Cytostatic Agents

Investigation of Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Effects of Polyanhydride-Based Poly[(maleic anhydride)-co-(vinyl Acetate)] Conjugates Combined with Methotrexate and Gemcitabine in Breast Cancer Treatment

Studies aimed at increasing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and reducing or completely eliminating their side effects are frequently encountered. In our study, we considered methotrexate (MTX), which is in the category of anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and gemcitabine (GEM), which is used in the treatment of breast, testicular, ovarian, etc. cancers. GEM, which is used in the treatment of breast, testicular, ovarian, etc. cancers, was covalently bonded to maleic anhydride vinyl acetate (MAVA) copolymer, and new polymer-drug conjugates (MAVA-MTX and MAVA-GEM) were obtained to reduce or eliminate the side effects of these drugs and to investigate the cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of the new conjugates. The conjugation reaction was carried out in the presence of a triethylamine catalyst in dimethylformamide medium at 70 °C. Chemical structure elucidation of the copolymer (MAVA) and conjugates (MAVA-MTX and MAVA-GEM) was carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Anticancer activity was determined by the MTT assay in MCF-7 (breast cancer), and L929 (mouse fibroblast) cell lines. The synthesized copolymer and conjugate structures were proved by FTIR and 1H NMR spectra. It was determined that the conjugates did not form an inhibition zone on the test microorganisms. MIC values were found to be moderately effective compared with reference sources. The anticancer activities of MAVA-MTX and MAVA-GEM conjugates were significantly higher than those of methotrexate and GEM. The higher anticancer activity of the synthesized MAVA-MTX and MAVA-GEM conjugates compared with the drug they contain suggests that they can be a potential drug candidate in the treatment of breast cancer. In addition, the conjugates showed less toxic effect on a healthy L929 cell line at 6 different concentrations compared to free drugs. This can be shown as a significant improvement in reducing one of the most important side effects of the drug, such as toxicity.

Exosomes as promising frontier approaches in future cancer therapy

In this editorial, we will discuss the article by Tang et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. They explored an innovative approach to enhancing gemcitabine (GEM) delivery and efficacy using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HU-BMSCs)-derived exosomes. The manufacture of GEM-loaded HU-BMSCs-derived exosomes (Exo-GEM) has been optimized. The Tang et al's study demonstrated that Exo-GEM exhibits enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing effects compared to free GEM, highlighting the potential of exosome-based drug delivery systems as a more effective and targeted approach to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Additional in vivo studies are required to confirm the safety and effectiveness of Exo-GEM before it can be considered for clinical use.

Oleosomes Encapsulating Sildenafil Citrate as Potential Topical Nanotherapy for Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia with High Ex vivo Permeation and Deposition

Palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) is a commonly reported skin toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents that significantly affects patients' quality of life. PPE is described as inflammation, swelling, and even cracks and ulcers in the skin of palms and soles of the feet. Conventional treatment includes topical creams, analgesics, or corticosteroids. However, serious cases are not responding to these medications. PPE has been reported to cause drug cessation or dose reduction if not properly treated. Sildenafil citrate (SC) has a well-documented activity in wound healing through improving blood supply to the affected area. However, SC has poor physicochemical properties limiting its transdermal permeation and deposition. This research endeavored to elaborate novel vesicular system with natural components, phospholipids and oleic acid, loaded with sildenafil citrate for topical management of PPE. Sildenafil-loaded oleosomes were prepared using modified ethanol injection method. Optimized oleosomes had nanometric particle size (157.6 nm), negative zeta potential (- 85.2 mv), and high entrapment efficiency (95.56%). Ex vivo studies on human skin revealed that oleosomes displayed 2.3-folds higher permeation and 4.5-folds more deposition through the human skin compared to drug suspension. Results endorsed SC oleosomes as suitable topical treatment of PPE providing ameliorated sildenafil permeability in addition to acting as a reservoir for gradual release of the drug. Graphical abstract.