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Lehrich BM, Delgado ER. Lipid Nanovesicle Platforms for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Precision Medicine Therapeutics: Progress and Perspectives. Organogenesis 2024; 20:2313696. [PMID: 38357804 PMCID: PMC10878025 DOI: 10.1080/15476278.2024.2313696] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally. HCC is highly heterogenous with diverse etiologies leading to different driver mutations potentiating unique tumor immune microenvironments. Current therapeutic options, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and combinations, have achieved limited objective response rates for the majority of patients. Thus, a precision medicine approach is needed to tailor specific treatment options for molecular subsets of HCC patients. Lipid nanovesicle platforms, either liposome- (synthetic) or extracellular vesicle (natural)-derived present are improved drug delivery vehicles which may be modified to contain specific cargos for targeting specific tumor sites, with a natural affinity for liver with limited toxicity. This mini-review provides updates on the applications of novel lipid nanovesicle-based therapeutics for HCC precision medicine and the challenges associated with translating this therapeutic subclass from preclinical models to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M. Lehrich
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Evan R. Delgado
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lu Y, Lin B, Li M. The role of alpha-fetoprotein in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1363695. [PMID: 38660138 PMCID: PMC11039944 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1363695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant cancer worldwide, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. However, the serum levels of AFP exhibit a significant correlation with the onset and progression of HCC in adults. Extensive research has demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the malignant transformation of HCC, and AFP is a key factor in the TME, promoting HCC development. The objective of this review was to analyze the existing knowledge regarding the role of AFP in the TME. Specifically, this review focused on the effect of AFP on various cells in the TME, tumor immune evasion, and clinical application of AFP in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. These findings offer valuable insights into the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Avgoustakis K, Angelopoulou A. Biomaterial-Based Responsive Nanomedicines for Targeting Solid Tumor Microenvironments. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:179. [PMID: 38399240 PMCID: PMC10892652 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020179] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are composed of a highly complex and heterogenic microenvironment, with increasing metabolic status. This environment plays a crucial role in the clinical therapeutic outcome of conventional treatments and innovative antitumor nanomedicines. Scientists have devoted great efforts to conquering the challenges of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in respect of effective drug accumulation and activity at the tumor site. The main focus is to overcome the obstacles of abnormal vasculature, dense stroma, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, and pH gradient acidosis. In this endeavor, nanomedicines that are targeting distinct features of TME have flourished; these aim to increase site specificity and achieve deep tumor penetration. Recently, research efforts have focused on the immune reprograming of TME in order to promote suppression of cancer stem cells and prevention of metastasis. Thereby, several nanomedicine therapeutics which have shown promise in preclinical studies have entered clinical trials or are already in clinical practice. Various novel strategies were employed in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Among them, nanomedicines based on biomaterials show great promise in improving the therapeutic efficacy, reducing side effects, and promoting synergistic activity for TME responsive targeting. In this review, we focused on the targeting mechanisms of nanomedicines in response to the microenvironment of solid tumors. We describe responsive nanomedicines which take advantage of biomaterials' properties to exploit the features of TME or overcome the obstacles posed by TME. The development of such systems has significantly advanced the application of biomaterials in combinational therapies and in immunotherapies for improved anticancer effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Avgoustakis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Clinical Studies Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 4 Soranou Ephessiou Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Angelopoulou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Wang Q, Liu J, Chen Z, Zheng J, Wang Y, Dong J. Targeting metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma to overcome therapeutic resistance: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116021. [PMID: 38128187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116021] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a heavy burden on human health with high morbidity and mortality rates. Systematic therapy is crucial for advanced and mid-term HCC, but faces a significant challenge from therapeutic resistance, weakening drug effectiveness. Metabolic reprogramming has gained attention as a key contributor to therapeutic resistance. Cells change their metabolism to meet energy demands, adapt to growth needs, or resist environmental pressures. Understanding key enzyme expression patterns and metabolic pathway interactions is vital to comprehend HCC occurrence, development, and treatment resistance. Exploring metabolic enzyme reprogramming and pathways is essential to identify breakthrough points for HCC treatment. Targeting metabolic enzymes with inhibitors is key to addressing these points. Inhibitors, combined with systemic therapeutic drugs, can alleviate resistance, prolong overall survival for advanced HCC, and offer mid-term HCC patients a chance for radical resection. Advances in metabolic research methods, from genomics to metabolomics and cells to organoids, help build the HCC metabolic reprogramming network. Recent progress in biomaterials and nanotechnology impacts drug targeting and effectiveness, providing new solutions for systemic therapeutic drug resistance. This review focuses on metabolic enzyme changes, pathway interactions, enzyme inhibitors, research methods, and drug delivery targeting metabolic reprogramming, offering valuable references for metabolic approaches to HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ziye Chen
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiahong Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Rodponthukwaji K, Pingrajai P, Jantana S, Taya S, Duangchan K, Nguyen KT, Srisawat C, Punnakitikashem P. Epigallocatechin Gallate Potentiates the Anticancer Effect of AFP-siRNA-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 14:47. [PMID: 38202502 PMCID: PMC10780411 DOI: 10.3390/nano14010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
To develop a potential cancer treatment, we formulated a novel drug delivery platform made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and used a combination of an emerging siRNA technology and an extracted natural substance called catechins. The synthesized materials were characterized to determine their properties, including morphology, hydrodynamic size, charge, particle stability, and drug release profile. The therapeutic effect of AFP-siRNA and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was revealed to have remarkable cytotoxicity towards HepG2 when in soluble formulation. Notably, the killing effect was enhanced by the co-treatment of AFP-siRNA-loaded PLGA and EGCG. Cell viability significantly dropped to 59.73 ± 6.95% after treatment with 12.50 μg/mL of EGCG and AFP-siRNA-PLGA. Meanwhile, 80% of viable cells were observed after treatment with monotherapy. The reduction in the survival of cells is a clear indication of the complementary action of both active EGCG and AFP-siRNA-loaded PLGA. The corresponding cell death was involved in apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased caspase-3/7 activity. The combined treatment exhibited a 2.5-fold increase in caspase-3/7 activity. Moreover, the nanoparticles were internalized by HepG2 in a time-dependent manner, indicating the appropriate use of PLGA as a carrier. Accordingly, a combined system is an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamonlatth Rodponthukwaji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.R.); (S.J.); (S.T.); (K.D.); (C.S.)
- Research Network NANOTEC-Mahidol University in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Ponpawee Pingrajai
- Research Network NANOTEC-Mahidol University in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
| | - Saranrat Jantana
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.R.); (S.J.); (S.T.); (K.D.); (C.S.)
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Seri Taya
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.R.); (S.J.); (S.T.); (K.D.); (C.S.)
| | - Kongpop Duangchan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.R.); (S.J.); (S.T.); (K.D.); (C.S.)
| | - Kytai T. Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA;
| | - Chatchawan Srisawat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.R.); (S.J.); (S.T.); (K.D.); (C.S.)
- Research Network NANOTEC-Mahidol University in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Primana Punnakitikashem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.R.); (S.J.); (S.T.); (K.D.); (C.S.)
- Research Network NANOTEC-Mahidol University in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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Xie X, Yue T, Gu W, Cheng W, He L, Ren W, Li F, Piao JG. Recent Advances in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Delivering siRNA for Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2483. [PMID: 37896243 PMCID: PMC10609930 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Silencing genes using small interfering (si) RNA is a promising strategy for treating cancer. However, the curative effect of siRNA is severely constrained by low serum stability and cell membrane permeability. Therefore, improving the delivery efficiency of siRNA for cancer treatment is a research hotspot. Recently, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as bright delivery vehicles for nucleic acid drugs. A comprehensive understanding of the design of MSN-based vectors is crucial for the application of siRNA in cancer therapy. We discuss several surface-functionalized MSNs' advancements as effective siRNA delivery vehicles in this paper. The advantages of using MSNs for siRNA loading regarding considerations of different shapes, various options for surface functionalization, and customizable pore sizes are highlighted. We discuss the recent investigations into strategies that efficiently improve cellular uptake, facilitate endosomal escape, and promote cargo dissociation from the MSNs for enhanced intracellular siRNA delivery. Also, particular attention was paid to the exciting progress made by combining RNAi with other therapies to improve cancer therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fanzhu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (X.X.); (T.Y.); (W.G.); (W.C.); (L.H.); (W.R.)
| | - Ji-Gang Piao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (X.X.); (T.Y.); (W.G.); (W.C.); (L.H.); (W.R.)
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