostic are also reviewed based on their clinical significance and future aspects.

Ovalbumin coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a nanocarrier for chlorogenic acid to promote the anticancer efficacy on MDA-MB-231 cells

Chlorogenic acid (5-CQA), a phenolic acid abundant in plants and herbs, has various beneficial effects on human health. However, 5-CQA undergoes biotransformation during gastrointestinal digestion, which affects its biological accessibility....

Kidney protective potential of lactoferrin: pharmacological insights and therapeutic advances

Kidney disease is becoming a global public health issue. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have serious adverse health outcomes. However, there is no effective therapy to treat these diseases. Lactoferrin (LF), a multi-functional glycoprotein, is protective against various pathophysiological conditions in various disease models. LF shows protective effects against AKI and CKD. LF reduces markers related to inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and kidney fibrosis, and induces autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in the kidney. Although there are no clinical trials of LF to treat kidney disease, several clinical trials and studies on LF-based drug development are ongoing. In this review, we discussed the possible kidney protective mechanisms of LF, as well as the pharmacological and therapeutic advances. The evidence suggests that LF may become a potent pharmacological agent to treat kidney diseases.

Development of Encapsulation Strategies and Composite Edible Films to Maintain Lactoferrin Bioactivity: A Review

Lactoferrin (LF) is a whey protein with various and valuable biological activities. For this reason, LF has been used as a supplement in formula milk and functional products. However, it must be considered that the properties of LF can be affected by technological treatments and gastrointestinal conditions. In this article, we have revised the literature published on the research done during the last decades on the development of various technologies, such as encapsulation or composite materials, to protect LF and avoid its degradation. Multiple compounds can be used to conduct this protective function, such as proteins, including those from milk, or polysaccharides, like alginate or chitosan. Furthermore, LF can be used as a component in complexes, nanoparticles, hydrogels and emulsions, to encapsulate, protect and deliver other bioactive compounds, such as essential oils or probiotics. Additionally, LF can be part of systems to deliver drugs or to apply certain therapies to target cells expressing LF receptors. These systems also allow improving the detection of gliomas and have also been used for treating some pathologies, such as different types of tumours. Finally, the application of LF in edible and active films can be effective against some contaminants and limit the increase of the natural microbiota present in meat, for example, becoming one of the most interesting research topics in food technology.

Lactoferrin-tethered betulinic acid nanoparticles promote rapid delivery and cell death in triple negative breast and laryngeal cancer cells

Cancer management presents multifarious problems. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with inaccurate prognosis and limited chemotherapeutic options. Betulinic acid (BA) prevents angiogenesis and causes apoptosis of TNBC cells. NIH recommends BA for rapid access in cancer chemotherapy because of its cell-specific toxicity. BA however faces major challenges in therapeutic practices due to its limited solubility and cellular entree. We report lactoferrin (Lf) attached BA nanoparticles (Lf-BAnp) for rapid delivery in triple negative breast (MDA-MB-231) and laryngeal (HEp-2) cancer cell types. Lf association was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and FT-IR analysis. Average hydrodynamic size of Lf-BAnp was 147.7 ± 6.20 nm with ζ potential of -28.51 ± 3.52 mV. BA entrapment efficiency was 75.38 ± 2.70% and the release mechanism followed non-fickian pattern. Impact of Lf-BAnp on cell cycle and cytotoxicity of triple negative breast cancer and its metastatic site laryngeal cancer cell lines were analyzed. Lf-BAnp demonstrated strong anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects, along with increased sub-G₁ population and reduced number of cells in G₁ and G₂/M phases of the cell cycle, confirming reduced cell proliferation and significant cell death. Speedy intracellular entry of Lf-BAnp occurred within 30 min. Lf-BAnp design was explored for the first time as safer chemotherapeutic arsenals against complex TNBC conditions.

Exploring the room for repurposed hydroxychloroquine to impede COVID-19: toxicities and multipronged combination approaches with pharmaceutical insights

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has fatally affected the whole world with millions of deaths. Amidst the dilemma of a breakthrough in vaccine development, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was looked upon as a prospective repurposed candidate. It has confronted numerous controversies in the past few months as a chemoprophylactic and treatment option for COVID-19. Recently, it has been withdrawn by the World Health Organization for its use in an ongoing pandemic. However, its benefit/risk ratio regarding its use in COVID-19 disease remains poorly justified. An extensive literature search was done using Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, www.cdc.gov, www.fda.gov, and who.int.Areas covered: Toxicity vexations of HCQ; pharmaceutical perspectives on new advances in drug delivery approaches; computational modeling (PBPK and PD modeling) overtures; multipronged combination approaches for enhanced synergism with antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents; immuno-boosting effects.Expert commentary: Harnessing the multipronged pharmaceutical perspectives will optimistically help the researchers, scientists, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies to bring new horizons in the safe and efficacious utilization of HCQ alone or in combination with remdesivir and immunomodulatory molecules like bovine lactoferrin in a fight against COVID-19. Combinational therapies with free forms or nanomedicine based targeted approaches can act synergistically to boost host immunity and stop SARS-CoV-2 replication and invasion to impede the infection.

Interventional NIR Fluorescence Imaging of Cancer: Review on Next Generation of Dye-Loaded Protein-Based Nanoparticles for Real-Time Feedback During Cancer Surgery

The use of fluorescence imaging technique for visualization, resection and treatment of cancerous tissue, attained plenty of interest once the promise of whole body and deep tissue near-infrared (NIR) imaging emerged. Why is NIR so desired? Contrast agents with optical properties in the NIR spectral range offer an upgrade for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, by dint of the deep tissue penetration of light in the NIR region of the electromagnetic spectrum, also known as the optical window in biological tissue. Thus, the development of a new generation of NIR emitting and absorbing contrast agents able to overcome the shortcomings of the basic free dye administration is absolutely essential. Several examples of nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully implemented as carriers for NIR dye molecules to the tumour site owing to their prolonged blood circulation time and enhanced accumulation within the tumour, as well as their increased fluorescence signal relative to free fluorophore emission and active targeting of cancerous cells. Due to their versatile structure, good biocompatibility and capability to efficiently load dyes and bioconjugate with diverse cancer-targeting ligands, the research area of developing protein-based NPs encapsulated or conjugated with NIR dyes is highly promising but still in its infancy. The current review aims to provide an up-to-date overview on the biocompatibility, specific targeting and versatility offered by protein-based NPs loaded with different classes of NIR dyes as next-generation fluorescent agents. Moreover, this study brings to light the newest and most relevant advances involving the state-of-the-art NIR fluorescent agents for the real-time interventional NIR fluorescence imaging of cancer in clinical trials.

Lactoferrin, a multi-functional glycoprotein: Active therapeutic, drug nanocarrier & targeting ligand

Recent progress in protein-based nanomedicine, inspired by the success of Abraxane® albumin-paclitaxel nanoparticles, have resulted in novel therapeutics used for treatment of challenging diseases like cancer and viral infections. However, absence of specific drug targeting, poor pharmacokinetics, premature drug release, and off-target toxicity are still formidable challenges in the clinic. Therefore, alternative protein-based nanomedicines were developed to overcome those challenges. In this regard, lactoferrin (Lf), a glycoprotein of transferrin family, offers a promising biodegradable well tolerated material that could be exploited both as an active therapeutic and drug nanocarrier. This review highlights the major pharmacological actions of Lf including anti-cancer, antiviral, and immunomodulatory actions. Delivery technologies of Lf to improve its pries and enhance its efficacy were also reviewed. Moreover, different nano-engineering strategies used for fabrication of drug-loaded Lf nanocarriers were discussed. In addition, the use of Lf for functionalization of drug nanocarriers with emphasis on tumor-targeted drug delivery was illustrated. Besides its wide application in oncology nano-therapeutics, we discussed the recent advances of Lf-based nanocarriers as efficient platforms for delivery of anti-parkinsonian, anti-Alzheimer, anti-viral drugs, immunomodulatory and bone engineering applications.

Targeting cancer with lactoferrin nanoparticles: recent advances

Lactoferrin, an iron storage protein, is known for its microbicidal activity and its ability to modulate the immune system, mediated through specific interactions with receptors on cell surfaces for internalization. These activities confer a significant versatility to lactoferrin, presenting it as a targeting ligand to disease-bearing cells. Early efforts in developing targeted delivery systems have focused on nano- and microcomposites comprised of metal and polymeric materials. These can be targeted through conjugation or adsorption of lactoferrin to achieve recognition to receptor-expressing cells. More recently, efforts are underway to utilize lactoferrin itself as a medium in loading the therapeutic agent. The functional efficiency of drug-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles has been evaluated in different disease conditions such as cancer, HIV, Parkinson's disease, etc. This review will present the details of composition and performance of various delivery systems designed and developed using lactoferrin as targeting agent for the treatment of cancer.

Combined chemo-magnetic field-photothermal breast cancer therapy based on porous magnetite nanospheres

The efficacy of different modalities of treating breast cancer is inhibited by several limitations such as off-targeted drug distribution, rapid drug clearance, and drug resistance. To overcome these limitations, we developed Lf-Doxo-PMNSs for combined chemo-MF-PTT. The PMNSs were synthesized by hydrothermal method and their physicochemical properties were examined by FE-SEM, TEM, DLS, TGA, XRD investigations. The cytotoxicity of as-synthesized NPs against 4T1 cells was carried out by MTT and flow cytometry assays. Afterwards, the anti-cancer activities of as-synthesized Lf-Doxo-PMNSs on the tumor status, drug distribution and apoptosis mechanism were evaluated. The anti-cancer assays showed that Lf-Doxo-PMNSs significantly suppressed the cancer cell proliferation and tumor weight by prolonging drug availability and potential drug loading in tumor cells; whereas they showed a minimum cytotoxicity against non-cancerous cells. Likewise, combined chemo-MF-PTT using Lf-Doxo-PMNSs displayed the highest anti-cancer activity followed by combined chemo-PTT and combined chemo-MF therapy based on altering the apoptosis mechanism. Therefore, these results showed that combined chemo-MF-PTT based on Lf-Doxo-PMNSs can be used as a promising therapeutic platform with potential targeted drug delivery and high loading capacity features as well as reducing cancer drug resistance.

On-Chip Preparation of Amphiphilic Nanomicelles-in-Sodium Alginate Spheroids as a Novel Platform Against Triple-Negative Human Breast Cancer Cells: Fabrication, Study of Microfluidics Flow Hydrodynamics and Proof of Concept for Anticancer and Drug Delivery Applications

Spheroidal microparticles versatility as a drug carrier makes it a real workhorse in drug delivery applications. Despite of their long history, few research publications emphasize on how to improve their potential targeting ability, production rate, and dissolution characteristics. The current research presents an example of the combined state of the art of nano- and microparticles development technologies. Here in a novel on-chip, microfluidics approach is developed for encapsulating amphiphilic nanomicelles-in-sodium alginate spheroid. The designed nano-in-micro drug delivery system revealed a superior cytotoxicity against triple-negative human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), besides, a more sustained release of the drug. Hydrodynamics of the designed microchip was also investigated as a function of different flow rates with an insight on the dimensionless numbers; capillary number and Weber number throughout the microchannels. Our study confirmed the efficient encapsulation of nanomicelles within the alginate shell. The current microfluidics approach can be efficiently applied for uniform production of nano-in-microparticles with potential anticancer capability.

Preparation of Targeted Lignin⁻Based Hollow Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Doxorubicin

Due to their exceptional absorption capacity, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, nanoparticles (NPs) from lignin have emerged as vehicles for inorganic particles and drug molecules. However, the method for preparing targeted lignin particles is still complex and lacks sufficient research. Herein, a succinct strategy was proposed for the preparation of targeted lignin-based drug delivery NPs to load Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (DOX). The lignin hollow NPs (LHNPs) were used as a platform for the preparation of targeted delivery material by incorporating magnetic NPs and folic acid (FA) via layer-by-layer self-assembling. The results showed that the surface of LHNPs was covered uniformly by Fe₃O₄ NPs and grafted with folic acid. The folic-magnetic-functionalized lignin hollow NPs (FA-MLHNPs) could respond to magnetic field and folic acid receptors. In addition, the targeting performance of the FA-MLHNPs increased the cellular uptake of NPs in the case of HeLa cells. This research not only supported the modified NPs platform as a highly efficient nano-delivery method but also provided a facile approach to utilize renewable lignin biomaterials.

Magnetically Guided Self-Assembled Protein Micelles for Enhanced Delivery of Dasatinib to Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Magnetic nanocarriers are useful in targeted cancer therapy. Dasatinib (DAS)-loaded magnetic micelles were prepared for magnetically guided drug delivery. The magnetic nanoplatform is composed of hydrophobic oleic acid-coated magnetite (Fe₃O₄) core along with DAS encapsulated in amphiphilic zein-lactoferrin self-assembled polymeric micelles. Transmission electron microscope analysis manifested formation of these magnetic micelles with a mean diameter of about 100 nm. In addition, drug-loaded magnetic micelles displayed a saturation magnetization of about 10.01 emu.g^-1 with a superparamagnetic property. They also showed good in vitro serum stability and hemocompatibility accompanied with a sustained release of DAS in acidic pH. More importantly, they exhibited 1.35-fold increase in their in vitro cytotoxicity against triple-negative human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) using an external magnetic field compared to drug-loaded magnetic micelles in the absence of a magnetic field. Enhanced inhibition of p-c-Src protein expression level and in vitro cellular migration under the effect of magnetic field was noted owing to the dual-targeting strategy offered by the presence of a magnetic sensitive core, as well as the active targeting property of lactoferrin corona. Taken all together, these results suggest that DAS-loaded magnetic micelles possess a great potential for targeted therapy of breast cancer.

Lactobionic/Folate Dual-Targeted Amphiphilic Maltodextrin-Based Micelles for Targeted Codelivery of Sulfasalazine and Resveratrol to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In this study, promising approaches of dual-targeted micelles and drug-polymer conjugation were combined to enable injection of poorly soluble anticancer drugs together with site-specific drug release. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as a hepatoprotective agent was grafted to maltodextrin (MD) via carbodiimide coupling to develop amphiphilic maltodextrin-ursodeoxycholic acid (MDCA)-based micelles. Sulfasalazine (SSZ), as a novel anticancer agent, was conjugated via a tumor-cleavable ester bond to MD backbone to obtain tumor-specific release, whereas resveratrol (RSV) was physically entrapped within the hydrophobic micellar core. For maximal tumor-targeting, both folic acid (FA) and lactobionic acid (LA) were coupled to the surface of micelles to obtain dual-targeted micelles. The decrease of critical micelle concentration (CMC) from 0.012 to 0.006 mg/mL declares the significance of a dual hydrophobicized core of micelles by both UDCA and SSZ. The dual-targeted micelles showed a great hemocompatibility, as well as enhanced cytotoxicity and internalization into HepG-2 liver cancer cells via binding to overexpressed folate and asialoglycoprotein receptors. In vivo, the micelles demonstrated superior antitumor effects revealed as reduction in the liver/body weight ratio, inhibition of angiogenesis, and enhanced apoptosis. Overall, combined strategies of dual active targeted micelles with bioresponsive drug conjugation could be utilized as a promising approach for tumor-targeted drug delivery.

Bio-Inspired Protein-Based Nanoformulations for Cancer Theranostics

Over the past decade, more interests have been aroused in engineering protein-based nanoformulations for cancer treatment. This excitement originates from the success of FDA approved Abraxane (Albumin-based paclitaxel nanoparticles) in 2005. The new generation of biocompatible endogenous protein-based nanoformulations is currently constructed through delivering cancer therapeutic and diagnostic agents simultaneously, as named potential theranostics. Protein nanoformulations are commonly incorporated with dyes, contrast agents, drug payloads or inorganic nanoclusters, serving as imaging-guided combinatorial cancer therapeutics. Employing the nature identity of proteins, the theranostics, escape the clearance by reticuloendothelial cells and have a long blood circulation time. The nanoscale sizet allows them to be penetrated deeply into tumor tissues. In addition, stimuli release and targeted molecules are incorporated to improve the delivery efficiency. The ongoing advancement of protein-based nanoformulations for cancer theranostics in recent 5 years is reviewed in this paper. Fine-designed nanoformulations based on albumin, ferritin, gelatin, and transferrin are highlighted from the literature. Finally, the current challenges are identified in translating protein-based nanoformulations from laboratory to clinical trials.

Chromium oxide nanoparticle-induced biochemical and histopathological alterations in the kidneys and brain of Wistar rats

Chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr₂O₃ NPs) have a wide range of applications in industry. They are used as pigments, catalysts, wear-resistant or high-temperature-resistant coating material and are used in liquid crystal displays. In view of ever escalating use of NPs, risk assessment becomes obligatory to ensure the safety of both human health and the ecosystem. The present study was designed and conducted to evaluate biochemical changes and histopathological alterations in kidneys and brain of rats, following exposure to Cr₂O₃ NPs. Male Wistar rats were divided into low-dose (50 µg/100 g body weight (bwt) groups and high-dose (200 µg/100 g bwt) groups. Each group type received oral administration of Cr₂O₃ NPs for multiple durations (single dosing, once daily for 7 days and once daily for 14 days, respectively). According to our data, this allotment presented a meaningful picture of NPs behaviour in different scenarios. In the kidneys and brain of Cr₂O₃ NPs-exposed animals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration along with a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels, as compared to controls. Histopathological changes in these organs confirmed cellular injury and functional damage due to exposure to Cr₂O₃ NPs. In this study, we have distinguished pathological alterations consequent to deleterious oxidative stress due to enhanced ROS generation after Cr₂O₃ NPs exposure.

Involvement of breast cancer stem cells in tumor angiogenesis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in the angiogenesis of breast cancer tumors. The expression levels of mutant p53, cluster of differentiation (CD)31, vascular endothelial factor (VEGF), in addition to human epidermal growth factor (HER)2, were detected in the blood vessels of human breast cancer (BC) tissue samples. CD44⁺/CD24^-/low cells were selected from single-cell suspensions of BC tissues to assess the expression of CD31 and CD105, in addition to the ability of these cells to metabolize acetylated low-density lipoprotein (Ac-LDL). Furthermore, vascular-like structures were observed histologically. Mutant p53, CD31 and VEGF were all expressed in these tissues. CD44⁺ cells comprised 7.5±2.6 and 94.3±4.7% of the cell population prior to and following sorting, respectively. CD24⁺ cells comprised 48.2±9.4 and 4.3±4% of the cell population prior to and following sorting, respectively. A low proportion of CD24⁺ cells corresponded to a high proportion of CD24^-/low cells. The percentages of CD105⁺ and CD31⁺ glomus cells in the mammary gland were 4.5±0.9 and 6.2±1.3%, respectively, and following passaging for three generations, these increased to 79.6±9.3 and 84.1±10.7%, respectively (P<0.05). Cells were cultured using an endothelial cell culture system, and they internalized DiL-Ac-LDL. Here, vascular endothelial cells formed vascular-like structures, whereas the control group demonstrated no such structures. Overall, the results suggest that BCSCs-derived endothelial cells may contribute to tumor angiogenesis.

Theranostic multimodular potential of zinc-doped ferrite-saturated metal-binding protein-loaded novel nanocapsules in cancers

The present study successfully developed orally deliverable multimodular zinc (Zn) iron oxide (Fe3O4)-saturated bovine lactoferrin (bLf)-loaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCs), and evaluated their theranostic potential (antitumor efficacy, magnetophotothermal efficacy and imaging capability) in an in vivo human xenograft CpG-island methylator phenotype (CIMP)-1(+)/CIMP2(-)/chromosome instability-positive colonic adenocarcinoma (Caco2) and claudin-low, triple-negative (ER(-)/PR(-)/HER2(-); MDA-MB-231) breast cancer model. Mice fed orally on the Zn-Fe-bLf NC diet showed downregulation in tumor volume and complete regression in tumor volume after 45 days of feeding. In human xenograft colon cancer, vehicle-control NC diet-group (n=5) mice showed a tumor volume of 52.28±11.55 mm(3), and Zn-Fe-bLf NC diet (n=5)-treated mice had a tumor-volume of 0.10±0.073 mm(3). In the human xenograft breast cancer model, Zn-Fe-bLf NC diet (n=5)-treated mice showed a tumor volume of 0.051±0.062 mm(3) within 40 days of feeding. Live mouse imaging conducted by near-infrared fluorescence imaging of Zn-Fe-bLf NCs showed tumor site-specific localization and regression of colon and breast tumor volume. Ex vivo fluorescence-imaging analysis of the vital organs of mice exhibited sparse localization patterns of Zn-Fe-bLf NCs and also confirmed tumor-specific selective localization patterns of Zn-Fe-bLf NCs. Dual imaging using magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scans revealed an unprecedented theranostic ability of the Zn-Fe-bLf NCs. These observations warrant consideration of multimodular Zn-Fe-bLf NCs for real-time cancer imaging and simultaneous cancer-targeted therapy.