1
|
Mueller-Diesing F, Lederle W, Rix A, Koletnik S, Doleschel D, Snelting M, Gremse F, Kiessling F. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging Depicts the Modulation of Tumor Angiogenesis by Acetylsalicylic Acid. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087060. [PMID: 37108226 PMCID: PMC10139153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087060] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a well-established drug for heart attack and stroke prophylaxis. Furthermore, numerous studies have reported an anti-carcinogenic effect, but its exact mechanism is still unknown. Here, we applied VEGFR-2-targeted molecular ultrasound to explore a potential inhibitory effect of ASA on tumor angiogenesis in vivo. Daily ASA or placebo therapy was performed in a 4T1 tumor mouse model. During therapy, ultrasound scans were performed using nonspecific microbubbles (CEUS) to determine the relative intratumoral blood volume (rBV) and VEGFR-2-targeted microbubbles to assess angiogenesis. Finally, vessel density and VEGFR-2 expression were assessed histologically. CEUS indicated a decreasing rBV in both groups over time. VEGFR-2 expression increased in both groups up to Day 7. Towards Day 11, the binding of VEGFR-2-specific microbubbles further increased in controls, but significantly (p = 0.0015) decreased under ASA therapy (2.24 ± 0.46 au vs. 0.54 ± 0.55 au). Immunofluorescence showed a tendency towards lower vessel density under ASA and confirmed the result of molecular ultrasound. Molecular US demonstrated an inhibitory effect of ASA on VEGFR-2 expression accompanied by a tendency towards lower vessel density. Thus, this study suggests the inhibition of angiogenesis via VEGFR-2 downregulation as one of the anti-tumor effects of ASA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flurin Mueller-Diesing
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Wiltrud Lederle
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne Rix
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne Koletnik
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dennis Doleschel
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Snelting
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix Gremse
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Functional micro/nanobubbles for ultrasound medicine and visualizable guidance. Sci China Chem 2021; 64:899-914. [PMID: 33679901 PMCID: PMC7921288 DOI: 10.1007/s11426-020-9945-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemically functionalized gas-filled bubbles with a versatile micro/nano-sized scale have witnessed a long history of developments and emerging applications in disease diagnosis and treatments. In combination with ultrasound and image-guidance, micro/nanobubbles have been endowed with the capabilities of biomedical imaging, drug delivery, gene transfection and disease-oriented therapy. As an external stimulus, ultrasound (US)-mediated targeting treatments have been achieving unprecedented efficiency. Nowadays, US is playing a crucial role in visualizing biological/pathological changes in lives as a reliable imaging technique and a powerful therapeutic tool. This review retrospects the history of ultrasound, the chemistry of functionalized agents and summarizes recent advancements of functional micro/nanobubbles as US contrast agents in preclinical and trans-clinical research. Latest ultrasound-based treatment modalities in association with functional micro/nanobubbles have been highlighted as their great potentials for disease precision therapy. It is believed that these state-of-the-art micro/nanobubbles will become a booster for ultrasound medicine and visualizable guidance to serve future human healthcare in a more comprehensive and practical manner.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang C, He W, Liu C, Jiao D, Liu Z. Cutting‐edge advancements of nanomaterials for medi‐translatable noninvasive theranostic modalities. VIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine Tianjin University Tianjin China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Weixin He
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine Tianjin University Tianjin China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine Tianjin University Tianjin China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Dian Jiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine Tianjin University Tianjin China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine Tianjin University Tianjin China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu M, Dasgupta A, Koczera P, Schipper S, Rommel D, Shi Y, Kiessling F, Lammers T. Drug Loading in Poly(butyl cyanoacrylate)-Based Polymeric Microbubbles. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:2840-2848. [PMID: 32589435 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MB) are routinely used ultrasound (US) contrast agents that have recently attracted increasing attention as stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. To better understand MB-based drug delivery, we studied the role of drug hydrophobicity and molecular weight on MB loading, shelf-life stability, US properties, and drug release. Eight model drugs, varying in hydrophobicity and molecular weight, were loaded into the shell of poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) MB. In the case of drugs with progesterone as a common structural backbone (i.e., for corticosteroids), loading capacity and drug release correlated well with hydrophobicity and molecular weight. Conversely, when employing drugs with no structural similarity (i.e., four different fluorescent dyes), loading capacity and release did not correlate with hydrophobicity and molecular weight. All model drug-loaded MB formulations could be equally efficiently destroyed upon exposure to US. Together, these findings provide valuable insights on how the physicochemical properties of (model) drug molecules affect their loading and retention in and US-induced release from polymeric MB, thereby facilitating the development of drug-loaded MB formulations for US-triggered drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Liu
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Anshuman Dasgupta
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Patrick Koczera
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Sandra Schipper
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Dirk Rommel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Yang Shi
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen 52074, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li B, Aid-Launais R, Labour MN, Zenych A, Juenet M, Choqueux C, Ollivier V, Couture O, Letourneur D, Chauvierre C. Functionalized polymer microbubbles as new molecular ultrasound contrast agent to target P-selectin in thrombus. Biomaterials 2019; 194:139-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
6
|
PBCA-based polymeric microbubbles for molecular imaging and drug delivery. J Control Release 2017; 259:128-135. [PMID: 28279799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MB) are routinely used as contrast agents for ultrasound (US) imaging. We describe different types of targeted and drug-loaded poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) MB, and demonstrate their suitability for multiple biomedical applications, including molecular US imaging and US-mediated drug delivery. Molecular imaging of angiogenic tumor blood vessels and inflamed atherosclerotic endothelium is performed by modifying the surface of PBCA MB with peptides and antibodies recognizing E-selectin and VCAM-1. Stable and inertial cavitation of PBCA MB enables sonoporation and permeabilization of blood vessels in tumors and in the brain, which can be employed for direct and indirect drug delivery. Direct drug delivery is based on US-induced release of (model) drug molecules from the MB shell. Indirect drug delivery refers to US- and MB-mediated enhancement of extravasation and penetration of co-administered drugs and drug delivery systems. These findings are in line with recently reported pioneering proof-of-principle studies showing the usefulness of (phospholipid) MB for molecular US imaging and sonoporation-enhanced drug delivery in patients. They aim to exemplify the potential and the broad applicability of combining MB with US to improve disease diagnosis and therapy.
Collapse
|
7
|
Huynh E, Rajora MA, Zheng G. Multimodal micro, nano, and size conversion ultrasound agents for imaging and therapy. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 8:796-813. [PMID: 27006001 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) is one of the most commonly used clinical imaging techniques. However, the use of US and US-based intravenous agents extends far beyond imaging. In particular, there has been a surge in the fabrication of multimodality US contrast agents and theranostic US agents for cancer imaging and therapy. The unique interaction of US waves with microscale and nanoscale agents has attracted much attention in the development of contrast agents and drug-delivery vehicles. The dimensions of the agent not only dictate how it behaves in vivo, but also how it interacts with US for imaging and drug delivery. Furthermore, these agents are also unique due to their ability to convert from the nanoscale to the microscale and vice versa, having imaging and therapeutic utility in both dimensions. Here, we review multimodality and multifunctional US-based agents, according to their size, and also highlight recent developments in size conversion US agents. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:796-813. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1398 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Huynh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center and Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maneesha A Rajora
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center and Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center and Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paefgen V, Doleschel D, Kiessling F. Evolution of contrast agents for ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-mediated drug delivery. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:197. [PMID: 26441654 PMCID: PMC4584939 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) is one of the most frequently used diagnostic methods. It is a non-invasive, comparably inexpensive imaging method with a broad spectrum of applications, which can be increased even more by using bubbles as contrast agents (CAs). There are various different types of bubbles: filled with different gases, composed of soft- or hard-shell materials, and ranging in size from nano- to micrometers. These intravascular CAs enable functional analyses, e.g., to acquire organ perfusion in real-time. Molecular analyses are achieved by coupling specific ligands to the bubbles' shell, which bind to marker molecules in the area of interest. Bubbles can also be loaded with or attached to drugs, peptides or genes and can be destroyed by US pulses to locally release the entrapped agent. Recent studies show that US CAs are also valuable tools in hyperthermia-induced ablation therapy of tumors, or can increase cellular uptake of locally released drugs by enhancing membrane permeability. This review summarizes important steps in the development of US CAs and introduces the current clinical applications of contrast-enhanced US. Additionally, an overview of the recent developments in US probe design for functional and molecular diagnosis as well as for drug delivery is given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, AachenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Barrefelt Å, Zhao Y, Larsson MK, Egri G, Kuiper RV, Hamm J, Saghafian M, Caidahl K, Brismar TB, Aspelin P, Heuchel R, Muhammed M, Dähne L, Hassan M. Fluorescence labeled microbubbles for multimodal imaging. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 464:737-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
10
|
Curaj A, Wu Z, Fokong S, Liehn EA, Weber C, Burlacu A, Lammers T, van Zandvoort M, Kiessling F. Noninvasive molecular ultrasound monitoring of vessel healing after intravascular surgical procedures in a preclinical setup. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:1366-73. [PMID: 25838431 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.114.304857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiovascular interventions induce damage to the vessel wall making antithrombotic therapy inevitable until complete endothelial recovery. Without a method to accurately determine the endothelial status, many patients undergo prolonged anticoagulation therapy, denying them any invasive medical procedures, such as surgical operations and dental interventions. Therefore, we aim to introduce molecular ultrasound imaging of the vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 using targeted poly-n-butylcyanoacrylate microbubbles (MB(VCAM-1)) as an easy accessible method to monitor accurately the reendothelialization of vessels. APPROACH AND RESULTS ApoE(-/-) mice were fed with an atherogenic diet for 1 and 12 weeks and subsequently, endothelial denudation was performed in the carotid arteries using a guidewire. Molecular ultrasound imaging was performed at different time points after denudation (1, 3, 7, and 14 days). An increased MB(VCAM-1) binding after 1 day, a peak after 3 days, and a decrease after 7 days was found. After 12 weeks of diet, MB(VCAM-1) binding also peaked after 3 days but remained high until 7 days, indicating a delay in endothelial recovery. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy imaging of double fluorescence staining confirmed the exposure of VCAM-1 on the superficial layer after arterial injury only during the healing phase. After complete reendothelialization, VCAM-1 expression persisted in the subendothelial layer but was not reachable for the MBV(CAM-1) anymore. CONCLUSION Molecular ultrasound imaging with MB(VCAM-1) is promising to assess vascular damage and to monitor endothelial recovery after arterial interventions. Thus, it may become an important diagnostic tool supporting the development of adequate therapeutic strategies to personalize anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory therapy after cardiovascular intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Curaj
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Zhuojun Wu
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Stanley Fokong
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Elisa A Liehn
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Christian Weber
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Alexandrina Burlacu
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Twan Lammers
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Marc van Zandvoort
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.).
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.).
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ultrasound molecular imaging of E-selectin in tumor vessels using poly n-butyl cyanoacrylate microbubbles covalently coupled to a short targeting peptide. Invest Radiol 2014; 48:843-50. [PMID: 23857137 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0b013e31829d03ec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were the development and preclinical evaluation of clinically translatable E-selectin-specific ultrasound contrast agents based on a peptide ligand with the recognition sequence IELLQAR. MATERIALS AND METHODS The E-selectin-specific peptide was synthesized through solid phase peptide synthesis and covalently attached to poly n-butylcyanoacrylate-stabilized microbubbles with an air core. Quantification of the microbubble surface coverage with peptides was performed through flow cytometry. Targeted adhesion of peptide-coated microbubbles was investigated in vitro using parallel plate flow chamber assays on tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In vivo imaging was performed in nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma xenografts (MLS), followed by ex vivo immunohistochemistry validation of E-selectin expression. RESULTS Success of peptide synthesis was validated through preparative reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry. Results of the flow cytometry revealed approximately 4000 E-selectin-specific peptides/microbubble surface. Results of the in vitro experiments demonstrated the specificity of peptide-coated microbubbles to E-selectin (1.10 ± 0.48 vs 0.19 ± 0.09 bound microbubbles per cell, before and after competition respectively; P < 0.01). The in vivo imaging enabled specific assessment of E-selectin expression in MLS carcinoma xenografts (5.21 ± 3.41 vs 1.37 ± 0.67 contrast intensity before and after competition, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clinically translatable microbubbles that were covalently coupled to the short E-selectin-specific peptide (IELLQAR) enabled specific imaging of the E-selectin expression in tumor vessels in vivo.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kiessling F, Fokong S, Bzyl J, Lederle W, Palmowski M, Lammers T. Recent advances in molecular, multimodal and theranostic ultrasound imaging. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 72:15-27. [PMID: 24316070 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) imaging is an exquisite tool for the non-invasive and real-time diagnosis of many different diseases. In this context, US contrast agents can improve lesion delineation, characterization and therapy response evaluation. US contrast agents are usually micrometer-sized gas bubbles, stabilized with soft or hard shells. By conjugating antibodies to the microbubble (MB) surface, and by incorporating diagnostic agents, drugs or nucleic acids into or onto the MB shell, molecular, multimodal and theranostic MBs can be generated. We here summarize recent advances in molecular, multimodal and theranostic US imaging, and introduce concepts how such advanced MB can be generated, applied and imaged. Examples are given for their use to image and treat oncological, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Furthermore, we discuss for which therapeutic entities incorporation into (or conjugation to) MB is meaningful, and how US-mediated MB destruction can increase their extravasation, penetration, internalization and efficacy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu Z, Curaj A, Fokong S, Liehn EA, Weber C, Lammers T, Kiessling F, Zandvoort van M. Rhodamine-Loaded Intercellular Adhesion Molecule–1-targeted Microbubbles for Dual-Modality Imaging Under Controlled Shear Stresses. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2013; 6:974-81. [DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.113.000805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background—
The ability to image incipient atherosclerosis is based on the early events taking place at the endothelial level. We hypothesized that the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 even in vessels with high flow rates can be imaged at the molecular level using 2 complementary imaging techniques: 2-photon laser scanning microscopy and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
Methods and Results—
Using 2-photon laser scanning microscopy and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, intercellular adhesion molecule-1–targeted and rhodamine-loaded microbubbles were shown to be specifically bound to tumor necrosis factor-α–stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells and murine carotid arteries (44 wild-type mice) at shear stresses ranging from 1.25 to 120 dyn/cm
2
. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1–targeted and rhodamine-loaded microbubbles bound 8× more efficient (
P
=0.016) to stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells than to unstimulated cells and 14× more than nontargeted microbubbles (
P
=0.016). In excised carotids, binding efficiency did not decrease significantly when increasing the flow rate from 0.25 to 0.6 mL/min. Higher flow rates (0.8 and 1 mL/min) showed significantly reduced microbubbles retention, by 38% (
P
=0.03) and 55% (
P
=0.03), respectively. Ex vivo results were translatable in vivo, confirming that intercellular adhesion molecule-1–targeted and rhodamine-loaded microbubbles are able to bind specifically to the inflamed carotid artery endothelia under physiological flow conditions and to be noninvasively detected using contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
Conclusions—
Our data provide groundwork for the implementation of molecular ultrasound imaging in vessels with high shear stress and flow rates, as well as for the future development of image-guided therapeutic interventions, and multiphoton microscopy as the appropriate method of validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Wu
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Adelina Curaj
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Stanley Fokong
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Elisa A. Liehn
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Christian Weber
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Twan Lammers
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Marc Zandvoort van
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| |
Collapse
|