Formulation Design, Statistical Optimization, and In Vitro Evaluation of a Naringenin Nanoemulsion to Enhance Apoptotic Activity in A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Fabrication and optimization of naringin-loaded in MOF-5 encapsulated by liponiosomes as smart drug delivery, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic on breast cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

Cancers are regarded as hazardous due to their high worldwide death rate, with breast cancer (BC), which affects practically all cancer patients globally, playing a significant role in this statistic. The therapeutic approach for BC has not advanced using standard techniques, such as specialized naringin (NG) chemotherapy. Instead, a novel strategy has been utilized to enhance smart drug delivery (SDD) to tumors.Significance: Herein, we established NG-loaded zinc metal-organic framework-5 (NG-MOF-5) coated with liponiosomes (LNs) to manufacture NG-MOF-5@LNs nanoparticles (NPs) for antibacterial and cancer treatment.

METHODS

MOF-5, NG, and NG-MOF-5@LNs were evaluated with XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM, TEM, PDI, ZP, encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading efficiency (LE), and drug-release (DR) kinetics. We examined the antibacterial activity involving minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition by NG, MOF-5, and NG-MOF-5@LNs. The cell viability, necrosis, and total apoptosis (late and early) were evaluated for anti-cancer activity against MCF-7 BC cells.

RESULTS

TEM results demonstrated that NG-MOF-5@LNs formed monodispersed spherical-like particles with a size of 122.5nm, PDI of 0.139, and ZP of +21mV. The anti-microbial activity results indicated that NG-MOF-5@LNs exhibited potent antibacterial effects, as evidenced by inhibition zones and MIC values. The Higuchi model indicates an excellent fit (R2=0.9988). The MTT assay revealed anti-tumor activity against MCF-7 BC cells, with IC50 of 21.6µg/mL for NG-MOF-5@LNs and demonstrating a total apoptosis effect of 68.2% on MCF-7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

NG-MOF-5@LNs is anticipated to show as an effective antimicrobial and novel long-term-release antitumor agent and might be more suitable for MCF-7 cell therapy.

Oral co-polymeric raft-forming nano gels for targeted empagliflozin delivery against stomach cancer (SGC7901)

Empagliflozin (EMP) is known for its poor safety and efficacy profile due to its fast body distribution and poor solubility. Accordingly, an oral long-acting and floating/raft-forming nano gel was optimized to release coated EMP nanoparticles, and the released EMP nanoparticles showed enhanced dissolution compared to raw EMP particles. To repurpose EMP for cancer treatment, EMP shows anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects against cancer cells. EMP nanoparticles were characterized using FT-IR, PXRD, SEM, EMP encapsulation assay, and release studies. The raft-forming gel encapsulating the EMP was optimized and characterized. The EMP co-polymeric nanoparticles were studied to investigate EMP anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities against stomach cancer cells. The solubility of EMP nanoparticles was enhanced in 0.1 N HCl and pH 6.8 by 5 and 12 folds, respectively, compared to raw EMP powder. The particle size and zeta-potential values of improved EMP nanoparticles were 135.40 ± 18.60 nm, and -19.30 ± 0.80 mV, respectively. FT-IR, PXRD, SEM and TEM characterizations revealed polymeric coating of EMP particles. The study suggested that this optimized controlled-release raft-forming gel is a promising local oral approach against stomach cancer. The repurposing of EMP co-polymeric nanoparticles for stomach cancer and associated gastritis treatment was justified.

Preparation, optimization, and characterization of genistein-ginseng long-acting polymeric gel as a breast cancer treatment alternative

To address the prevalent genistein (GST) metabolism and inadequate intestinal absorption, an oral long-acting and gastric in-situ gelling gel was designed to encapsulate and localize the intestinal release of the loaded genistein-ginseng (GST-GNS) solid dispersion. Because of the high breast perfusion of GST upon oral absorption, the GST-GNS solid dispersion was developed to enhance GST's dissolution and penetration while offering a synergistic impact against breast cancer (BC). Physiochemical analysis of the GST-GNS solid dispersion, release analysis, gel characterizations, storage stability, penetration, and in vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out. GST-GNS solid dispersion showed improved dissolution and penetration as compared to raw GST. GST-GNS solid dispersion homogenous shape particles and hydrophilic contacts were revealed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform-Infrared analysis, respectively. GST-GNS solid dispersion's diffractogram shows the amorphous character. A second modification involved creating a gastric in-situ gelling system loaded with GST-GNS solid dispersion. This system demonstrated improved GST penetration employing the solid dispersion, as well as the localizing of the GST release at the intestinal media and antitumor synergism against BC. For a better therapeutic approach for BC, the innovative oral GST long-acting gel encasing the GST-GNS solid dispersion would be recommended.

Applications and advancements of nanoparticle-based drug delivery in alleviating lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Lung cancer (LC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Cigarette smoking is among the main aetiologic factors for both ailments. These diseases share common pathogenetic mechanisms including inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodelling. Current therapeutic approaches are limited by low efficacy and adverse effects. Consequentially, LC has a 5-year survival of < 20%, while COPD is incurable, underlining the necessity for innovative treatment strategies. Two promising emerging classes of therapy against these diseases include plant-derived molecules (phytoceuticals) and nucleic acid-based therapies. The clinical application of both is limited by issues including poor solubility, poor permeability, and, in the case of nucleic acids, susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, large size, and electrostatic charge density. Nanoparticle-based advanced drug delivery systems are currently being explored as flexible systems allowing to overcome these limitations. In this review, an updated summary of the most recent studies using nanoparticle-based advanced drug delivery systems to improve the delivery of nucleic acids and phytoceuticals for the treatment of LC and COPD is provided. This review highlights the enormous relevance of these delivery systems as tools that are set to facilitate the clinical application of novel categories of therapeutics with poor pharmacokinetic properties.

Therapeutic Implications of Dietary Polyphenols-Loaded Nanoemulsions in Cancer Therapy

Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide, even the second foremost cause related to non-communicable diseases. Cancer cells typically possess several cellular and biological processes including, persistence, propagation, differentiation, cellular death, and expression of cellular-type specific functions. The molecular picture of carcinogenesis and progression is unwinding, and it appears to be a tangled combination of processes occurring within and between cancer cells and their surrounding tissue matrix. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites abundant in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and other natural plant sources. Natural polyphenols have implicated potential anticancer activity by various mechanisms involved in their antitumor action, including modulation of signaling pathways majorly related to cellular proliferation, differentiation, relocation, angiogenesis, metastatic processes, and cell death. The applications of polyphenols have been limited due to the hydrophobic nature and lower oral bioavailability that could be possibly overcome through encapsulating them into nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems, leading to improved anticancer activity. Nanoemulsions (NEs) possess diverse feasible properties, including greater surface area, modifiable surficial charge, higher half-life, site-specific targeting, and formulation imaging capability necessary to create a practical therapeutic impact, and have drawn increased attention in cancer therapy research. This review has summarized and discussed the basic concepts, classification, delivery approaches, and anticancer mechanism of various polyphenols and polyphenols-encapsulated nanoemulsions with improved cancer therapy.

Chitosan/alginate nanogel potentiate berberine uptake and enhance oxidative stress mediated apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells

Biopolymer-based nanoscale drug delivery systems have become a promising approach to overcome the limitations associated with conventional chemotherapeutics used for cancer treatment. Herein, we reported to develop a hydrophilic nanogel (NG) composed of Chitosan (Chi) and sodium alginate (Alg) using the ion gelation method for delivering Berberine hydrochloride (BBR), an alkaloid obtained from Berberis aristata roots. The use of different nanocarriers for BBR delivery has been reported previously, but the bioavailability of these carriers was limited due to phagocytic uptake and poor systemic delivery. The developed NG showed enhanced stability and efficient entrapment of BBR ∼92 %, resulting in a significant increase in bioavailability. The pH-dependent release behavior demonstrated sustained and effective release of ∼86 %, ∼74 % and, ∼53 % BBR at pH 5.5, 6.6, and 7.4 respectively after 72h, indicating its potential as a drug carrier. Additionally, the cellular uptake of BBR was significantly higher ∼19 % in the BBR-NG (25 μM) than in bulk BBR (100 μM), leading to enhanced ROS generation, mitochondrial depolarisation, and inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation in HepG2 cells. In summary, the results suggest that the Chi/Alg biopolymer-based nano-formulation could be an effective approach for delivering BBR and enhancing its cellular uptake, efficacy, and cytotoxicity.

Emerging Nanotechnology-based Therapeutics: A New Insight into Promising Drug Delivery System for Lung Cancer Therapy

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a foremost global health issue due to its poor diagnosis. The advancement of novel drug delivery systems and medical devices will aid its therapy.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, the authors thoroughly introduce the ideas and methods for improving nanomedicine- based approaches for lung cancer therapy. This article provides mechanistic insight into various novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) including nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, niosomes, and nanoemulsions for lung cancer therapy with recent research work. This review provides insights into various patents published for lung cancer therapy based on nanomedicine. This review also highlights the current status of approved and clinically tested nanoformulations for their treatment.

METHODOLOGY

For finding scholarly related data for the literature search, many search engines were employed including PubMed, Science Direct, Google, Scihub, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Sciences, and several others. Various keywords and phrases were used for the search such as "nanoparticles", "solid lipid nanoparticles", "liposomes", "dendrimers", "niosomes", "nanoemulsions", "lung cancer", "nanomedicine", "nanomaterial", "nanotechnology", "in vivo" and "in vitro". The most innovative and cutting-edge nanotechnology-based approaches that are employed in pre-clinical and clinical studies to address problems associated with lung cancer therapies are also mentioned in future prospects. A variety of problems encountered with current lung cancer therapy techniques that frequently led to inadequate therapeutic success are also discussed in the end.

CONCLUSION

The development of nanoformulations at the pilot scale still faces some difficulties, but their prospects for treating lung cancer appear to be promising in the future. Future developments and trends are anticipated as the evaluation comes to a close.

Bisphosphonate-incorporated coatings for orthopedic implants functionalization

Bisphosphonates (BPs), the stable analogs of pyrophosphate, are well-known inhibitors of osteoclastogenesis to prevent osteoporotic bone loss and improve implant osseointegration in patients suffering from osteoporosis. Compared to systemic administration, BPs-incorporated coatings enable the direct delivery of BPs to the local area, which will precisely enhance osseointegration and bone repair without the systemic side effects. However, an elaborate and comprehensive review of BP coatings of implants is lacking. Herein, the cellular level (e.g., osteoclasts, osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclast precursors, and bone mesenchymal stem cells) and molecular biological regulatory mechanism of BPs in regulating bone homeostasis are overviewed systematically. Moreover, the currently available methods (e.g., chemical reaction, porous carriers, and organic material films) of BP coatings construction are outlined and summarized in detail. As one of the key directions, the latest advances of BP-coated implants to enhance bone repair and osseointegration in basic experiments and clinical trials are presented and critically evaluated. Finally, the challenges and prospects of BP coatings are also purposed, and it will open a new chapter in clinical translation for BP-coated implants.

Fabrication and Biological Activities of All-in-One Composite Nanoemulsion Based on Blumea balsamifera Oil-Tea Tree Oil

Nanoemulsion is a new multi-component drug delivery system; the selection of different oil phases can give it special physiological activity, and play the role of "medicine and pharmaceutical excipients all-in-one". In this paper, we used glycyrrhizic acid as the natural surfactant, and Blumea balsamifera oil (BB) and tea tree oil (TTO) as the mixed oil phase, to obtain a new green functional composite nanoemulsion. Using the average particle size and polydispersion index (PDI) as the evaluation criteria, the effects of the oil ratio, oil content, glycyrrhizic acid concentration, and ultrasonic time on the nanoemulsion were systematically investigated. The stability and physicochemical properties and biological activities of BB-TTO NEs prepared via the optimum formulation were characterized. The optimal prescription was BB: TTO = 1:1, 5% oil phase, 0.7% glycyrrhizic acid, and 5 min ultrasonication time. The mean particle size, PDI, and zeta potential were 160.01 nm, 0.125, and -50.94 mV, respectively. The nanoemulsion showed non-significant changes in stability after centrifugation, dilution, and 120 days storage. These nanoemulsions were found to exhibit potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BB-TTO NEs against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is 2975 μg/mL, 2975 μg/mL, and 5950 μg/mL, respectively. A lower level of inflammatory cell infiltration and proportion of fibrosis were found in the synovial tissue of AIA rats treated with BB-TTO NEs. These findings demonstrate that the BB-TTO NEs produced in this study have significant potential for usage in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory areas.

Crisaborole loaded nanoemulgel for the mitigation of atopic dermatitis in mice model

OBJECTIVE

The present work aims to formulate nanoemulgel of crisaborole (CB) and evaluate its effectiveness against 2,4-Di-nitrochlorobenzene induced (DNCB) atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

AD is a chronic inflammation of the skin affecting the quality of life. CB is a topical PDE4 inhibitor marketed as a 2% ointment. It, however, possesses poor aqueous solubility. An o/w nanoemulsion shall exhibit an enhanced therapeutic effect owing to the increased solubility of CB and an augmented skin penetration. The addition of a gelling agent to form a nanoemulgel further provides ease of application to the patients.

METHODS

Nanoemulsion was prepared by aqueous titration method using caproyl PGMC, cremophore EL and propylene glycol as the oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant respectively. The formulations were characterized by their size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI). 1% Carbopol 934 was used as the gelling agent to formulate nanoemulgel comprising of optimized nanoemulsion (NE 9). Ex vivo skin permeation of the CB nanoemulgel was compared with the CB ointment. Its therapeutic effect was evaluated in Balb/c mice.

RESULTS

NE 9 comprised of 7.49% oil, 37.45% Smix (1:3) and water 55.06%. Its particle size, PDI and zeta potential were 15.45 ± 5.265 nm, 0.098 and -17.9 ± 8.00 mV respectively. The nanoemulgel exhibited a 3-fold higher permeation flux as compared to the ointment. In vivo studies demonstrated that the nanoemulgel provided better therapeutic effect than the ointment.

CONCLUSION

We can thereby conclude that nanoemulgel formulation can be a successful drug delivery strategy for enhancing the therapeutic effect of CB.

Impairment of electron transport chain and induction of apoptosis by chrysin nanoparticles targeting succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase in pancreatic and lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids may help ameliorate the incidence of the major causes of tumor-related mortality, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and lung cancer, which are predicted to steadily increase between 2020 to 2030. Here we compared the effect of chrysin and chrysin nanoparticles (CCNPs) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FLU) on the activity and expression of mitochondrial complex II (CII) to induce apoptosis in pancreatic (PANC-1) and lung (A549) cancer cells.

METHODS

Chrysin nanoparticles (CCNPs) were synthesized and characterized, and the IC₅₀ was evaluated in normal, PANC-1, and A549 cell lines using the MTT assay. The effect of chrysin and CCNPs on CΙΙ activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and mitochondria swelling were evaluated. Apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry, and expression of the C and D subunits of SDH, sirtuin-3 (SIRT-3), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) was evaluated using RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

The IC₅₀ of CII subunit C and D binding to chrysin was determined and used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment on the activity of SDH with ubiquinone oxidoreductase. Enzyme activity was significantly decreased (chrysin < CCNPs < 5-FLU and CCNPs < chrysin < 5-FLU, respectively), which was confirmed by the significant decrease of expression of SDH C and D, SIRT-3, and HIF-1α mRNA (CCNPs < chrysin < 5-FLU). There was also a significant increase in the apoptotic effects (CCNPs > chrysin > 5-FLU) in both PANC-1 and A549 cells and a significant increase in mitochondria swelling (CCNPs < chrysin < 5-FLU and CCNPs > chrysin > 5-FLU, respectively) than that in non-cancerous cells.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with CCNPs improved the effect of chrysin on succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity and expression and therefore has the potential as a more efficient formulation than chemotherapy to prevent metastasis and angiogenesis by targeting HIF-1α in PDAC and lung cancer.

Codelivery of Phytochemicals with Conventional Anticancer Drugs in Form of Nanocarriers

Anticancer drugs in monotherapy are ineffective to treat various kinds of cancer due to the heterogeneous nature of cancer. Moreover, available anticancer drugs possessed various hurdles, such as drug resistance, insensitivity of cancer cells to drugs, adverse effects and patient inconveniences. Hence, plant-based phytochemicals could be a better substitute for conventional chemotherapy for treatment of cancer due to various properties: lesser adverse effects, action via multiple pathways, economical, etc. Various preclinical studies have demonstrated that a combination of phytochemicals with conventional anticancer drugs is more efficacious than phytochemicals individually to treat cancer because plant-derived compounds have lower anticancer efficacy than conventional anticancer drugs. Moreover, phytochemicals suffer from poor aqueous solubility and reduced bioavailability, which must be resolved for efficacious treatment of cancer. Therefore, nanotechnology-based novel carriers are employed for codelivery of phytochemicals and conventional anticancer drugs for better treatment of cancer. These novel carriers include nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes that provide various benefits of improved solubility, reduced adverse effects, higher efficacy, reduced dose, improved dosing frequency, reduced drug resistance, improved bioavailability and higher patient compliance. This review summarizes various phytochemicals employed in treatment of cancer, combination therapy of phytochemicals with anticancer drugs and various nanotechnology-based carriers to deliver the combination therapy in treatment of cancer.

A technical note on emerging combination approach involved in the onconanotherapeutics

Cancer is the second cause of mortality worldwide, and the currently available conventional treatment approach is associated with serious side effects and poor clinical outcomes. Based on the outcome of the exploratory preclinical and clinical studies, it was found that therapeutic response increases multiple folds when anticancer drugs are used in combination. However, the conventional combination of anticancer drugs was associated with various limitations such as increased cost of treatment, systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and reduced pharmacokinetic attributes. Hence, attempts were made to formulate nanocarrier fabricated combinatorial drugs (NFCDs) to effectively manage and treat cancer. This approach offers several advantages, such as improved stability, lower drug exposure, targeted drug delivery, low side effects, and improved clinical outcome. Hence, in this review, first time, we have discussed the recent advancement and various types of nano carrier-based combinatorial drug delivery systems in a different type of cancer and highlighted the personalized combinatorial theranostic medicine as a futuristic anticancer treatment approach.

Molecular insights and therapeutic implications of nanoengineered dietary polyphenols for targeting lung cancer: part II

Flavonoids represent a major group of polyphenolic compounds. Their capacity to inhibit tumor proliferation, cell cycle, angiogenesis, migration and invasion is substantially responsible for their chemotherapeutic activity against lung cancer. However, their clinical application is limited due to poor aqueous solubility, low permeability and quick blood clearance, which leads to their low bioavailability. Nanoengineered systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers and nanotubes can considerably enhance the targeted action of the flavonoids with improved efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties, and flavonoids can be successfully translated from bench to bedside through various nanoengineering approaches. This review addresses the therapeutic potential of various flavonoids and highlights the cutting-edge progress in the nanoengineered systems that incorporate flavonoids for treating lung cancer.

Utilizing TPGS for Optimizing Quercetin Nanoemulsion for Colon Cancer Cells Inhibition

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Exploring novel therapeutic strategies is necessary to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes. Quercetin (QR) is a polyphenolic lipophilic compound that was chosen due to its colorectal anticancer activity. Nanoparticles could improve cancer therapy via tumor targeting by utilizing D-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (vitamin-E TPGS) as a surfactant in a nanoemulsion preparation, which is considered an efficient drug delivery system for enhancing lipophilic antineoplastic agents. Thus, this study aims to develop and optimize QR-loaded nanoemulsions (NE) using TPGS as a surfactant to enhance the QR antitumor activity. Method: The NE was prepared using a self-assembly technique using the chosen oils according to QR maximum solubility and TPGS as a surfactant. The prepared QR-NE was evaluated according to its particle morphology and pH. QR entrapment efficiency and QR in vitro drug release rate were determined from the selected QR-NE then we measured the QR-NE stability. The anticancer activity of the best-selected formula was studied on HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines. Results: Oleic acid was chosen to prepare QR-NE as it has the best QR solubility. The prepared NE, which had particles size < 200 nm, maximum entrapment efficiency > 80%, and pH 3.688 + 0.102 was selected as the optimal formula. It was a physically stable formula. The prepared QR-NE enhanced the QR release rate (84.52 ± 0.71%) compared to the free drug. QR-NPs significantly improved the cellular killing efficiency in HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines (lower IC50, two folds more than free drug). Conclusion: The prepared QR-NE could be a promising stable formula for improving QR release rate and anticancer activity.

Apigenin Loaded Lipoid-PLGA-TPGS Nanoparticles for Colon Cancer Therapy: Characterization, Sustained Release, Cytotoxicity, and Apoptosis Pathways

Colon cancer (CC) is one of major causes of mortality and affects the socio-economic status world-wide. Therefore, developing a novel and efficient delivery system is needed for CC management. Thus, in the present study, lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles of apigenin (LPHyNPs) was prepared and characterized on various parameters such as particle size (234.80 ± 12.28 nm), PDI (0.11 ± 0.04), zeta potential (−5.15 ± 0.70 mV), EE (55.18 ± 3.61%), etc. Additionally, the DSC, XRD, and FT-IR analysis determined drug entrapment and affinity with the selected excipient, demonstrating a promising drug affinity with the lipid polymer. Morphological analysis via SEM and TEM exhibited spherical NPs with a dark color core, which indicated drug entrapment inside the core. In vitro release study showed significant (p < 0.05) sustained release of AGN from LPHyNPs than AGN suspension. Further, the therapeutic efficacy in terms of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of developed LPHyNPs against CC was estimated by performing flow cytometry and comparing its effectiveness with blank LPHyNPs and AGN suspension, which exhibited remarkable outcomes in favor of LPHyNPs. Moreover, the mechanism behind the anticancer attribute was further explored by estimating gene expression of various signaling molecules such as Bcl-2, BAX, NF-κB, and mTOR that were involved in carcinogenic pathways, which indicated significant (p < 0.05) results for LPHyNPs. Moreover, to strengthen the anticancer potential of LPHyNPs against chemoresistance, the expression of JNK and MDR-1 genes was estimated. Outcomes showed that their expression level reduced appreciably when compared to blank LPHyNPs and AGN suspension. Hence, it can be concluded that developed LPHyNPs could be an efficient therapeutic system for managing CC.

A renewed concept on the MAPK signaling pathway in cancers: Polyphenols as a choice of therapeutics

Abnormalities in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway are a key contributor to the carcinogenesis process and have therefore been implicated in several aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell differentiation, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis. This pathway offers multiple molecular targets that may be modulated for anticancer activity and is of great interest for several malignancies. Polyphenols from various dietary sources have been observed to interfere with certain aspects of this pathway and consequently play a substantial role in the development and progression of cancer by suppressing cell growth, inactivating carcinogens, blocking angiogenesis, causing cell death, and changing immunity. A good number of polyphenolic compounds have shown promising outcomes in numerous pieces of research and are currently being investigated clinically to treat cancer patients. The current study concentrates on the role of the MAPK pathway in the development and metastasis of cancer, with particular emphasis on dietary polyphenolic compounds that influence the different MAPK sub-pathways to obtain an anticancer effect. This study aims to convey an overview of the various aspects of the MAPK pathway in cancer development and invasion, as well as a review of the advances achieved in the development of polyphenols to modulate the MAPK signaling pathway for better treatment of cancer.

Development of Nanogel Loaded with Lidocaine for Wound-Healing: Illustration of Improved Drug Deposition and Skin Safety Analysis

A wound refers to a cut or blow that may result in primary or secondary infection or even death, if untreated. In the current study, we have explored the wound-healing properties of lidocaine nanogel, owing to its antioxidant and neutrophilic modulatory potential. Initially, the pre-formulation study was performed and then using central composite design (CCD) fabrication and the characterization of lidocaine-loaded nanoemulsion was carried out. After the preparation of a nanogel of lidocaine-loaded nanoemulsion, it was evaluated on various parameters, such as pH, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, in vitro drug release, dermatokinetic study and in vivo skin safety. Based on the pre-formulation study, the maximum solubility of lidocaine was found in oleic acid (324.41 ± 4.19 mg/mL) and in Tween 20 (192.05 ± 8.25 mg/mL), selected as a suitable emulsifier. The refractive index of the optimized nanoemulsion was found to be 1.35 ± 0.04, the electrokinetic potential was recorded as −15.47 ± 0.95 mV. The pH, spreadability and extrudability of nanogel was found to be 6.87 ± 0.51, 73.32 ± 4.59 gm.cm/sec and 107.41 ± 6.42 gm/cm2, respectively. The percentage of the cumulative drug content and drug release from nanogel was found to be 99.94 ± 1.70% and 93.00 ± 4.67%, respectively. Moreover, dermatokinetic study showed significantly (p < 0.0005) improved drug deposition and the in vivo skin safety study showed no sign of dermal erythematous lesion or any visible damage. Stability studies also testified the secureness of nanogel after storage in a prescribed environmental condition. Thus, this study provides substantial evidence for healing wounds effectively and the further evaluation of the in vivo model. The patent related to this work was published in the Indian Official Journal of the Patent Office (Issue number: 20/2022).

Flavonoids: Food associations, therapeutic mechanisms, metabolism and nanoformulations

Flavonoids possess an impressive therapeutic potential, thereby imparting them a nutraceutical character. As it becomes increasingly common to consume foods associated with healing properties, it is imperative to understand the associations of different foods with different classes of nutraceutic compounds, and their mechanisms of therapeutic action. At the same time, it is important to address the limitations thereof so that plausible future directions may be drawn. This review summarizes the food associations of flavonoids, and discusses the mechanisms responsible for imparting them their nutraceutic properties, detailing the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway, inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways such as toll-like receptor (TLR), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase-2 (LOX-2) mediators. Further on, the review explains the mechanism of flavonoids metabolism, reasons for low bioavailability and thereafter recapitulates the role of technological interventions to overcome the limitations, with a particular focus on nanoformulations that utilize the synergy between flavonoids and biocompatible materials used as nanocarriers, as reported in works spanning over a decade. It is the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) classified carriers that will become the basis for developing functional formulations. It is promisingly noteworthy that some flavonoid formulations have been commercialized and mentioned therein. Such commercially viable and safe for consumption technological applications pave way for bringing science to the table, and add value to the innate properties of flavonoids.

Naringenin: A potential flavonoid phytochemical for cancer therapy

Naringenin is an important phytochemical which belongs to the flavanone group of polyphenols, and is found mainly in citrus fruits like grapefruits and others such as tomatoes and cherries plus medicinal plants derived food. Available evidence demonstrates that naringenin, as herbal medicine, has important pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer activities. Collected data from in vitro and in vivo studies show the inactivation of carcinogens after treatment with pure naringenin, naringenin-loaded nanoparticles, and also naringenin in combination with anti-cancer agents in various malignancies, such as colon cancer, lung neoplasms, breast cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate tumors, oral squamous cell carcinoma, liver cancer, brain tumors, skin cancer, cervical and ovarian cancer, bladder neoplasms, gastric cancer, and osteosarcoma. Naringenin inhibits cancer progression through multiple mechanisms, like apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis hindrance, and modification of various signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, NF-ĸB, and TGF-β pathways. In this review, we demonstrate that naringenin is a natural product with potential for the treatment of different types of cancer, whether it is used alone, in combination with other agents, or in the form of the naringenin-loaded nanocarrier, after proper technological encapsulation.

Optimization of Naringenin Nanoparticles to Improve the Antitussive Effects on Post-Infectious Cough

Naringenin (NRG) is a natural compound with several biological activities; however, its bioavailability is limited owing to poor aqueous solubility. In this study, NRG nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the wet media milling method. To obtain NRG NPs with a small particle size and high drug-loading content, the preparation conditions, including stirring time, temperature, stirring speed, and milling media amount, were optimized. The NRG (30 mg) and D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (10 mg) were wet-milled in deionized water (2 mL) with 10 g of zirconia beads via stirring at 50 °C for 2 h at a stirring speed of 300 rpm. As a result, the NRG NPs, with sheet-like morphology and a diameter of approximately 182.2 nm, were successfully prepared. The NRG NPs were stable in the gastrointestinal system and were released effectively after entering the blood circulation. In vivo experiments indicated that the NRG NPs have good antitussive effects. The cough inhibition rate after the administration of the NRG NPs was 66.7%, cough frequency was three times lower, and the potential period was 1.8 times longer than that in the blank model group. In addition, the enzyme biomarkers and histological analysis results revealed that the NRG NPs can effectively regulate the inflammatory and oxidative stress response. In conclusion, the NRG NPs exhibited good oral bioavailability and promoted antitussive and anti-inflammatory effects.

Fluoxetine Ecofriendly Nanoemulsion Enhances Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats: In Vivo Efficacy Assessment

Impaired diabetic wound healing is a major concern for health care professionals worldwide, imposing an intense financial burden and reducing the quality of life of patients. A dysregulation of this process can be responsible for the development of intractable ulcers and the formation of excessive scars. Therefore, the identification of novel pharmacological strategies able to promote wound healing and restore the mechanical integrity of injured tissue becomes essential. In the present study, fluoxetine ecofriendly nanoemulsion (FLX-EFNE) was prepared and its potential efficacy in enhancing wound healing was tested in diabetic rats. The Box-Behnken response surface design was used to select the optimized formulation that was prepared by the high-shear homogenization-based technique. A Zetasizer was used for the characterization of the optimized formulation, providing a FLX-EFNE with a globule size of 199 nm. For the in vivo study, a wound was induced by surgical methods, and diabetic rats (streptozotocin-induced) were divided into five groups: untreated control, vehicle-treated, FLX, FLX-EFNE, and positive control receiving a commercially available formula. The treatment continued from the day of wound induction to day 21. Then, the animals were sacrificed and skin tissues were collected at the site of wounding and used for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and mRNA expression assessments. In the FLX-EFNE treated group, the rate of wound contraction and signs of healing were significantly higher compared to all other groups. In addition, angiogenesis, proliferation, and collagen deposition were enhanced, while oxidative stress and inflammation decreased. The present data highlight the enhanced wound healing activity of the optimized FLX-EFNE formulation.

Simultaneous pulmonary administration of celecoxib and naringin using a nebulization-friendly nanoemulsion: A device-targeted delivery for treatment of lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a principal cause of death worldwide, and its treatment is very challenging. Nebulization offers a promising means of targeting drugs to their site of action in the lung.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the present study, nebulizable oil in water nanoemulsion formulations were co-loaded with naringin/celecoxib, and tested for pulmonary administration by different nebulizer types.

RESULTS

: The translucent appearance of nanoemulsion formulations was revealed, with particle size (75-106 nm), zeta potential (-3.42 to -4.86 mV), and controlled in-vitro release profiles for both drugs. The nanoemulsions showed favourable stability profiles, and superior cytotoxicity on A549 lung cancer cells. Aerosolization studies on the selected nanoemulsion formulation revealed its high stability during nebulization, with the generation of an aerosol of small volume median diameter, and mass median aerodynamic diameter lower than 5 µm. Moreover, it demonstrated considerable safety and bioaccumulation in lung tissues, in addition to accumulation in the brain, liver and bones which are the main organs to which lung cancer metastasizes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanoemulsion proved to be a promising nebulizable system, which paves the way for treatment of pulmonary diseases other than lung cancer.

Chitosan/zein films incorporated with essential oil nanoparticles and nanoemulsions: Similarities and differences

The purpose of this study was to prepare chitosan/zein (CS/Zein) edible films reinforced with Mosla chinensis essential oils (EOs) nanoemulsions (NEs) and nanoparticles (NPs) in order to compare their properties. NEs and NPs containing EOs could be used to fabricate films with functional properties, and the films were prepared using a casting method. The influence of EO concentration and mixing methods on the physical, mechanical, and functional properties of the films was investigated. The results indicated that the films formulated with EO NEs generated favorable fundamental and functional characteristics with excellent mechanical properties, moisture barrier capacity, and significant antioxidant and antibacterial activity. In addition, the use of NEs-based films improved the release of bioactive compounds, and the mechanism of EO release was found to follow a first order model. In summary, EO NEs were more effective in preserving the fundamental and functional properties of CS/Zein nanocomposite edible films than NP-based films. These differences may reflect different forms and methods of dispersing EOs in NEs and NPs. This study demonstrated that NEs reinforced films could be used to enhance the effectiveness of EOs in food products and develop new strategies for their delivery and application.

Abemaciclib-loaded ethylcellulose based nanosponges for sustained cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells lines

Abemaciclib (AC) is a novel, orally available drug molecule approved for the treatment of breast cancer. Due to its low bioavailability, its administration frequency is two to three times a day that can decrease patient compliance. Sustained release formulation are needed for prolong the action and to reduce the adverse effects. The aim of current study was to develop sustained release NSs of AC. Nanosponges (NSs) was prepared by emulsion-solvent diffusion method using ethyl-cellulose (EC) and Kolliphor P-188 (KP-188) as sustained-release polymer and surfactant, respectively. Effects of varying surfactant concentration and drug: polymer proportions on the particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ζP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), and drug loading (%DL) were investigated. The results of AC loaded NSs (ACN1-ACN5) exhibited PS (366.3–842.2 nm), PDI (0.448–0.853), ζP (−8.21 to −19.7 mV), %EE (48.45–79.36%) and %DL (7.69–19.17%), respectively. Moreover, ACN2 showed sustained release of Abemaciclib (77.12 ± 2.54%) in 24 h Higuchi matrix as best fit kinetics model. MTT assay signified ACN2 as potentials cytotoxic nanocarrier against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Further, ACN2 displayed drug release property without variation in the % release after exposing the product at 25 °C, 5 °C, and 45 °C storage conditions for six months. This investigation proved that the developed NSs would be an efficient carrier to sustain the release of AC in order to improve efficacy against breast cancer.

Thymoquinone-Enriched Naringenin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Brain Delivery via Nasal Route: In Vitro Prospect and In Vivo Therapeutic Efficacy for the Treatment of Depression

In the current research, a thymoquinone-enriched naringenin (NGN)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was developed and delivered via the nasal route for depression. Thymoquinone (TQ) oil was used as the liquid lipid and provided synergistic effects. A TQ- and NGN-enriched NLC was developed via the ultrasonication technique and optimized using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The optimized NLC exhibited the following properties: droplet size, 84.17 to 86.71 nm; PDI, 0.258 to 0.271; zeta potential, −8.15 to −8.21 mV; and % EE, 87.58 to 88.21%. The in vitro drug release profile showed the supremacy of the TQ-NGN-NLC in comparison to the NGN suspension, with a cumulative drug release of 82.42 ± 1.88% from the NLC and 38.20 ± 0.82% from the drug suspension. Ex vivo permeation study displayed a 2.21-fold increase in nasal permeation of NGN from the NLC compared to the NGN suspension. DPPH study showed the better antioxidant potential of the TQ-NGN-NLC in comparison to NGN alone due to the synergistic effect of NGN and TQ oil. CLSM images revealed deeper permeation of the NGN-NLC (39.9 µm) through the nasal mucosa in comparison to the NGN suspension (20 µm). Pharmacodynamic studies, such as the forced swim test and the locomotor activity test, were assessed in the depressed rat model, which revealed the remarkable antidepressant effect of the TQ-NGN-NLC in comparison to the NGN suspension and the marketed formulation. The results signify the potential of the TQ-enriched NGN-NLC in enhancing brain delivery and the therapeutic effect of NGN for depression treatment.

Alfaleh M, H. Abdulaal W, Bakhaidar RB, Alselami MO, Zahrani MAL, Alqarni HM, F. Alghaith A, Alshehri S, Badr-Eldin SM, Aldawsari HM, Al-hejaili OD, Aldhabi BM, Mahdi WA. Wasp venom peptide improves the proapoptotic activity of alendronate sodium in A549 lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer in men and women is considered the leading cause for cancer-related mortality worldwide. Anti-cancer peptides represent a potential untapped reservoir of effective cancer therapy.

METHODOLOGY

Box-Behnken response surface design was applied for formulating Alendronate sodium (ALS)-mastoparan peptide (MP) nanoconjugates using Design-Expert software. The optimization process aimed at minimizing the size of the prepared ALS-MP nanoconjugates. ALS-MP nanoconjugates' particle size, encapsulation efficiency and the release profile were determined. Cytotoxicity, cell cycle, annexin V staining and caspase 3 analyses on A549 cells were carried out for the optimized formula.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the optimized formula was of 134.91±5.1 nm particle size. The novel ALS-MP demonstrated the lowest IC50 (1.3 ± 0.34 μM) in comparison to ALS-Raw (37.6 ± 1.79 μM). Thus, the results indicated that when optimized ALS-MP nanoconjugate was used, the IC50 of ALS was also reduced by half. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of cells in the G2-M phase following the treatment with optimized ALS-MP nanoconjugates.

CONCLUSION

The optimized ALS-MP formula had significantly improved the parameters related to the cytotoxic activity towards A549 cells, compared to control, MP and ALS-Raw.

Preparation of Liposomal Raloxifene-Graphene Nanosheet and Evaluation of Its In Vitro Anticancer Effects

Background

In current years, researchers have shown their prime interest in developing multifunctional drug delivery systems, especially against cancers, for effective anticancer outcomes.

Methodology

Raloxifene (RLX) loaded liposomal-graphene nanosheet (GNS) was developed. The novelty of this work was to enhance the solubilization of RLX and improvement of its bioavailability in the disease area. So, the selection of optimized formula design of experiment was implemented which produced the desired formula with the particle size of 156.333 nm. Further, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, and thermodynamic stability of optimized formulation were evaluated. The optimized formulation exhibited prolonged release of RLX for a longer period of 24 h, which can minimize the dose-related toxicity of the drug. Furthermore, optimized formulation demonstrated remarkable thermodynamic stability in terms of phase separation, creaming, and cracking.

Results

The cytotoxicity study on the A549 cell line exhibited significant ( P < .05) results in favor of optimized formulation than the free drug. The apoptotic activity was carried out by Annexin V staining and Caspase 3 analysis, which demonstrated remarkable promising results for optimized liposomal formulation.

Conclusion

From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the novel optimized liposomal formulation could be pondered as a novel approach for the treatment of lung cancer.

Insights from a Box-Behnken Optimization Study of Microemulsions with Salicylic Acid for Acne Therapy

The present study brings to attention a method to develop salicylic acid-based oil in water (O/W) microemulsions using a tensioactive system based on Tween 80, lecithin, and propylene glycol (PG), enriched with a vegetable oat oil phase and hyaluronic acid. The systems were physically characterized and the Quality by design approach was applied to optimize the attributes of microemulsions using Box–Behnken modeling, combined with response surface methodology. For this purpose, a 3³ fractional factorial design was selected. The effect of independent variables namely X1: Tween 80/PG (%), X2: Lecithin (%), X3: Oil phase (%) was analyzed considering their impact upon the internal structure and evaluated parameters chosen as dependent factors: viscosity, mean droplet size, and work of adhesion. A high viscosity, a low droplet size, an adequate wettability—with a reduced mechanical work—and clarity were considered as desirable for the optimal systems. It was found that the optimal microemulsion which complied with the established conditions was based on: Tween 80/PG 40%, lecithin 0.3%, oat oil 2%, salicylic acid 0.5%, hyaluronic acid 1%, and water 56.2%. The response surface methodology was considered an appropriate tool to explain the impact of formulation factors on the physical properties of microemulsions, offering a complex pattern in the assessment of stability and quality attributes for the optimized formulation.

2-Methoxy-estradiol Loaded Alpha Lipoic Acid Nanoparticles Augment Cytotoxicity in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

The therapeutic effectiveness of anticancer drugs with a selective target for the nucleus of cancer cells may be improved by experimental approaches. In this regard, the formulation of anticancer drugs is considered one of the best ways to improve their effectiveness in targeting cancerous tissues. To enhance the anticancer activity of 2-methoxy-estradiol (2 ME) for breast cancer, 2-methoxyestradiol loaded alpha lipoic acid nanoparticles have been formulated. The prepared formula was observed to be spherical with a nanometer-scale and low PDI size (.234). The entrapment efficiency of the 2ME-ALA NPs was 87.32 ± 2.21% with > 85% release of 2 ME within 24 h. There was a 1.2-fold increase in apoptosis and a 3.46-fold increase in necrosis of the MCF-7 cells when incubated with 2ME-ALA NPs when compared to control cells. This increased apoptosis was also associated with increased ROS and increased p53 expression in 2ME-ALA NPs treated cells compared to the raw-2 ME group. Evaluation of cell-cycle data showed a substantial arrest of the G2-M phase of the MCF-7 cells when incubated with 2ME-ALA NPs. At the same time, a dramatically increased number of pre-G1 cells showed the increased apoptotic potential of the 2 ME when administered via the proposed formulation. In the end, the differential upregulation of caspase-3, p53, and ROS in MCF-7 cells established the superiority of the 2ME-ALA-Ms approach in targeting breast cancer. In summary, these results demonstrate that 2ME-ALA NPs are an efficient delivery tool for controlling the growth of breast cancer cells.

The development of a novel oral 5-Fluorouracil in-situ gelling nanosuspension to potentiate the anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells

5-Fluorouracil is an anticancer drug with a short biological half-life. This study aimed to develop oral sustained-release nano-formulations of 5-Fluorouracil. 5-Fluorouracil-carrageenan coated particles were prepared and characterized. To formulate a suspension, the coated particles were encapsulated in an aqueous hydrodynamic gel of sodium alginate with carrageenan-lambda or chitosan in excess, and the optimum suspension was determined using drug release analysis, gel characterization, and particle size analysis. Afterward, the optimal formulation was tested against colorectal cancer cells to assess the cell viability, level of apoptosis, and caspase-9 activity. Interestingly, the sustained-release formulations with the best ability to form a coherent insoluble sedimented gel when in contact with 0.1N hydrogen chloride were the F5 and F6 formulations. Moreover, those formulations were nanosuspensions (20-63 nm) and the 5-Fluorouracil nanoparticles released from them were coated with carrageenan and sodium alginate. After the antitumor characterization against HCT-116 cells, the 5-Fluorouracil nanoparticle formulation was approved for its contribution to the sustained-release characteristics, sensitivity, and time-dependent efficacy. This nanosuspension is suggested to serve as a long-acting therapy, which it could protect the drug nanoparticles through the pH-selective and sustained release matrix, in-situ gel formation in the stomach, and the polymer coating of the released nano-drug particles.

Development, Optimization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel Oral Long-Acting Resveratrol Nanocomposite In-Situ Gelling Film in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

This study aimed to develop and evaluate sustained-release (SR) long-acting oral nanocomposites in-situ gelling films of resveratrol (Rv) to treat colorectal cancer. In these formulations, Rv-Soy protein (Rv-Sp) wet granules were prepared by the kneading method and then encapsulated in the sodium alginate (NA) dry films. The prepared nanocomposite in-situ gels films were characterized using dynamic light scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The optimized formulations were further evaluated based on drug encapsulation efficiency, pH-drug release profile, swelling study, and storage time effects. The optimized formulation was tested for its anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells using the cytotoxicity assessment, apoptosis testing, cell cycle analysis, gene expression analysis, and protein estimation by the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, respectively. The optimum film showed encapsulation efficiency of 97.87% ± 0.51 and drug release of 14.45% ± 0.043 after 8 h. All physiochemical characterizations confirmed, reasoned, and supported the drug release experiment's findings and the encapsulation assay. The Rv nanocomposite formulation showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity enhanced apoptotic activity as compared to free Rv (p < 0.05). In addition, Rv nanocomposite formulation caused a significant increase in Bcl-2-associated protein X (Bax) and a decrease in expression of B-cell lymphoma 2, interleukin 1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Bcl2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α respectively) compared to that of free Rv in HCT-116 cells. These results suggest that long-acting Rv nanocomposite gels could be a promising agent for colorectal cancer treatment.

Development and Evaluation of Repurposed Etoricoxib Loaded Nanoemulsion for Improving Anticancer Activities against Lung Cancer Cells

In the present work, novel modality for lung cancer intervention has been explored. Primary literature has established the potential role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor in regression of multiple forms of carcinomas. To overcome its poor water solubility and boost anticancer activity, etoricoxib (ETO) was chosen as a therapeutic candidate for repurposing and formulated into a nanoemulsion (NE). The prepared ETO loaded NE was characterized for the surface charge, droplet size, surface morphology, and in vitro release. The optimized ETO loaded NE was then investigated for its anticancer potential employing A549 lung cancer cell line via cytotoxicity, apoptotic activity, mitochondrial membrane potential activity, cell migration assay, cell cycle analysis, Caspase-3, 9, and p53 activity by ELISA and molecular biomarker analysis through RT-PCR test. The developed ETO-NE formulation showed adequate homogeneity in the droplet size distribution with polydispersity index (PDI) of (0.2 ± 0.03) and had the lowest possible droplet size (124 ± 2.91 nm) and optimal negative surface charge (−8.19 ± 1.51 mV) indicative of colloidal stability. The MTT assay results demonstrated that ETO-NE exhibited substantial anticancer activity compared to the free drug. The ETO-NE showed a substantially potent cytotoxic effect against lung cancer cells, as was evident from the commencement of apoptosis/necrotic cell death and S-phase cell cycle arrests in A549 cells. The study on these molecules through RT-PCR confirmed that ETO-NE is significantly efficacious in mitigating the abundance of IL-B, IL-6, TNF, COX-2, and NF-kB as compared to the free ETO and control group. The current study demonstrates that ETO-NE represents a feasible approach that could provide clinical benefits for lung cancer patients in the future.

Mastoparan, a Peptide Toxin from Wasp Venom Conjugated Fluvastatin Nanocomplex for Suppression of Lung Cancer Cell Growth

Lung cancer has a very low survival rate, and non-small cell lung cancer comprises around 85% of all types of lung cancers. Fluvastatin (FLV) has demonstrated the apoptosis and suppression of tumor-cell proliferation against lung cancer cells in vitro. Drug–peptide nanoconjugates were found to enhance the cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs. Thus, the present study aimed to develop a nanocomplex of FLV with mastoparan (MAS), which is a peptide that has membranolytic anti-tumor activity. The nanocomplex of FLV and MAS (MAS-FLV-NC) was prepared and optimized for particle size using Box–Behnken design. The amount of FLV had the highest influence on particle size. While higher levels of FLV and incubation time favored higher particle size, a higher level of sonication time reduced the particle size of MAS-FLV-NC. The optimum formula of MAS-FLV-NC used 1.00 mg of FLV and was prepared with an incubation time of 12.1339 min and a sonication time of 6 min. The resultant particle size was 77.648 nm. The in vitro cell line studies of MAS-FLV-NC, FLV, and MAS were carried out in A549 cells. The IC₅₀ values of MAS-FLV-NC, FLV, and MAS were 18.6 ± 0.9, 58.4 ± 2.8, and 34.3 ± 1.6 µg/mL respectively, showing the enhanced cytotoxicity of MAS-FLV-NC. The apoptotic activity showed that MAS-FLV-NC produced a higher percentage of cells in the late phase, showing a higher apoptotic activity than FLV and MAS. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest in S and Pre G1 phases by MAS-FLV-NC was observed in the cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential after MAS-FLV-NC treatment was significantly higher than those observed for FLV and MAS. The IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-kB expressions were inhibited, whereas TNF-α, caspase-3, and ROS expressions were enhanced by MAS-FLV-NC treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 strongly established the enhanced cytotoxic effect of MAS-FLV-NC. The results indicated that MAS-FLV-NC has better cytotoxicity than individual effects of MAS and FLV in A549 cells. Further pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed for developing MAS-FLV-NC to a clinically successful therapeutic approach against lung cancer.

Ambroxol Hydrochloride Loaded Gastro-Retentive Nanosuspension Gels Potentiate Anticancer Activity in Lung Cancer (A549) Cells

This study aimed to develop gastro-retentive sustained-release ambroxol (ABX) nanosuspensions utilizing ambroxol-kappa-carrageenan (ABX-CRG_K) complexation formulations. The complex was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, powder x-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscopy. The prepared co-precipitate complex was used for the development of the sustained-release formulation to overcome the high metabolic and poor solubility problems associated with ABX. Furthermore, the co-precipitate complex was formulated as a suspension in an aqueous floating gel-forming vehicle of sodium alginate with chitosan, which might be beneficial for targeting the stomach as a good absorption site for ABX. The suspension exhibited rapid floating gel behaviour for more than 8 h, thus confirming the gastro-retentive effects. Particle size analysis revealed that the optimum nanosuspension (ABX-NS) had a mean particle size of 332.3 nm. Afterward, the ABX released by the nanoparticles would be distributed to the pulmonary tissue as previously described. Based on extensive pulmonary distribution, the developed nanosuspension-released ABX nanoparticles showed significant cytotoxic enhancement compared to free ABX in A549 lung cancer cells. However, a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) also occurred. The level of caspase-3 was the highest in the ABX-NS-released particle-treated samples, with a value of 416.6 ± 9.11 pg/mL. Meanwhile, the levels of nuclear factor kappa beta, interleukins 6 and 1 beta, and tumour necrosis alpha (NF-kB, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, respectively) were lower for ABX-NS compared to free ABX (p < 0.05). In caspase-3, Bax, and p53, levels significantly increased in the presence of ABX-NS compared to free ABX. Overall, ABX-NS produced an enhancement of the anticancer effects of ABX on the A549 cells, and the developed sustained-release gel was successful in providing a gastro-retentive effect.

Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of Luliconazole Nanoemulgel for the Treatment of Fungal Infection

The present study aimed to optimize luliconazole nanoemulsion using Box–Behnken statistical design, which was further incorporated into the polymeric gel of Carbopol 934. The formulation was characterized for its size, entrapment efficiency, ex vivo permeation, and mechanism of release. The size of the dispersed globules of the optimized drug-loaded nanoemulsion was found to be 17 ± 3.67 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) less than 0.5. Although the surface charge was recorded at –9.53 ± 0.251, the stability was maintained by the polymeric matrix that prevented aggregation and coalescence of the dispersed globules. The luliconazole-nanoemulgel (LUL-NEG) was characterized for drug content analysis, viscosity, pH, and refractive index, where the results were found to be 99.06 ± 0.59%, 9.26 ± 0.08 Pa.s, 5.65 ± 0.17, and 1.31 ± 0.08, respectively. The permeation across the rat skin was found to be significantly higher with LUL-NEG when compared with LUL gel. Furthermore, the skin irritation test performed in experimental animals revealed that the blank NEG, as well as the LUL-NEG, did not produce any signs of erythema following 48 h exposure. In addition, the histopathological findings of the experimental skins reported no abnormal signs at the formulation application site. Finally, the NEG formulation was found to create a statistically significant zone of inhibition ( $P$  < 0.05) when compared to all other test groups. Overall, it could be summarized that the nanoemulgel approach of delivering luliconazole across the skin to treat skin fungal infections could be a promising strategy.

Development and Evaluation of Icariin-Loaded PLGA-PEG Nanoparticles for Potentiation the Proapoptotic Activity in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Therapeutic efficacy of antineoplastic agents possessing a selective target to the nucleus of the cancer cells could be enhanced through novel formulation approaches. Thus, towards improvement of anticancer potential of icariin (ICA) on pancreatic cancer, the drug was entrapped into the polymeric poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as diblock copolymer. Optimization of the formulation was done using Statgraphics software to standardize percentages of PEG-PLGA and tween 80 (TW80) to obtain the smallest particle size. The optimized formulation was found to be in nanometer size and low PDI (0.321). Optimized formula enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptotic potential, compared with ICA-raw, against pancreatic cancer cell lines (aspc-1). The entrapment efficiency of the polymeric micelles was 72.34 ± 2.3% with 93.1 ± 6.5% release of ICA within 72 h. There was a twofold increase in apoptosis and sevenfold increase in necrosis of aspc-1 cells when incubated with raw ICA compared to control cells. Further, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (⁓50-fold) by the ICA-loaded PMs and free drug compared to control cells was found to be due to the generation of ROS. Findings of cell cycle analysis revealed the significant arrest of G2-M phase of aspc-1 cells when incubated with the optimized formulation. Simultaneously, a significantly increased number of cells in pre-G1 revealed maximum apoptotic potential of the drug when delivered via micellar formulation. Finally, upregulation of caspase-3 established the superiority of the PMs approach against pancreatic cancer. In summary, the acquired results highlighted the potentiality of PMs delivery tool for controlling the growth of pancreatic cancer cells for improved efficacy.

Hesperidin-loaded nanoemulsions improve cytotoxicity, induce apoptosis, and downregulate miR-21 and miR-155 expression in MCF-7

Hesperidin, a ubiquitous plant-based flavanone, was encapsulated into nanoemulsions (HP-NEM) using a spontaneous emulsification method to improve its solubility and enhance bioavailability and efficacy in breast cancer treatment using MCF-7 cell lines. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of HP-NEM against MCF-7 and its impact on oncomiRs, microRNA-21, and microRNA-155 expression were also assessed. The optimised HP-NEM displayed a spherical shape with 305 ± 40.8 nm, 0.308 ± 0.04, and -11.6 ± 3.30 mV and 93 ± 0.45% for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta-potential (ζ), and encapsulation efficiency, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT assay showed selective toxicity of the HP-NEM against MCF-7 without affecting normal cells (HEK 293). Treatment with the HP-NEM induced cell death through apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and downregulated miR-21 and miR-155 expression in MCF-7. This study supports the use of HP-NEM as a potential therapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment.

Regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway in RCC using the active compounds of natural products in vitro

Since Professor Tu Youyou won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for the discovery of artemisinin, which is used to treat malaria, increased attention has been paid to the extracts obtained from plants, in order to analyze their biological activities, particularly with regard to their antitumor activity. Therefore, the present study explored the biochemical properties of seven natural plant extracts on renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 786-O and OS-RC-2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the extracts. Then, cell viability, the IC₅₀ value and proliferation was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were evaluated via flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins were assessed using western blotting, and cellular morphology was observed using a light microscope. The results showed that sophoricoside, aucubin, notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect on RCC cells, whereas ginsenoside Re and allicin exhibited a very slight inhibitory effect. Naringenin possessed the highest activity of the analyzed extracts. The IC₅₀ values of naringenin on 786-O and OS-RC-2 cells were 8.91±0.33 and 7.78±2.65 µM, respectively. In addition, naringenin notably inhibited the proliferation of RCC cells by decreasing Ki67 expression, blocked cell cycle progression in the G₂ phase by regulating expression of cell cycle proteins, and increased apoptosis by upregulating caspase-8 expression, downregulating Bcl-2 expression and altering the cellular morphology. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by upregulating the expression of PTEN at the protein level, downregulated the expression of PI3K and phosphorylated-(p-)AKT, but did not affect the expression of AKT, mTOR or p-mTOR. The seven plant extracts analyzed showed differing degrees of anti-RCC activity. Sophoricoside, aucubin, notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 did not exhibit notable anti-RCC activity, whereas the effect of ginsenoside Re and allicin on RCC was considerably weak. However, naringenin showed potent anti-proliferative, apoptosis inducing and cell cycle arresting activity on RCC cells via regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Development, Optimization and Evaluation of 2-Methoxy-Estradiol Loaded Nanocarrier for Prostate Cancer

The therapeutic efficacy of antineoplastic agents possessing a selective target to the nucleus of the cancer cells could be enhanced through novel formulation approaches. Thus, toward the improvement of the anticancer potential of 2-methoxy estradiol (2 ME) on prostate cancer, the drug was entrapped into the hydrophobic micelles core formulated with Phospholipon 90G and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS). Optimization of the formulation was done by Box-Behnken statistical design using Statgraphics software to standardize percentages of TPGS and phospholipid to obtain the smallest particle size. The optimized formulation was found to be spherical with nanometer size of 152 ± 5.2 nm, and low PDI (0.234). The entrapment efficiency of the micelles was 88.67 ± 3.21% with >93% release of 2 ME within 24 h. There was a 16-fold increase in apoptosis and an 8-fold increase in necrosis of the PC-3 cells when incubated with 2 ME micellar delivery compared to control cells (2.8 ± 0.2%). This increased apoptosis was further correlated with increased BAX expression (11.6 ± 0.7) and decreased BCL-2 expression (0.29 ± 0.05) in 2 ME micelles treated cells when compared to the control group. Further, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (∼50-fold) by the drug-loaded micelles and free drug compared to control cells was found to be due to the generation of ROS. Findings on cell cycle analysis revealed the significant arrest of the G2-M phase of the PC-3 cells when incubated with the optimized formulation. Simultaneously, a significantly increased number of cells in pre-G1 revealed the maximum apoptotic potential of the drug when delivered via micellar formulation. Finally, upregulation of caspase-9, p53, and NO, with downregulation of TNF-α, NF-κβ, and inflammatory mediators of the PC-3 cells established the superiority of the micellar approach against prostate cancer. In summary, the acquired results highlighted the potentiality of the 2 ME-micellar delivery tool for controlling the growth of prostate cancer cells for improved efficacy.

Current Insight into the Therapeutic Potential of Phytocompounds and their Nanoparticle-based Systems for Effective Management of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related death in both men and women worldwide. Due to diagnosis at an advanced stage, it is associated with high mortality in the majority of patients. At present, various treatment approaches are available such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. However, all these approaches usually cause serious side effects like degeneration of normal cells, bone marrow depression, alopecia, extensive vomiting, etc. To overcome the aforementioned problems, researchers have focused on the alternative therapeutic approach in which various natural compounds are reported, which possessed anti-lung cancer activity. Phytocompounds exhibit their anti-lung cancer activity via targeting various cell-signaling pathways, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and regulating antioxidant status and detoxification. Apart from the excellent anti-cancer activity, clinical administration of phytocompounds is confined because of their high lipophilicity and low bioavailability. Therefore, researchers show their concern in the development of a stable, safe, and effective approach of treatment with minimal side effects by the development of nanoparticle-based delivery of these phytocompounds to the target site. Targeted delivery of phytocompound through nanoparticles overcomes the aforementioned problems. In this article, the molecular mechanism of phytocompounds, their emerging combination therapy, and their nanoparticles-based delivery systems in the treatment of lung cancer have been discussed.

Inorganic Element Determination of Romanian Populus nigra L. Buds Extract and In Vitro Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Evaluation on A549 Human Lung Cancer Cell Line

Populus nigra L. is a plant from Salicaceae family, native in Europe. Many parts of this tree can be used as active ingredients, but the most valuable are the buds. In recent years, a growing number of studies reported their activity in the development of a wide range of pharmacological activities including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and to evaluate the inorganic elements’ concentration as well as the in vitro antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic potential of a Populus nigra L. buds extract collected from Timișoara (Romania) against A549 human lung cancer cell line. Populus nigra L. bud extract was found to contain twelve different phenolic compounds. The inorganic elements concentrations were below the limit of detection for Co, Pb, and As, whereas Cu = 6.66 µg/g; Cr = 0.79 µg/g; Ni = 3.28 µg/g; Fe = 39.00 µg/g; Zn = 14.84 µg/g; Mn = 0.59 µg/g; Al = 2109.87 µg/g; and Cd = 0.019 µg/g. The extract was tested for the in vitro antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic potential on A549 human lung cancer cell line using different concentrations, namely 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 μg/mL. Results have shown that poplar bud extract induced a significant decrease of tumor cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ = 72.49 μg/mL and blocked the cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Phenomena of early apoptosis (from 1.34 ± 0.33% control cells to 2.68 ± 0.62% at 150 µg/mL) and late apoptosis (from 1.43 ± 0.14% control cells to 5.15 ± 1.02% at 150 µg/mL) were detected by Annexin V-PI double staining. Poplar bud extract can be regarded as a promising candidate for future studies involving lung cancer.