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Bellavita R, Piccolo M, Leone L, Ferraro MG, Dardano P, De Stefano L, Nastri F, Irace C, Falanga A, Galdiero S. Tuning Peptide-Based Nanofibers for Achieving Selective Doxorubicin Delivery in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6057-6084. [PMID: 38911501 PMCID: PMC11193445 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The design of delivery tools that efficiently transport drugs into cells remains a major challenge in drug development for most pathological conditions. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis and limited effective therapeutic options. Purpose In TNBC treatment, chemotherapy remains the milestone, and doxorubicin (Dox) represents the first-line systemic treatment; however, its non-selective distribution causes a cascade of side effects. To address these problems, we developed a delivery platform based on the self-assembly of amphiphilic peptides carrying several moieties on their surfaces, aimed at targeting, enhancing penetration, and therapy. Methods Through a single-step self-assembly process, we used amphiphilic peptides to obtain nanofibers decorated on their surfaces with the selected moieties. The surface of the nanofiber was decorated with a cell-penetrating peptide (gH625), an EGFR-targeting peptide (P22), and Dox bound to the cleavage sequence selectively recognized and cleaved by MMP-9 to obtain on-demand drug release. Detailed physicochemical and cellular analyses were performed. Results The obtained nanofiber (NF-Dox) had a length of 250 nm and a diameter of 10 nm, and it was stable under dilution, ionic strength, and different pH environments. The biological results showed that the presence of gH625 favored the complete internalization of NF-Dox after 1h in MDA-MB 231 cells, mainly through a translocation mechanism. Interestingly, we observed the absence of toxicity of the carrier (NF) on both healthy cells such as HaCaT and TNBC cancer lines, while a similar antiproliferative effect was observed on TNBC cells after the treatment with the free-Dox at 50 µM and NF-Dox carrying 7.5 µM of Dox. Discussion We envision that this platform is extremely versatile and can be used to efficiently carry and deliver diverse moieties. The knowledge acquired from this study will provide important guidelines for applications in basic research and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Linda Leone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Principia Dardano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Nastri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples “Federico II”, Portici, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
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Huang C, Zhang H, Yang Y, Liu H, Chen J, Wang Y, Liang L, Hu H, Liu Y. Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, RNA-sequence and anticancer efficacy evaluation in vitro of ruthenium(II) complexes on B16 cells. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 247:112329. [PMID: 37478780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the studies of the ruthenium(II) complexes on anticancer activity have been paid great attention, many Ru(II) complexes possess high anticancer efficiency. In this paper, three ligands CPIP (2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), DCPIP (2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), TCPIP (2-(2,3,5-trichlorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) and their three ruthenium (II) complexes [Ru(dip)2(CPIP)](PF6)2 (1, dip = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), [Ru(dip)2(DCPIP)](PF6)2 (2) and [Ru(dip)2(TCPIP)](PF6)2 (3) were synthesized and characterized. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to investigate in vitro cytotoxicity of complexes against various cancer cells. The results showed that complexes 1-3 exhibited pronounced cytotoxic effect on B16 cells with low IC50 values of 7.2 ± 0.1, 11.7 ± 0.6 and 1.2 ± 0.2 μM, respectively. The 3D model demonstrated that the complexes can validly prevent the cell proliferation. Apoptosis determined using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining revealed that complexes 1-3 can effectively induce apoptosis in B16 cells. The intracellular localization of 1-3 in the mitochondria, the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as the decline of mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated, which demonstrated that the complexes 1-3 led to apoptosis via a ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. The RNA-sequence indicated that the complexes upregulate the expression of 74 genes and downregulate the expression of 81 genes. The molecular docking showed that the complexes interact with the proteins through hydrogen bond, π-cation and π-π interaction. The results show that ruthenium(II) complexes 1, 2 and 3 can block tumor cell growth and induce cell death through autophagy and ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Huiwen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, PR China.
| | - Haimei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Lijuan Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Huiyan Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yunjun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topic Precise Drug Delivery System, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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Althobaiti F, Sahyon HA, Shanab MMAH, Aldhahrani A, Helal MA, Khireldin A, Shoair AGF, Almalki ASA, Fathy AM. A comparative study of novel ruthenium(III) and iron(III) complexes containing uracil; docking and biological studies. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 247:112308. [PMID: 37441923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Structural and biological studies were conducted on the novel complexes [Fe(U)2(H2O)2]Cl3 (FeU) and [Ru(U)2(H2O)2]Cl3 (RuU) (U = 5,6-Diamino-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione) to develop an anticancer drug candidate. The two complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Based on our findings, these complexes have octahedral geometry. The DNA-binding study proved that both complexes coordinated with CT-DNA. The docking study confirmed the potency of both complexes in downregulating the topoisomerase I protein through their high binding affinity. Biological studies have established that both complexes can act as potent anticancer agents against three cancer cell lines. RuU or FeU complexes induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells by increasing caspase9 protein and inhibiting proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) activity. In addition, both complexes down-regulate topoisomerase I expression in breast cancer cells. Therefore, the RuU and FeU complexes' anticancer activities were mediated via both apoptosis induction and topoisomerase I down-regulation. In conclusion, both complexes have dual anticancer activity pathways that may be responsible for the selective cytotoxicity of the complexes. This makes them more suitable for the development of novel cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayez Althobaiti
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Heba A Sahyon
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafrelsheikh, Egypt.
| | - Mai M A H Shanab
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Humanities Studies (Girls section), Hawtat Bani Tamim 11149, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box:13, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Adil Aldhahrani
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif 21995, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Marihan A Helal
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Awad Khireldin
- Air transport management, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore.
| | - Abdel Ghany F Shoair
- Department of Science and Technology, University College-Ranyah, postcode 21975, Taif University, Saudi Arabia; High Altitude Research Center, Taif University, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Ahmed M Fathy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Riccardi C, Platella C, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D. Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of an Amphiphilic Lipoic Acid-Based Ru(III) Complex as a Versatile Tool for the Functionalization of Different Nanosystems. Molecules 2023; 28:5775. [PMID: 37570744 PMCID: PMC10420320 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ru-based chemotherapy is emerging as an effective alternative to the well-established Pt-based one, typically associated with high toxicity. In this context, our recent efforts were devoted to the preparation of nucleolipid-based Ru(III) complexes able to form, under physiological conditions, supramolecular aggregates which can efficiently prevent metal deactivation and convey Ru(III) inside the cells where it exerts its activity. Within an interdisciplinary program for the development of multifunctional nanoparticles for theranostic applications, we here report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel functionalized Ru(III) salt, carrying a lipoic acid moiety in the nucleolipid-based scaffold to allow its incorporation onto metal-based nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (C.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (C.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (C.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (C.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
- CINMPIS—Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale di Ricerca in Metodologie e Processi Innovativi di Sintesi, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Riccardi C, Piccolo M. Metal-Based Complexes in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087289. [PMID: 37108457 PMCID: PMC10138440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal-based drugs have attracted growing interest in biomedicine [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Ferraro MG, Bocchetti M, Riccardi C, Trifuoggi M, Paduano L, Montesarchio D, Misso G, Santamaria R, Piccolo M, Irace C. Triple Negative Breast Cancer Preclinical Therapeutic Management by a Cationic Ruthenium-Based Nucleolipid Nanosystem. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076473. [PMID: 37047448 PMCID: PMC10094725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on compelling preclinical evidence concerning the progress of our novel ruthenium-based metallotherapeutics, we are focusing research efforts on challenging indications for the treatment of invasive neoplasms such as the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This malignancy mainly afflicts younger women, who are black, or who have a BRCA1 mutation. Because of faster growing and spreading, TNBC differs from other invasive breast cancers having fewer treatment options and worse prognosis, where existing therapies are mostly ineffective, resulting in a large unmet biomedical need. In this context, we benefited from an experimental model of TNBC both in vitro and in vivo to explore the effects of a biocompatible cationic liposomal nanoformulation, named HoThyRu/DOTAP, able to effectively deliver the antiproliferative ruthenium(III) complex AziRu, thus resulting in a prospective candidate drug. As part of the multitargeting mechanisms featuring metal-based therapeutics other than platinum-containing agents, we herein validate the potential of HoThyRu/DOTAP liposomes to act as a multimodal anticancer agent through inhibition of TNBC cell growth and proliferation, as well as migration and invasion. The here-obtained preclinical findings suggest a potential targeting of the complex pathways network controlling invasive and migratory cancer phenotypes. Overall, in the field of alternative chemotherapy to platinum-based drugs, these outcomes suggest prospective brand-new settings for the nanostructured AziRu complex to get promising goals for the treatment of metastatic TNBC.
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7
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Riccardi C, Campanella A, Montesarchio D, Del Vecchio P, Oliva R, Paduano L. Investigating the Interaction of an Anticancer Nucleolipidic Ru(III) Complex with Human Serum Proteins: A Spectroscopic Study. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062800. [PMID: 36985771 PMCID: PMC10055563 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruthenium(III) complexes are very promising candidates as metal-based anticancer drugs, and several studies have supported the likely role of human serum proteins in the transport and selective delivery of Ru(III)-based compounds to tumor cells. Herein, the anticancer nanosystem composed of an amphiphilic nucleolipid incorporating a Ru(III) complex, which we named DoHuRu, embedded into the biocompatible cationic lipid DOTAP, was investigated as to its interaction with two human serum proteins thought to be involved in the mechanism of action of Ru(III)-based anticancer drugs, i.e., human serum albumin (HSA) and human transferrin (hTf). This nanosystem was studied in comparison with the simple Ru(III) complex named AziRu, a low molecular weight metal complex previously designed as an analogue of NAMI-A, decorated with the same ruthenium ligands as DoHuRu but devoid of the nucleolipid scaffold and not inserted in liposomal formulations. For this study, different spectroscopic techniques, i.e., Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Circular Dichroism (CD), were exploited, showing that DoHuRu/DOTAP liposomes can interact with both serum proteins without affecting their secondary structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Campanella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- CINMPIS-Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale di Ricerca in Metodologie e Processi Innovativi di Sintesi, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- CSGI-Consorzio Interuniversitario per Lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
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Colarusso E, Ceccacci S, Monti MC, Gazzillo E, Giordano A, Chini MG, Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Ruggiero D, Irace C, Terracciano S, Bruno I, Bifulco G, Lauro G. Identification of 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based small molecules as selective BRD9 binders. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115018. [PMID: 36577218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Targeting bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) represents a promising strategy for the development of new agents endowed with anticancer properties. With this aim, a set of 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based compounds was investigated following a combined approach that relied on in silico studies, chemical synthesis, biophysical and biological evaluation of the most promising items. The protocol was initially based on molecular docking experiments, accounting a library of 1896 potentially synthesizable items tested in silico against the bromodomain of BRD9. A first set of 21 compounds (1-21) was selected and the binding on BDR9 was assessed through AlphaScreen assays. The obtained results disclosed compounds 17 and 20 able to bind BRD9 in the submicromolar range (IC50 = 0.35 ± 0.18 μM and IC50 = 0.14 ± 0.03 μM, respectively) showing a promising selectivity profile when tested against further nine bromodomains. Taking advantage of 3D structure-based pharmacophore models, additional 10 derivatives were selected in silico for the synthetic step and binding assessment, highlighting seven compounds (22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31) able to selectively bind BRD9 among different bromodomains. The ability of the identified BRD9 binders to cross artificial membranes in vitro was also assessed, revealing a very good passive permeability profile. Preliminary studies were carried out on a panel of healthy and cancer human cell lines to explore the biological behavior of the selected compounds, disclosing a moderate activity and significant selectivity profile towards leukaemia cells. These results highlighted the applicability of the reported multidisciplinary approach for accelerating the selection of promising items and for driving the chemical synthesis of novel selective BRD9 binders. Moreover, the low molecular weight of the reported 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based BRD9 binders suggests the possibility for further exploring the chemical space in order to obtain new analogues with improved potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Colarusso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Sara Ceccacci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Erica Gazzillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Assunta Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Chini
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Dafne Ruggiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Stefania Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Ines Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy.
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Di Gregorio E, Romiti C, Di Lorenzo A, Cavallo F, Ferrauto G, Conti L. RGD_PLGA Nanoparticles with Docetaxel: A Route for Improving Drug Efficiency and Reducing Toxicity in Breast Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010008. [PMID: 36612006 PMCID: PMC9817983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Although many therapeutic approaches are available, systemic chemotherapy remains the primary choice, especially for triple-negative and advanced breast cancers. Unfortunately, systemic chemotherapy causes serious side effects and requires high doses to achieve an effective concentration in the tumor. Thus, the use of nanosystems for drug delivery may overcome these limitations. Herein, we formulated Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) containing Docetaxel, a fluorescent probe, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe. The cyclic RGD tripeptide was linked to the PLGA surface to actively target αvβ3 integrins, which are overexpressed in breast cancer. PLGA-NPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, fast field-cycling 1H-relaxometry, and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Their therapeutic effects were assessed both in vitro in triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancer cells, and in vivo in murine models. In vivo MRI and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of excised tumors revealed a stronger accumulation of PLGA-NPs in the RGD_PLGA group. Targeted PLGAs have improved therapeutic efficacy and strongly reduced cardiac side effects compared to free Docetaxel. In conclusion, RGD-PLGA is a promising system for breast cancer treatment, with positive outcome in terms of therapeutic efficiency and reduction in side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enza Di Gregorio
- Correspondence: (E.D.G.); (A.D.L.); Tel.: +39-011-6708459 (E.D.G.); +39-011-6706458 (A.D.L.)
| | | | - Antonino Di Lorenzo
- Correspondence: (E.D.G.); (A.D.L.); Tel.: +39-011-6708459 (E.D.G.); +39-011-6706458 (A.D.L.)
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Riccardi C, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Graziano R, Musumeci D, Trifuoggi M, Irace C, Montesarchio D. Bioengineered lipophilic Ru(III) complexes as potential anticancer agents. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 139:213016. [PMID: 35882162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-conjugated Ru(III) complexes - designed to obtain lipophilic analogues of the low molecular weight derivative AziRu, which is a NAMI-A-like anticancer agent - have been synthesized and fully characterized. A detailed biophysical investigation, including multiple, integrated techniques, allowed determining their molecular and self-assembling properties in aqueous solutions mimicking the extracellular environment, showing that our design produced a protective effect from hydrolysis of the Ru(III) complexes. In vitro biological experiments, carried out in comparison with AziRu, demonstrated that, among the novel lipophilic Ru(III) complexes synthesized, the compounds derivatized with palmitic and stearic acid, that we named PalmiPyRu and StePyRu respectively, showed attractive features and a promising antiproliferative activity, selective on specific breast cancer phenotypes. To get a deeper insight into their interactions with potential biomacromolecular targets, their ability to bind both bovine serum albumin (BSA), an abundant serum carrier protein, and some DNA model systems, including duplex and G-quadruplex structures, has been investigated by spectroscopic techniques. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of the ruthenium amount incorporated in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, after incubation in parallel experiments with PalmiPyRu and AziRu, showed a markedly higher cell uptake of the lipophilic Ru(III) complex with respect to AziRu. These data confirmed that the proper lipidic tail decorating the metal complex not only favoured the formation of aggregates in the extracellular media but also improved their cell membrane penetration, thus leading to higher antiproliferative activity selective on breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Graziano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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11
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Shahzad K, Asad M, Asiri AM, Irfan M, Iqbal MA. In-vitro anticancer profile of recent ruthenium complexes against liver cancer. REV INORG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/revic-2021-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Ruthenium complexes are considered as the most favorable alternatives to traditional platinum-based cancer drugs owing to their acceptable toxicity level, selectivity, variant oxidation states and ability to treat platinum-resistant cancer cells. They have similar ligand exchange kinetics as platinum drugs but can be tailored according to our desire by ligands influence. In the current study, we illustrate the in-vitro anticancer profile of some ruthenium complexes (2016–2021) against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). The anticancer activity of ruthenium complexes is determined by comparing their IC50 values with one another and positive controls. Fortunately, some ruthenium complexes including 3, 4, 6, 14, 15, 20, 42, and 48 exhibit surpassed in-vitro anticancer profile than that of positive controls promising as potential candidates against liver cancer. We also explored the structure-activity relationship (SAR) which is a key factor in the rational designing and synthesis of new ruthenium drugs. It covers the factors affecting anticancer activity including lipophilicity, planarity, area and bulkiness, the steric influence of different ligands, and electronic effects induced by ligands, stability, aqueous solubility and bioavailability to the target sites. The data reported here will provide strong support in the plausible design and synthesis of ruthenium anticancer drugs in the upcoming days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khurram Shahzad
- Department of Chemistry , University of Agriculture , Faisalabad , 38000 , Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Asad
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR) , King Abdulaziz University , P.O. Box 80203 , Jeddah 21589 , Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department , Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University , P.O. Box 80203 , Jeddah 21589 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Asiri
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR) , King Abdulaziz University , P.O. Box 80203 , Jeddah 21589 , Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department , Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University , P.O. Box 80203 , Jeddah 21589 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Chemistry , University of Agriculture , Faisalabad , 38000 , Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adnan Iqbal
- Department of Chemistry , University of Agriculture , Faisalabad , 38000 , Pakistan
- Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry Laboratory , University of Agriculture , Faisalabad , 38000 , Pakistan
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Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Misso G, Santamaria R, Irace C. Bioactivity and Development of Small Non-Platinum Metal-Based Chemotherapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050954. [PMID: 35631543 PMCID: PMC9147010 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Countless expectations converge in the multidisciplinary endeavour for the search and development of effective and safe drugs in fighting cancer. Although they still embody a minority of the pharmacological agents currently in clinical use, metal-based complexes have great yet unexplored potential, which probably hides forthcoming anticancer drugs. Following the historical success of cisplatin and congeners, but also taking advantage of conventional chemotherapy limitations that emerged with applications in the clinic, the design and development of non-platinum metal-based chemotherapeutics, either as drugs or prodrugs, represents a rapidly evolving field wherein candidate compounds can be fine-tuned to access interactions with druggable biological targets. Moving in this direction, over the last few decades platinum family metals, e.g., ruthenium and palladium, have been largely proposed. Indeed, transition metals and molecular platforms where they originate are endowed with unique chemical and biological features based on, but not limited to, redox activity and coordination geometries, as well as ligand selection (including their inherent reactivity and bioactivity). Herein, current applications and progress in metal-based chemoth are reviewed. Converging on the recent literature, new attractive chemotherapeutics based on transition metals other than platinum—and their bioactivity and mechanisms of action—are examined and discussed. A special focus is committed to anticancer agents based on ruthenium, palladium, rhodium, and iridium, but also to gold derivatives, for which more experimental data are nowadays available. Next to platinum-based agents, ruthenium-based candidate drugs were the first to reach the stage of clinical evaluation in humans, opening new scenarios for the development of alternative chemotherapeutic options to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ferraro
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Gabriella Misso
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.M.); (C.I.)
| | - Rita Santamaria
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Carlo Irace
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence: (G.M.); (C.I.)
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13
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Nanomedicine-Based Delivery Strategies for Breast Cancer Treatment and Management. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052856. [PMID: 35269998 PMCID: PMC8911433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women globally. It is caused by mutations in the estrogen/progesterone receptors and conventional treatment methods are commonly utilized. About 70–80 percent of individuals with the early-stage non-metastatic disease may be cured. Conventional treatment is far less than the optimal ratio, as demonstrated through the high mortality rate of women with this cancer. However, conventional treatment methods like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are not as effective as expected and lead to concerns about low bioavailability, low cellular uptake, emerging resistance, and adverse toxicities. A nanomedicine-based approach is a promising alternative for breast cancer treatment. The present era is witnessing rapid advancements in nanomedicine as a platform for investigating novel therapeutic applications and modern intelligent healthcare management strategies. This paper focuses on nanomedicine-based therapeutic interventions that are becoming more widely accepted for improving treatment effectiveness and reducing undesired side effects in breast cancer patients. By evaluating the state-of-the-art tools and taking the challenges involved into consideration, various aspects of the proposed nano-enabled therapeutic approaches have been discussed in this review.
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Chang CW, Lee CR, Lee GH, Lu KL. The straightforward synthesis of N-coordinated ruthenium 4-aryl-1,2,3-triazolato complexes by [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of a ruthenium azido complex with terminal phenylacetylenes and non-covalent aromatic interactions in structures. RSC Adv 2022; 12:24830-24838. [PMID: 36128372 PMCID: PMC9430631 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra04835c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The first example of synthesis of N-coordinated ruthenium 4-aryl-1,2,3-triazolato complexes by [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of a ruthenium azido complex with a series of terminal phenylacetylenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Wan Chang
- Division of Preparatory Programs for Overseas Chinese Students, National Taiwan Normal University, Linkou, New Taipei City 24449, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Rung Lee
- Department of Applied Materials Science and Technology, Minghsin University of Science and Technology, Hsinchu 30401, Taiwan
| | - Gene-Hsiang Lee
- Instrumentation Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Lieh Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
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