Triterpenoid corosolic acid attenuates HIF-1 stabilization upon cobalt (II) chloride-induced hypoxia in A549 human lung epithelial cancer cells

Toxicity of bioactive compounds from Halocnemum strobilaceum against A549 lung cancer cells

This study investigates the toxicity of bioactive compounds isolated from the halophytic plant Halocnemum strobilaceum against A549 lung cancer cells. Sequential extraction using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol yielded various fractions, with the petroleum ether extract demonstrating the highest cytotoxicity. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation techniques, including vacuum liquid chromatography and column chromatography, three compounds were identified: (1) Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, (2) isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, and (3) quercetin-3-glucoside. The cytotoxic effects of these compounds were assessed using the MTT assay, revealing significant toxicity on A549 cells, with quercetin-3-glucoside exhibiting 78% cytotoxicity and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside showing 69% cytotoxicity at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. These findings suggest that the toxic effects of H. strobilaceum may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, known for their antioxidant and free-radical scavenging capabilities. This highlights the potential of H. strobilaceum as a source of novel anti-cancer agents, warranting further studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action and explore therapeutic applications.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with metformin and digoxin synergistically inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cells through suppression of NOTCH-1 and HIF-1α gene expression

This study investigated the potential anticancer efficacy of co-treating the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) loaded with metformin (Met) and digoxin (Dig). The Cs NPs had a size range of 90.6-148.7 nm and a zeta potential of +11.7 to +11.9 mV, indicating a positive surface charge. Notably, the Cs NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiencies, with values of 90.97 ± 5.14 % for Met and 92.12 ± 3.81 % for Dig, indicating effective loading of both drugs. The results revealed that the co-delivery of Met and Dig via Cs NPs significantly enhanced the anticancer efficacy, outperforming the treatment with individual free drugs or their combination, thereby demonstrating the potential benefits of nanoparticle-mediated co-administration. The drugs-loaded Cs NPs induced a marked increase in apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, with a cell death rate of 67.56 %, and significantly reduced mammosphere size by 48.08 %, thereby demonstrating a superior therapeutic efficacy compared to treatment with individual free drugs or their combination. Notably, the drug-loaded Cs NPs exhibited potent anti-migratory and anti-angiogenic effects, significantly inhibiting cell migration and new blood vessel formation, which may contribute to overcoming the inherent resistance of tumors to conventional therapies. Mechanistically, the co-treatment with drugs-loaded Cs NPs was found to downregulate the expression of NOTCH-1 and HIF-1α, two key transcription factors involved in tumor cell survival and adaptation, suggesting that their inhibition is a crucial component of the therapeutic efficacy of this treatment strategy. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that the co-delivery of Met and Dig via chitosan Cs NPs represents a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer, as it effectively targets key pathways involved in tumor growth and progression, and underscores the potential of Cs NPs as a versatile platform for cancer therapy.

Combination of Carbonic Anhydrase Isoform IX Inhibitors and Gefitinib Suppresses on the Invasive Potential of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Human carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) plays a key role in maintaining pH homeostasis of malignant neoplasms, thus creating a favorable microenvironment for the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. Recent studies have established that inhibition of CAIX expressed on the surface of tumor cells significantly increases the efficacy of classical chemotherapeutic agents and makes it possible to suppress the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy, as well as to increase their sensitivity to drugs (in particular, to reduce the required dose of cytostatic agents). In this work, we studied the ability of new CAIX inhibitors based on substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole-containing primary aromatic sulfonamides, to potentiate the cytostatic effect of gefitinib (selective inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase domain) under hypoxic conditions. We investigated a combined effect of gefitinib and CAIX inhibitors 4-(3-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)thiophene-2-sulfonamide (1), 4-(5-(thiophene-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide (2), 4-(3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)thiophene-2-sulfonamide (3), and 4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide (4) on gefitinib cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, activation of caspases-3/7, and cell cycle control in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. It was found that the combinations of compounds 1 and 2 with gefitinib suppressed the invasive potential of A549 cells. Compound 1 had the greatest effect and can be considered as a promising candidate for further research.

A triterpenoid (corosolic acid) ameliorated AOM-mediated aberrant crypt foci in rats: modulation of Bax/PCNA, antioxidant and inflammatory mechanisms

Corosolic acid (CA) is a well-known natural pentacyclic triterpene found in numerous therapeutic plants that can exhibit many bioactivities including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor actions. The current investigation explores the chemoprotective roles of CA against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were grouped in 5 cages; Group A, normal control rats inoculated subcutaneously (sc) with two doses of normal saline and fed orally on 10% tween 20; Groups B-E received two doses (sc) of azoxymethane in two weeks and treated with either 10% tween 20 (group B) or two intraperitoneal injections of 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil each week for one month (group C), while group D and E treated with 30 and 60 mg/kg, respectively, for 2 months. The toxicity results showed lack of any behavioral abnormalities or mortality in rats ingested with up-to 500 mg/kg of CA. The present AOM induction caused a significant initiation of ACF characterized by an increased number, larger in size, and well-matured tissue clusters in cancer controls. AOM inoculation created a bizarrely elongated nucleus, and strained cells, and significantly lowered the submucosal glands in colon tissues of cancer controls compared to 5-FU or CA-treated rats. CA treatment led to significant suppression of ACF incidence, which could be mediated by its modulatory effects on the immunohistochemical proteins (pro-apoptotic (Bax) and reduced PCNA protein expressions in colon tissues). Moreover, CA-treated rats had improved oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity indicated by increased endogenous antioxidants (SOD and CAT) and reduced lipid peroxidation indicators (MDA). In addition, CA ingestion (30 and 60 mg/kg) suppressed the inflammatory cascades, indicated by decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines consequently preventing further tumor development. CA treatment maintained liver and kidney functions in rats exposed to AOM cytotoxicity. CA could be a viable alternative for the treatment of oxidative-related human disorders including ACF.

A rapid protocol for synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles with ideal physicochemical features

In this research, an innovative protocol is introduced to address crucial deficiencies in the formulation of chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs). While NPs show potential in drug delivery systems (DDSs), their application in the clinic is hindered by various drawbacks, such as toxicity, high material costs, and time-consuming and challenging preparation procedures. Within polymer-based NPs, Cs is a plentiful natural substance derived from the deacetylation of chitin, which can be sourced from the shells of shrimp or crab. Cs NPs can be formulated using the ionic gelation technique, which involves the use of a negatively charged agent, such as tripolyphosphate (TPP), as a crosslinking agent. Even though Cs is a cost-effective and biocompatible material, the formulation of Cs NPs with the correct size and surface electrical charge (zeta potential) presents a persistent challenge. In this study, various techniques were employed to analyze the prepared Cs NPs. The size and surface charge of the NPs were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Morphological analysis was conducted using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The chemical composition and formation of Cs NPs were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The stability analysis was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Lastly, the biocompatibility of the NPs was assessed through cell cytotoxicity evaluation using the MTT assay. Moreover, here, 11 formulations with different parameters such as reaction pH, Cs:TPP ratio, type of Cs/TPP, and ultrasonication procedure were prepared. Formulation 11 was chosen as the optimized formulation based on its high stability of more than three months, biocompatibility, nanosize of 75.6 ± 18.24 nm, and zeta potential of +26.7 mV. To conclude, the method described here is easy and reproducible and can be used for facile preparation of Cs NPs with desirable physicochemical characteristics and engineering ideal platforms for drug delivery purposes.

Corosolic acid delivered by exosomes from Eriobotrya japonica decreased pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasion by inducing SAT1-mediated ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

In this study, we investigated whether Exo regulate the proliferation and invasion of PC.

METHODS

In this study, we isolated the Eriobotrya japonica Exo using Ultra-high speed centrifugal method. Mass spectrum were used for Exo active components analysis. PC (Capan-1 and Bxpc-3) cells proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were detected using CCK8, ethynyldeoxyuridine, transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry analyses. We also constructed a lung metastatic mouse model and subcutaneous tumor model to illustrate the regulation effect of Exo or active components. Proteomics were used to reveal the regulatory mechanism responsible for the observed effects.

RESULTS

We isolated Eriobotrya japonica Exo and found that Exo treatment significantly suppressed cell migration and proliferation in both in vivo and in vitro using Capan-1. Mass spectrum for Exo active components analysis found that Exo contains high amounts of corosolic acid (CRA). The further study found that CRA treatment inhibit the proliferation, migration, and increased cell death of both Capan-1 and Bxpc-3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo experiments confirmed that CRA inhibited pulmonary metastasis by decreasing the number of metastatic foci. Cell proteomics analysis showed that CRA treatment induced spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1)-dependent ferroptosis. Treatment with the ferroptosis suppressor ferrostatin-1 significantly reversed CRA-induced cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

The data suggested that corosolic acid delivered by exosomes from Eriobotrya japonica decreased pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasion by inducing SAT1-mediated ferroptosis.

Anticancer properties of curcumin-treated Lactobacillus plantarum against the HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Probiotic bacteria with functions of importance to the health and well-being of the host exhibit various medicinal properties including anti-proliferative properties against cancer cells. There are observations demonstrating probiotic bacteria and their metabolomics can be different in various populations with different eating habits. Here, Lactobacillus plantarum was treated with curcumin (the major compound of turmeric), and its resistance to the curcumin was determined. After then the cell-free supernatants of untreated bacteria (CFS) and bacteria treated with curcumin (cur-CFS) were isolated and their anti-proliferative properties against HT-29 colon cancer cells were compared. The ability of L. plantarum treated with curcumin to combat a variety of pathogenic bacterial species and its ability to survive in acidic conditions were evidence that the probiotic properties of the bacterium were unaffected by the curcumin treatment. L. plantarum treated with curcumin and intact L. plantarum were both able to live in acidic conditions, according to the results of the resistance to low pH test. The MTT result showed that CFS and cur-CFS dose-dependently decreased the growth of HT29 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 181.7 and 116.3 µL/mL at 48 h, respectively. Morphological alteration of DAPI-stained cells also exhibited significant fragmentation in the chromatin within the nucleus of cur-CFS-treated cells compared to CFS-treated HT29 cells. Moreover, flow cytometry analyses of apoptosis and cell cycle confirmed DAPI staining and MTT assay results and stipulated the increased occurrence of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cur-CFS-treated cells (~ 57.65%) compared to CFS-treated cells (~ 47%). These results were more confirmed with qPCR and exhibited the upregulation of Caspase 9-3 and BAX genes, and downregulation of the BCL-2 gene in cur-CFS- and CFS-treated cells. In conclusion, turmeric spice and curcumin may affect the metabolomics of probiotics in intestinal flora which could subsequently influence their anticancer properties.

Anti-COVID-19 and antidiabetic activities of new oleanane and ursane-type triterpenoids from Salvia grossheimii: an in-silico approach

Salvia grossheimii is a perennial herb with antidiabetic and cytotoxic constituents. In continuation of our study on S. grosshiemii to identify the bioactive phytochemicals, we have reported the characterization of seven undescribed triterpenoids. The aerial parts of the plant were extracted in dichloromethane and its constituents were isolated using chromatography techniques. The structures of compounds were identified using 1D, 2D NMR, and ESI-MS spectral data. Seven new oleanane- and ursane-type triterpenoids (1-7) were identified in S. grossheimii. The structures of 1-7 were characterized as; 2α-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-olean-9(11),12-diene (1), 2α-acetoxy-3β-hydroxy-olean-9(11),12-diene (2), 3β-acetoxy-olean-18-ene,2α,11α-diol (3), 2α-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-urs-9(11),12-diene (4), 2α-acetoxy-3β-hydroxy-urs-9(11),12-diene (5), 2α,3β-diacetoxy-urs-12-ene-11α,20β-diol (6), 2α,3β-diacetoxy-urs-9(11),12-diene-20β-ol (7). Triterpenoids (2, 5, and 7) were intramolecular transesterification or dehydration products of their corresponding isomers or allylic alcohol in the C rings, respectively, produced in-situ during NMR spectroscopy. Virtual screening of 1-7 was performed with molecular docking analysis to identify the potential SARS-CoV-2 and α-glucosidase inhibitors using the smina molecular docking algorithm. The best binding energy values (kcal/mol) against COVID-19 main protease M^pro were calculated for 6 (-8.77) and 7 (-8.68), and the higher binding affinities toward human α-glucosidase were obtained for 2 (-9.39) and 6 (-8.63). This study suggests S. grossheimii as a rich source of bioactive triterpenoids and introduces new natural compounds. Considering the high binding energy values of 2, 6, and 7, these structures could be candidates for anti-COVID-19 and antidiabetic drug development in the future.

A nitroreductase-responsive near-infrared phototheranostic probe for in vivo imaging of tiny tumor and photodynamic therapy

The hypoxia-activated and nitroreductase-responsive phototheranostic probe has been developed by incorporating a nitro group into a hemicyanine fluorophore. The probe displays extremely sensitive and selective near-infrared fluorescence enhancement to nitroreductase with the detection limit of 2.10 ng/mL. The detection mechanism relies on the nitroreductase-catalyzed reduction of the nitro group to an amino group, along with the generation of the fluorophore. The availability of the probe in fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy was demonstrated at cellular level and in vivo. The probe can image endogenous nitroreductase and the hypoxia status of living cells. The probe also exhibits significant phototoxicity to hypoxia tumor cells under the 660 nm laser irradiation. More importantly, the probe has been successfully utilized in imaging tiny tumor (about 6 mm³) and tumor photodynamic therapy in vivo. The proposed probe integrates accurate near-infrared fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy into the same molecule, which probably become a promising agent in the early diagnosis and therapy of tumors.

Acriflavine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: preparation, physicochemical characterization, and anti-proliferative properties

Acriflavine (ACF) is an antiseptic compound with the potential antitumor activity which is used for the fluorescent staining of RNA due to its dominant fluorescent emission at ∼515 nm. Here, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing ACF (ACF-SLNs) were prepared and their physicochemical properties, potential geno/cytotoxicity, as well as the fluorescent properties were investigated. FITC-annexin V/PI staining and cell cycle assays were carried out to find the type of cellular death caused. Particle size analysis and SEM images revealed that spherical ACF-SLNs had a homogeneous dispersion with a mean diameter of 106 ± 5.7 nm. Drug loading (DL) of 31.25 ± 4.21 mg/mL and high encapsulation efficiency (EE%) (89.75 ± 5.44) were found. ACF-SLNs physically were relatively stable in terms of dispersion, size, and EE. The uptake study demonstrated the potential use of fluorescent ACF-SLNs in bio-distribution studies. MTT assay showed that plain ACF could induce growth inhibition of A549 cells with IC50 of 8.5, 6, and 4.5 μMol after 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively, while ACF-SLNs had stable cytotoxic effects after 48 hours. ACF-SLNs induced remarkable apoptosis and even necrosis after 48 h. Conclusively, ACF-SLNs with acceptable physicochemical features showed increased bioimpacts after 48 h compared to plain ACF.

Drp-1-Dependent Mitochondrial Fragmentation Contributes to Cobalt Chloride-Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Excess cobalt may lead to metallosis, characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, visual, and cognitive impairment, and peripheral neuropathy. In the present study, we sought to address the molecular mechanisms of cobalt-induced neurotoxicity, using Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental model. Exposure to cobalt chloride for 2 h significantly decreased the survival rate and lifespan in nematodes. Cobalt chloride exposure led to increased oxidative stress and upregulation of glutathione S-transferase 4. Consistently, its upstream regulator skn-1, a mammalian homolog of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, was activated. Among the mRNAs examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions, apoptotic activator egl-1, proapoptotic gene ced-9, autophagic (bec-1 and lgg-1), and mitochondrial fission regulator drp-1 were significantly upregulated upon cobalt exposure, concomitant with mitochondrial fragmentation, as determined by confocal microscopy. Moreover, drp-1 inhibition suppressed the cobalt chloride-induced reactive oxygen species generation, growth defects, and reduced mitochondrial fragmentation. Our novel findings suggest that the acute toxicity of cobalt is mediated by mitochondrial fragmentation and drp-1 upregulation.

Sclareol Inhibits Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Accumulation and Induces Apoptosis in Hypoxic Cancer Cells

Purpose: The hypoxia in solid tumors is associated with the resistance to chemo/radiotherapy. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a key role in cell remodeling to hypoxia. Therefore, the inhibition of HIF-1 accumulation is considered a hopeful strategy for the treatment of cancer. Here, we aimed to evaluate the geno- and cytotoxicity properties of sclareol, a natural bicyclic diterpene alcohol, on A549 cells in CoCl₂-induced hypoxia.

Methods: The cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing properties of sclareol on the A549 cell were evaluated using MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively in hypoxia. DAPI staining, DNA ladder, and comet assay were used to evaluate the genotoxicity. Further, the qPCR technique was employed to assess the expression of HIF-1α, HIF-1β, and downstream target genes (GluT1, and Eno1). Finally, the level of HIF-1α protein was evaluated through Western blotting in sclareol-treated cells in hypoxia.

Results: The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of sclareol against A549 cells was 8 μg/mL at 48 hours in hypoxia. The genotoxicity of sclareol was confirmed in the cells treated with sclareol in hypoxia. Sclareol induced ~46% apoptosis and also necrosis in the hypoxic condition. The qPCR analyses showed an enhanced suppression of HIF-1α, HIF-1β, GluT1, and Eno1 due to the sclareol treatment in the hypoxia. Moreover, protein quantification analysis showed dose-dependently degradation of HIF-1α in hypoxia upon treatment with sclareol.

Conclusion: The results obtained here indicate that sclareol possesses dose-dependent cytotoxicity effects against A549 cells in hypoxia through inhibition of HIF-1α protein accumulation, increasing cell sensitivity to intracellular oxygen levels, and disruption of cell adaptation to hypoxia.

Biological effects of corosolic acid as an anti-inflammatory, anti-metabolic syndrome and anti-neoplasic natural compound

Accumulating evidence has indicated that corosolic acid exerts anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-viral effects. More importantly, corosolic acid has recently attracted much attention due to its anticancer properties and innocuous effects on normal cells. Furthermore, the increasing proportion of obese and/or diabetic populations has led to an epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which frequently progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Evidence has indicated that NAFLD is closely associated with the development of HCC and comprises a high risk factor. The present review summarizes the anticancer effects of corosolic acid in vitro and in vivo, and its related molecular mechanisms. It also describes the inhibitory effects of corosolic acid on the progression of NAFLD and its associated molecular mechanisms, providing guidance for future research on corosolic acid in NAFLD-related HCC prevention and treatment. To the best of our knowledge, a review of corosolic acid as an anticancer agent has not yet been reported. Due to its multitargeted activity in cancer cells, corosolic acid exerts anticancer effects when administered alone, and acts synergistically when administered with chemotherapeutic drugs, even in drug-resistant cells. In addition, as a novel tool to treat metabolic syndromes, corosolic acid uses the same mechanism in its action against cancer as that used in the progression of NAFLD-related HCC. Therefore, corosolic acid has been suggested as an agent for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD-related HCC.

Differential susceptibility of PC12 and BRL cells and the regulatory role of HIF-1α signaling pathway in response to acute methylmercury exposure under normoxia

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a critical nuclear transcription factor for adaptation to hypoxia; its regulatable subunit, HIF-1α, is a cytoprotective regulatory factor. We examined the effects of methylmercury (MeHg) in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and the rat hepatocyte cell line BRL. MeHg treatment led to time- and concentration-dependent toxicity in both lines with statistically significant cytotoxic effects at 5 μM and 10 μM in PC12 and BRL, respectively, at 0.5 h. HIF-1α protein levels were significantly decreased at 2.5 (PC12) and 5 (BRL) μM MeHg. Furthermore, MeHg reduced the protein levels of HIF-1α and its target genes (glucose transporter-1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A and erythropoietin). Overexpression of HIF-1α significantly attenuated MeHg-induced toxicity in both cell types. Notably, cobalt chloride, a pharmacological inducer of HIF-1α, significantly attenuated MeHg-induced toxicity in BRL but not PC12. In both cell lines, an inhibitor of prolyl hydroxylase, 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and the proteasome inhibitor carbobenzoxy-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-L-leucinal(MG132), antagonized MeHg toxicity, while 2-methoxyestradiol, a HIF-1α inhibitor, significantly increased it. These data establish that: (a) neuron-like PC12 cells are more sensitive to MeHg than non-neuronal BRL cells; (b) HIF-1α plays a similar role in MeHg-induced toxicity in both cell lines; and (c) upregulation of HIF-1α offers general cytoprotection against MeHg toxicity in PC12 and BRL cell lines.

Triterpenoids isolated from Jatropha macrantha (Müll. Arg.) inhibit the NF-κB and HIF-1α pathways in tumour cells

Activity-guided fractionations of Jatropha macrantha Müll. Arg. led to the isolation of pomolic acid (1) and euscaphic acid (2). The potential for inhibition against NF-κB and HIF-1α production of these two compounds was tested in different tumour cell lines. Compounds 1 and 2 showed an inhibitory activity of HIF-1α in the SK-MEL-28 (IC₅₀=3.01 ± 0.02 μM and 3.78 ± 0.02 μM), A549 (IC₅₀=9.97 ± 0.01 μM and 10.25 ± 0.01 μM) and U-373 MG (IC₅₀=6.34 ± 0.02 μM and 8.85 ± 0.02 μM) cell lines. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 showed an inhibitory activity on NF-κB in SK-MEL-28 (IC₅₀=1.05 ± 0.02 μM and 2.71 ± 0.01 μM), A549 (IC₅₀=3.63 ± 0.01 μM and 3.73 ± 0.02 μM) and U-373 MG (IC₅₀=2.55 ± 0.02 μM and 3.39 ± 0.01 μM) cell lines. This is the first report that isolates these compounds from J. macrantha and tests their antitumor potential.

A bio-inspired magnetic natural hydrogel containing gelatin and alginate as a drug delivery system for cancer chemotherapy

This study aimed to design and development of a magnetic natural hydrogel based on alginate (Alg), gelatin (Gel), and Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as an efficient and "smart" drug delivery system (DDS) for cancer therapy. First, Alg was partially oxidized (OAlg), and then the Alg-Gel chemical hydrogel was synthesized through "Shift-Base" condensation reaction. Afterward, Fe₃O₄ NPs were incorporated into the hydrogel through in situ chemical co-precipitation approach. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image exhibited that the fabricated Alg-Gel hydrogel has porous microstructure without microphase separation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the well-defined formation of Fe₃O₄ NPs throughout the Alg-Gel hydrogel with spherical shapes in the size range of 25 ± 10 nm. Saturation magnetization (δ_s) value of the Alg-Gel/Fe₃O₄ was obtained to be 31 emu g^-1 that represent proper magnetic property for "smart" drug delivery purposes. The obtained Alg-Gel/Fe₃O₄ was loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox), and its drug loading and encapsulation efficiencies as well as its anticancer activity was investigated against Hela cells. The formulated Alg-Gel/Fe₃O₄-Dox exhibited pH-dependent drug release behavior due to presence of carboxylic acid groups in the DDS. According to the results, the Alg-Gel/Fe₃O₄ magnetic hydrogel can be considered as an efficient and "smart" DDS for cancer therapy and diagnosis.

Antisense LNA-loaded nanoparticles of star-shaped glucose-core PCL-PEG copolymer for enhanced inhibition of oncomiR-214 and nucleolin-mediated therapy of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells

We aimed to inhibit overexpressed oncomiR-214 in cisplatin (CIS)-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) and perform targeted therapy of sensitized cells using a novel polymeric drug delivery system (DDS). A system of nanoparticles (NPs) of star-shaped glucose-core polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol (Glu-PCL-PEG) block copolymer containing cisplatin (CIS-PCL NPs) and locked nucleic acid (LNA) anti-miR-214 (LNA-PCL NPs) were prepared and anti-nucleolin aptamer was conjugated to the surface of prepared NPs to prepare Ap-CIS-PCL NPs and Ap-LNA-PCL NPs, respectively. The cancer-targeting ability of the NPs was confirmed and the CIS-resistant A2780 (A2780 R) cells were transfected with Ap-LNA-PCL NPs to inhibit oncomiR-214 and sensitize the cells to CIS. Next, the miR-214-inhibited cells were exposed to the Ap-CIS-NPs and the deracination efficiency of targeted DDS was evaluated. The oncomiR-214 in A2780 R cells were harnessed by Ap-LNA-PCL NPs, and nucleolin-mediated endocytosis of targeted polymeric DDSs containing CIS into miR-214-inhibited A2780 R cells caused enhanced apoptosis, which was further confirmed by apoptosis detection and evaluation of downstream genes expression. Targeted inhibition of miR-214 using the developed NPs containing LNA can decrease drug-resistant properties of cancer cells and may enhance the efficiency of targeted DDSs.