In vivo antitumor effect of cromolyn in PEGylated liposomes for pancreatic cancer

S100A13-driven interaction between pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes tumor progression through calcium signaling

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) tumor microenvironment (TME), where they promote tumor progression and metastasis through immunosuppressive functions. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the crosstalk between cancer cells and CAFs, many underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of calcium signaling in enhancing interactions between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma, with the S100 family of proteins serving as important regulators. While the roles of some S100 proteins have been extensively studied, others, such as S100A13, remain less well understood.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis was employed to predict the pathogenic potential of CAFs and S100A13. Stable S100A13 knockdown CAFs were generated using a short hairpin RNA system. Cellular viability and apoptosis rates were evaluated through CCK-8 and flow cytometry tests, respectively. Additionally, the wound healing and migration assays were conducted to assess the invasive and metastatic capabilities. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify differential gene expression and associated signaling pathways in PAAD cells derived from an indirect culture system. Furthermore, the protumoral role of S100A13 in PAAD was further verified using both 3D bioprinting and cell line-based xenograft tumor models.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified a strong association between S100A13, a calcium-binding protein, and CAFs in PAAD. Gene expression analysis revealed that S100A13 was highly expressed in CAFs and correlated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of S100A13 in CAFs reduced the metastatic potential of PAAD cells. In addition, S100A13 depletion impaired cell motility and calcium signaling pathways within the TME. Furthermore, silencing S100A13 in CAFs markedly slowed PAAD progression in both tumor spheroids and Balb/c nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our findings underscore the critical role of CAFs-derived S100A13 in PAAD progression and suggest that targeting S100A13 may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for PAAD.

Enhanced Pharmacokinetics of Celastrol via Long-Circulating Liposomal Delivery for Intravenous Administration

Background

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) involves prolonged inflammation of the synovium, damaging joints and causing stiffness and deformity. Celastrol (Cel), derived from the Chinese herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, offers immunosuppressive effects for RA treatment but is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability.

Purpose

In this study, long-circulating Cel-loaded liposomes (Cel-LPs) were used to increase the pharmacokinetics of Cel, thereby improving drug delivery and efficacy for the treatment of RA.

Methods

Cel-LPs were prepared and administered orally and intravenously to compare the elimination half-life of drugs and bioavailability of Cel. Cel-LPs were prepared using the lipid thin-layer-hydration-extrusion method. Human rheumatoid arthritis synovial (MH7A) cells were used to investigate the compatibility of Cel-LPs. The pharmacokinetic studies were performed on male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Results

The Cel-LPs had an average size of 72.20 ± 27.99 nm, a PDI of 0.267, a zeta potential of -31.60 ± 6.81 mV, 78.77 ± 5.69% drug entrapment efficiency and sustained release (5.83 ± 0.42% drug loading). The cytotoxicity test showed that liposomes had excellent biocompatibility and the fluorescence microscope diagram indicated that liposome entrapment increased intracellular accumulation of Rhodamine B by MH7A cells. Furthermore, the results exhibited that Cel-LPs improved the pharmacokinetics of Cel by increasing the elimination half-life (t1/2) to 11.71 hr, mean residence time (MRT(0-∞)) to 7.98 hr and apparent volume of distribution (Vz/F) to 44.63 L/kg in rats, compared to the Cel solution.

Conclusion

In this study, liposomes were demonstrated to be effective in optimizing the delivery of Cel, enabling the formulation of Cel-LPs with prolonged blood circulation and sustained release characteristics. This formulation enhanced the intravenous solubility and bioavailability of Cel, developing a foundation for its clinical application in RA and providing insights on poorly soluble drug management.

Conquering chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer: Exploring novel drug therapies and delivery approaches amidst desmoplasia and hypoxia

Pancreatic cancer poses a significant challenge within the field of oncology due to its aggressive behaviour, limited treatment choices, and unfavourable outlook. With a mere 10% survival rate at the 5-year mark, finding effective interventions becomes even more pressing. The intricate relationship between desmoplasia and hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment further complicates matters by promoting resistance to chemotherapy and impeding treatment efficacy. The dense extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts characteristic of desmoplasia create a physical and biochemical barrier that impedes drug penetration and fosters an immunosuppressive milieu. Concurrently, hypoxia nurtures aggressive tumor behaviour and resistance to conventional therapies. a comprehensive exploration of emerging medications and innovative drug delivery approaches. Notably, advancements in nanoparticle-based delivery systems, local drug delivery implants, and oxygen-carrying strategies are highlighted for their potential to enhance drug accessibility and therapeutic outcomes. The integration of these strategies with traditional chemotherapies and targeted agents reveals the potential for synergistic effects that amplify treatment responses. These emerging interventions can mitigate desmoplasia and hypoxia-induced barriers, leading to improved drug delivery, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes in pancreatic cancer. This review article delves into the dynamic landscape of emerging anticancer medications and innovative drug delivery strategies poised to overcome the challenges imposed by desmoplasia and hypoxia in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Promising anticancer activity of cromolyn in colon cancer: in vitro and in vivo analysis

PURPOSE

Colon cancer is a prevalent cancer globally, representing approximately 10% of all cancer cases and accounting for 10% of all cancer-related deaths. Therefore, finding new therapeutic methods with high efficiency will be very valuable. Cromolyn (C), a common anti-allergic and mast cell membrane stabilizing drug, has recently shown valuable anti-cancer effects in several studies. This study was designed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of cromolyn on colon cancer in vitro and in vivo and to determine values such as selectivity index and survival effect.

METHODS

HT-29 (colon cancer) and MCF-10 (normal epithelial) cell lines were treated with C and Doxorubicin (DOX; Positive control). IC50 values and the effects of C and DOX on apoptosis were explored using methyl thiazole diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin V/PI Apoptosis Assay Kit. To investigate in an animal study, colon cancer was subcutaneously induced by CT26 cells (mouse colon cancer) in bulb/c mice. Mice were treated with 0.05 LD50 intraperitoneal every other day for 35 days. After the death of mice, tumor volume, tumor weight, and survival rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

C selectively and significantly suppressed the proliferation of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values for the MCF-10 and HT29 cell lines were 7.33 ± 0.78 μM and 2.33 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Notably, the selective index (SI) highlighted that C displayed greater selectivity in inhibiting cancer cell growth compared to DOX, with SI values of 3.15 and 2.60, respectively. C exhibited higher effectiveness and selectivity in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells compared to DOX, with a significant p-value (61% vs. 52%, P-value ≤ 0.0001). Also, in mice bearing colon cancer, C reduced the tumor volume (6317 ± 1685mm3) and tumor weight (9.8 ± 1.6 g) compared to the negative control group (weight 12.45 ± 0.9 g; volume 7346 ± 1077) but these values were not statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that cromolyn is a selective and strong drug in inhibiting the proliferation of colon cancer cells. Based on our results, the efficacy of C in vitro analysis (MTT assays and apoptosis), as well as animal studies is competitive with the FDA-approved drug doxorubicin. C is very promising as a low-complication and good-efficacy drug for cancer drug repositioning. This requires clinical research study designs to comprehensively evaluate its anti-cancer effects.

Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting CAFs: A Promising Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Currently, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. PC is typically diagnosed at a late stage, exhibits a poor response to conventional treatment, and has a bleak prognosis. Unfortunately, PC's survival rate has not significantly improved since the 1960s. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). They play a vital role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and facilitating the intricate communication between cancer cells and infiltrated immune cells. Exploring therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs may reverse the current landscape of PC therapy. In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have evolved rapidly and have been able to accurately target and precisely release drugs with little or no toxicity to the whole body. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the origin, heterogeneity, potential targets, and recent advances in the nano-drug delivery system of CAFs in PC. We will also propose a novel integrated treatment regimen that utilizes a nano-drug delivery system to target CAFs in PC, combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we will address the challenges that this regimen currently faces.

Liposomal nanostructures for Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel delivery in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an incurable disease with a high death rate in the world nowadays. Gemcitabine (GEM) and Paclitaxel (PTX) are considered as references of chemotherapeutic treatments and are commonly used in clinical applications. Factors related to the tumor microenvironment such as insufficient tumor penetration, toxicity, and drug resistance can limit the effectiveness of these therapeutic anticancer drugs. The use of different liposomal nanostructures is a way that can optimize the drug's effectiveness and reduce toxicity. Given the development of PC therapy, this review focuses on advances in Nano-formulation, characterization, and delivery systems of loaded GEM and PTX liposomes using chemotherapy, nucleic acid delivery, and stroma remodeling therapy. As a result, the review covers the literature dealing with the applications of liposomes in PC therapy.

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles: a custom-tailored next-generation approach for cancer therapeutics

Lipid-based polymeric nanoparticles are the highly popular carrier systems for cancer drug therapy. But presently, detailed investigations have revealed their flaws as drug delivery carriers. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are advanced core-shell nanoconstructs with a polymeric core region enclosed by a lipidic layer, presumed to be derived from both liposomes and polymeric nanounits. This unique concept is of utmost importance as a combinable drug delivery platform in oncology due to its dual structured character. To add advantage and restrict one's limitation by other, LPHNPs have been designed so to gain number of advantages such as stability, high loading of cargo, increased biocompatibility, rate-limiting controlled release, and elevated drug half-lives as well as therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing their drawbacks. The outer shell, in particular, can be functionalized in a variety of ways with stimuli-responsive moieties and ligands to provide intelligent holding and for active targeting of antineoplastic medicines, transport of genes, and theragnostic. This review comprehensively provides insight into recent substantial advancements in developing strategies for treating various cancer using LPHNPs. The bioactivity assessment factors have also been highlighted with a discussion of LPHNPs future clinical prospects.

Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Crizotinib-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Using Box-Behnken Design in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

The goal of the study was to produce, optimize, characterize, and compare crizotinib-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CL-LPHNPs), representing a novel contribution to the existing literature, and to determine their anticancer activity in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effect of three independent variables: polymer amount (X1), soy phosphatidylcholine (X2), and DSPE-PEG (X3), on three responses: particle size (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2), and zeta potential (Y3). Different parameters were evaluated on the optimized LPHNP formulations such as encapsulation efficiency, drug release study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image analysis, and in vitro cell evaluations. The mean particle size of the optimized formulation is between 120 and 220 nm with a PDI< 0.2 and a zeta potential of -10 to -15 mV. The encapsulation efficiency values of crizotinib-loaded PLGA-LPHNPs (CL-PLGA-LPHNPs) and crizotinib-loaded PCL-LPHNPs (CL-PCL-LPHNPs) were 79.25±0.07% and 70.93±1.81%, respectively. Drug release study of CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs showed a controlled and sustained release pattern as a result of core-shell type. Additionally, after 48 h, CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs significantly reduced the viability of NCI-H2228 cells compared to free crizotinib. Moreover, CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs exhibited a significant decrease in RAS, RAF, MEK, and ERK gene/protein expression levels after 48-h incubation. In conclusion, this pioneering study introduces lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles containing crizotinib as a novel treatment approach, uniting the advantages of a polymeric core and a lipid shell. The successful formulation optimization using Box-Behnken design yielded nanoparticles with adjustable size, remarkable stability, high drug loading, and a customizable drug release profile. Extensive investigations of key parameters, including particle size, PDI, ZP, TEM analysis, drug release, EE%, and in vitro evaluations, validate the potential of these nanoparticles. Moreover, the examination of two different polymers, PLGA and PCL, highlights their distinct impacts on nanoparticle performance. This research opens up new prospects for advanced therapeutic interventions with lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles.

S100s and HMGB1 Crosstalk in Pancreatic Cancer Tumors

Pancreatic cancer remains a disease that is very difficult to treat. S100 proteins are small calcium binding proteins with diverse intra- and extracellular functions that modulate different aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth and metastasis. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a multifaceted protein that also actively influences the development and progression of tumors. In this study, we investigate the possible correlations, at the transcript level, between S100s and HMGB1 in pancreatic cancer. For this purpose, we calculated Pearson's correlations between the transcript levels of 13 cancer-related S100 genes and HMGB1 in a cDNA array containing 19 pancreatic cancer tumor samples, and in 8 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Statistically significant positive correlations were found in 5.5% (5 out of 91) and 37.4% (34 of 91) of the possible S100/S100 or S100/HMGB1 pairs in cells and tumors, respectively. Our data suggest that many S100 proteins crosstalk in pancreatic tumors either with other members of the S100 family, or with HMGB1. These newly observed interdependencies may be used to further the characterization of pancreatic tumors based on S100 and HMGB1 transcription profiles.

Microfluidic fabrication of photo-responsive Ansamitocin P-3 loaded liposomes for the treatment of breast cancer

Ansamitocin P-3 (AP-3) is a promising anticancer agent. However, its low solubility has limited its biomedical applications. The preparation of liposomal formulations for the delivery of low solubility drugs using the microfluidic platform has attracted increasing attention in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and efficient strategy for the treatment of cancers, making photodynamic liposomes one of the most promising drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this study, a recently developed microfluidic device (swirl mixer) was used for the manufacturing of temperature-sensitive liposomes (TSL) that can be activated by near-infrared stimulation for the treatment of breast cancer. Changing the processing parameters of the microfluidic system allowed for optimizing the properties of the produced liposomes (e.g., particle size and size distribution). For the first time, the anticancer drug AP-3 and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) were encapsulated into TSL (AP-3/ICG@TSL) during microfluidic processing. The results show that AP-3/ICG@TSL are biocompatible and can significantly reduce the toxicity of AP-3 to normal tissues. After infrared laser irradiation, the heat generated from ICG not only resulted in the cancer cell toxicity, but also facilitated the release of AP-3 in tumor cells. AP-3/ICG@TSL with infrared laser irradiation was found to be able to significantly inhibit the growth of MCF-7 multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) in vitro and MCF-7 tumors subcutaneously inoculated in nude mice as an in vivo model. In addition, it also showed no signs of damage to other organs. The current results demonstrated that the AP-3/ICG@TSL fabricated using the microfluidic swirl mixer is a promising DDS for breast cancer therapy.

Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Zhubech, a New 5-FU Analog Liposomal Formulation, against Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030 in the US. The benefits of the most common systemic therapy for various pancreatic cancers have been masked by high drug toxicities, adverse reactions, and resistance. The use of nanocarriers such as liposomes to overcome these unwanted effects has become very popular. This study aims to formulate 1,3-bistertrahydrofuran-2yl-5FU (MFU)-loaded liposomal nanoparticles (Zhubech) and to evaluate itsstability, release kinetics, in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities, and biodistribution in different tissues. Particle size and zeta potential were determined using a particle size analyzer, while cellular uptake of rhodamine-entrapped liposomal nanoparticles (Rho-LnPs) was determined by confocal microscopy. Gadolinium hexanoate (Gd-Hex) was synthesized and entrapped into the liposomal nanoparticle (LnP) (Gd-Hex-LnP), as a model contrast agent, to evaluate gadolinium biodistribution and accumulation by LnPs in vivo using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean hydrodynamic diameters of blank LnPs and Zhubech were 90.0 ± 0.65 nm and 124.9 ± 3.2 nm, respectively. The hydrodynamic diameter of Zhubech was found to be highly stable at 4 °C and 25 °C for 30 days in solution. In vitro drug release of MFU from Zhubech formulation exhibited the Higuchi model (R2 value = 0.95). Both Miapaca-2 and Panc-1 treated with Zhubech showed reduced viability, two- or four-fold lower than that of MFU-treated cells in 3D spheroid (IC50Zhubech = 3.4 ± 1.0 μM vs. IC50MFU = 6.8 ± 1.1 μM) and organoid (IC50Zhubech = 9.8 ± 1.4 μM vs. IC50MFU = 42.3 ± 1.0 μM) culture models. Confocal imaging confirmed a high uptake of rhodamine-entrapped LnP by Panc-1 cells in a time-dependent manner. Tumor-efficacy studies in a PDX bearing mouse model revealed a more than 9-fold decrease in mean tumor volumes in Zhubech-treated (108 ± 13.5 mm3) compared to 5-FU-treated (1107 ± 116.2 mm3) animals, respectively. This study demonstrates that Zhubech may be a potential candidate for delivering drugs for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Liposome-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the harshest and most challenging cancers to treat, often labeled as incurable. Chemotherapy continues to be the most popular treatment yet yields a very poor prognosis. The main barriers such as inefficient drug penetration and drug resistance, have led to the development of drug carrier systems. The benefits, ease of fabrication and modification of liposomes render them as ideal future drug delivery systems. This review delves into the versatility of liposomes to achieve various mechanisms of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Not only are there benefits of loading chemotherapy drugs and targeting agents onto liposomes, as well as mRNA combined therapy, but liposomes have also been exploited for immunotherapy and can be programmed to respond to photothermal therapy. Multifunctional liposomal formulations have demonstrated significant pre-clinical success. Functionalising drug-encapsulated liposomes has resulted in triggered drug release, specific targeting, and remodeling of the tumor environment. Suppressing tumor progression has been achieved, due to their ability to more efficiently and precisely deliver chemotherapy. Currently, no multifunctional surface-modified liposomes are clinically approved for pancreatic cancer thus we aim to shed light on the trials and tribulations and progress so far, with the hope for liposomal therapy in the future and improved patient outcomes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Considering that conventional treatments for pancreatic cancer are highly associated with sub-optimal performance and systemic toxicity, the development of novel therapeutic strategies holds outmost relevance for pancreatic cancer management. Liposomes are being increasingly considered as promising nanocarriers for providing not only an early diagnosis but also effective, highly specific, and safer treatment, improving overall patient outcome. This manuscript is the first in the last 10 years that revises the advances in the application of liposome-based formulations in bioimaging, chemotherapy, phototherapy, immunotherapy, combination therapies, and emergent therapies for pancreatic cancer management. Prospective insights are provided regarding several advantages resulting from the use of liposome technology in precision strategies, fostering new ideas for next-generation diagnosis and targeted therapies of pancreatic cancer.

Liposomal Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Combined Chemo-Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) possesses unique advantages over other nanoparticles in the use of cancer imaging and therapy. Specifically, it has drawn great attention in the emerging research field of photothermal cancer therapy. Herein, we developed doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded liposomal IONP (Lipo-IONP/DOX) and evaluated in vitro and in vivo their applicability for combined chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. The Lipo-IONP was synthesized by the thin-film evaporation method. The prepared Lipo-IONP was observed as about a 240 nm-sized agglomerate of globular-shaped nanoparticles. The TEM and FT-IR data evidenced the successful formation of liposomal IONP. The superparamagnetic property of the Lipo-IONP was confirmed by the SQUID analysis. The DSC data showed a transition temperature of about 47-48 °C for the mixed lipids composing the Lipo IONP, and the DOX release studies revealed the feasibility of induced burst release of DOX by laser irradiation. The Lipo-IONP/DOX possessed a plasma half-life of 42 min, which could ensure sufficient circulation time for magnetic tumor targeting. The in vivo magnetic targeting enabled a significant increase (6.3-fold) in the tumor accumulation of Lipo-IONP/DOX, leading to greater photothermal effects. Finally, the preliminary efficacy study evidenced the applicability as well as the safety of the Lipo-IONP/DOX for use in combined chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. Overall, the study results demonstrated that the Lipo-IONP/DOX might serve as an effective and safe agent for combined chemo-photothermal cancer therapy.

Cromolyn chitosan nanoparticles reverse the DNA methylation of RASSF1A and p16 genes and mitigate DNMT1 and METTL3 expression in breast cancer cell line and tumor xenograft model in mice

BACKGROUND

Developing epigenetic drugs for breast cancer (BC) remains a novel therapeutic approach. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer emerging as an anticancer drug; its encapsulation in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) improves its effect and bioavailability. However, its effect on DNA and RNA methylation machineries has not been previously tackled.

METHODS

The possible anticancer effect of cromolyn CSNPs and its potential as an epigenetic drug was investigated in vitro using MCF-7 human BC cell line and in vivo using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-xenograft model in mice symbolizing murine mammary adenocarcinoma. Mice were injected with a single dose of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells subcutaneously for the induction of tumor mass, and then randomized into three groups: control, cromolyn CSNPs (equivalent to 5 mg cromolyn/kg, i.p.) and plain CSNPs twice/week for 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Cromolyn CSNPs showed prominent anticancer effect in MCF-7 cells by reducing the cell viability percent and enhancing DNA damage in the comet assay demonstrating its apoptotic actions. Mechanistically, cromolyn CSNPs influenced potential epigenetic processes through mitigating DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression, reversing the hypermethylation pattern of the tumor suppressor RASSF1A and p16 genes and attenuating the expression of the RNA N⁶-methyladenosine writer, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). Cromolyn CSNPs diminished ERK1/2 phosphorylation, a possible arm influencing DNMT1 expression. In vivo, cromolyn CSNPs lessened the tumor volume and halted DNMT1 and METTL3 expression in Ehrlich carcinoma mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Cromolyn CSNPs have the premise as an epigenetic drug through inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation/DNMT1/DNA methylation and possibly impacting the RNA methylation machinery via mitigating METTL3 expression.

A pharmacological approach assessing the role of mast cells in insulin infusion site inflammation

Background Extending the lifespan of subcutaneous insulin administration sets and infusion pumps requires overcoming unreliable insulin delivery induced by dermal reactions. All commercially available insulin formulations contain insulin phenolic preservatives (IPP), which stabilize the insulin molecule but result in unwanted cell and tissue toxicity. Mast cells, which are the first line of defense once the epithelium is breached, are particularly abundant beneath the skin surface. Thus, we hypothesize a sequence of events initiated by device insertion that activates skin mast cells (MC) that subsequently trigger neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage recruitment. The ensuing inflammatory response compromises effective insulin infusion therapy. Methods We employed a non-genetic, pharmacological approach to MC membrane stabilization using Cromolyn sodium (CS), which inhibits MC degranulation. These studies were conducted in our modified air pouch mouse model using non-diabetic and streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. We evaluated the impact of systemic CS through intraperitoneal injections, as well as the impact of local CS through co-infusion, on infusion catheter insertion and IPP-induced inflammation. Results CS at a concentration of 50 mg/kg minimized inflammation triggered in response to insulin phenolic preservatives present in standard insulin formulations. The resultant degree of tissue inflammation was comparable to that observed with saline injections. Conclusion Targeting MC has the potential to extend the longevity of insulin infusion sets by mitigating the inflammatory response. Future studies should be directed at employing other MC models, such as newer Cre/loxP mouse strains, to confirm the sentinel role of MC in insulin infusion therapy.

Long-Acting Paliperidone Parenteral Formulations Based on Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles; the Influence of Stabilizer and Chitosan on In Vitro Release, Protein Adsorption, and Cytotoxicity

Long-acting preparations containing the antipsychotic paliperidone for intramuscular injection has drawn considerable attention to achieve harmless long-term treatment. This study aimed to develop paliperidone loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles and investigate the influence of PCL/drug ratio, stabilizer type, and chitosan coating on physicochemical properties, protein adsorption, and cellular toxicity. Results showed that chitosan coating produced enlarged particle sizes, shifted the surface charges from negative into positive and did not influence encapsulation efficiencies. Chitosan coating relatively sustained the drug release especially in pluronic stabilized formulations. Pluronic F127 based formulations exhibited the least protein adsorption (384.3 μg/mL). Chitosan coating of Tween 80 and polyvinyl alcohol stabilized formulations significantly (p < 0.05) increased protein adsorption. Cellular viability was concentration-dependent and negatively affected by stabilizers. All formulations did not show cellular death at 1.56 μg/mL. Inflammatory responses and oxidative stress were less affected by Tween 80 compared with other stabilizers. Chitosan minimized all aspects of cellular toxicity. Collectively, stabilizer type and chitosan coating play critical roles in developing safe and effective long-acting PCL nanoparticles intended for parenteral drug delivery. The coated formulations containing Tween 80 and Pluronic F127 as stabilizers are warranted a future in vivo study to delineate its safety and efficacy profiles.

Preparation, Characterization, and Pharmacokinetic Study of a Novel Long-Acting Targeted Paclitaxel Liposome with Antitumor Activity

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. Chemotherapy to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells is considered to be the most important therapeutic strategy. The development of long-circulating PEG and targeting liposomes is a major advance in drug delivery. However, the techniques used in liposome preparation mainly involve conventional liposomes, which have a short half-life, high concentrations in the liver and spleen reticuloendothelial system, and no active targeting.

Methods

Four kinds of paclitaxel liposomes were prepared and characterized by various analytical techniques. The long-term targeting effect of liposomes was verified by fluorescence detection methods in vivo and in vitro. Pharmacokinetic and acute toxicity tests were conducted in ICR mice to evaluate the safety of different paclitaxel preparations. The antitumor activity of ES-SSL-PTX was investigated in detail using in vitro and in vivo human breast cancer MCF-7 cell models.

Results

ER-targeting liposomes had a particle size of 137.93±1.22 nm and an acceptable encapsulation efficiency of 88.07±1.25%. The liposome preparation is best stored at 4°C, and is stable for up to 48 hrs. Cytotoxicity test on MCF-7 cells demonstrated the stronger cytotoxic activity of liposomes in comparison to free paclitaxel. We used the near-infrared fluorescence imaging technique to confirm that ES-SSL-PTX was effectively targeted and could quickly and specifically identify the tumor site. Pharmacokinetics and acute toxicity in vivo experiments were carried out. The results showed that ES-SSL-PTX could significantly prolong the half-life of the drug, increase its circulation time in vivo, improve its bioavailability and reduce its toxicity and side effects. ES-SSL-PTX can significantly improve the pharmacokinetic properties of paclitaxel, avoid allergic reaction of the original solvent, increase antitumor efficacy and reduce drug toxicity and side effects.

Conclusion

ES-SSL-PTX has great potential for improving the treatment of breast cancer, thereby improving patient prognosis and quality of life.

Non-small cell lung cancer-targeted, redox-sensitive lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the delivery of a second-generation irreversible epidermal growth factor inhibitor-Afatinib: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Afatinib (Afa), a second-generation irreversible epidermal growth factor inhibitor for the development of non-small cell lung cancer, has low bioavailability and adverse reactions. Nanoscaled drug delivery systems offer promising alternatives to address these defects and improve therapeutic outcomes. In the present study, a Tf contained, redox-sensitive ligand was synthesized and used for the preparation of afatinib loaded, Tf modified redox-sensitive lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (Tf-SS-Afa-LPNs). Subsequently, studies of biological experiments in vitro and in vivo were performed to investigate the therapeutic effect of the system in lung cancer. The results showed that Tf-SS-Afa-LPNs has particle size of 103.5 ± 4.1 nm and zeta potential of -21.2 ± 2.4 mV. Significantly higher drug release was observed in the presence of glutathione (GSH). The area under the plasma concentration - time curve (AUC), peak concentration (C_max) and terminal half life (T_1/2) of Tf-SS-Afa-LPNs were 866.56 mg/L.h, 25.62 ± 3.21 L/kg/h, and 43.25 ± 2.31 h. Tf-SS-Afa-LPNs exhibited the most remarkable in vivo anti-tumor efficiency efficacy, which inhibited the tumor volume from 919 mm³ to 212 mm³. Tf-SS-Afa-LPNs is a promising platform for the lung cancer treatment.

In vitro and in vivo effect of hyaluronic acid modified, doxorubicin and gallic acid co-delivered lipid-polymeric hybrid nano-system for leukemia therapy

Objective: To investigate the hyaluronic acid (HA) modified, doxorubicin (DOX) and gallic acid (GA) co-delivered lipid-polymeric hybrid nano-system for leukemia therapy.

Methods: We produced a kind of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPHN) with a core-shell structure in which DOX and GA were co-loaded. In vitro and in vivo leukemia therapeutic effects of the HA modified, DOX and GA co-delivered LPHNs (HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs) were evaluated in DOX resistant human HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60/ADR cells), DOX resistant human K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562/ADR cells), and HL-60/ADR cells bearing mouse model.

Results: The sizes and zeta potentials of HA modified LPHNs were about 160 nm and −40 mV. HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs showed the most prominent cytotoxicity and the best synergistic effect was obtained when DOX/GA ratio was 2/1. In vivo studies revealed that HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs inhibited tumor growth from 956 mm³ to 213 mm³, with an inhibition rate of 77.7%.

Conclusion: In summary, the study showed that HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs can be applied as a promising leukemia therapy system.

S100 proteins as therapeutic targets

The human genome codes for 21 S100 protein family members, which exhibit cell- and tissue-specific expression patterns. Despite sharing a high degree of sequence and structural similarity, the S100 proteins bind a diverse range of protein targets and contribute to a broad array of intracellular and extracellular functions. Consequently, the S100 proteins regulate multiple cellular processes such as proliferation, migration and/or invasion, and differentiation, and play important roles in a variety of cancers, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory disorders. This review focuses on the development of S100 neutralizing antibodies and small molecule inhibitors and their potential therapeutic use in controlling disease progression and severity.

Sterically Stabilized RIPL Peptide-Conjugated Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Characterization, Cellular Uptake, Cytotoxicity, and Biodistribution

As a platform for hepsin-specific drug delivery, we previously prepared IPLVVPLRRRRRRRRC peptide (RIPL)-conjugated nanostructured lipid carriers (RIPL-NLCs) composed of Labrafil® M 1944 CS (liquid oil) and Precirol® ATO 5 (solid lipid). In this study, to prevent the recognition by the mononuclear phagocyte system, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified RIPL-NLCs (PEG-RIPL-NLCs) were prepared using PEG3000 at different grafting ratios (1, 5, and 10 mole %). All prepared NLCs showed a homogeneous dispersion (130⁻280 nm), with zeta potentials varying from -18 to 10 mV. Docetaxel (DTX) was successfully encapsulated in NLCs: encapsulation efficiency (93⁻95%); drug-loading capacity (102⁻109 µg/mg). PEG-RIPL-NLCs with a grafting ratio of 5% PEG or higher showed significantly reduced protein adsorption and macrophage phagocytosis. The uptake of PEG(5%)-RIPL-NLCs by cancer cell lines was somewhat lower than that of RIPL-NLCs because of the PEG-induced steric hindrance; however, the uptake level of PEG-RIPL-NLCs was still greater than that of plain NLCs. In vivo biodistribution was evaluated after tail vein injection of NLCs to normal mice. Compared to RIPL-NLCs, PEG(5%)-RIPL-NLCs showed lower accumulation in the liver, spleen, and lung. In conclusion, we found that PEG(5%)-RIPL-NLCs could be a promising nanocarrier for selective drug targeting with a high payload of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Hyperthermia enhances the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer SW1990 cells to gemcitabine through ROS/JNK signaling

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive type of cancer. Gemcitabine (GEM) is a standard chemotherapeutic treatment of advanced PC; however, it requires improvement, and more effective therapeutic methods must be further explored. In the present study, hyperthermia combined with GEM was used on the PC cell line SW1990. The results revealed that mild hyperthermia (at 42°C) effectively increased the inhibitory effect of GEM on cell viability, as determined using an MTT assay, and increased the effect of GEM-induced apoptosis, as determined using an Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay, in PC SW1990 cells. Additionally, it resulted in increased S-phase arrest, downregulated the expression of the anti-apoptosis protein B-cell lymphoma 2 and upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptosis protein Bcl-2-associated X protein, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9, as determined using a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Furthermore, it was revealed that hyperthermia resulted in the rapid generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and substantial activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). The introduction of ROS and JNK inhibitors suppressed hyperthermia-induced apoptosis in GEM-treated cells, suggesting that hyperthermia increased GEM cytotoxicity in PC SW1990 cells by inducing apoptosis via the ROS/JNK signaling pathway.

Multifarious Biologic Loaded Liposomes that Stimulate the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway Show Retina Neuroprotection after Retina Damage

A common event in optic neuropathies is the loss of axons and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) resulting in irreversible blindness. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway agonists have been shown to foster axon regeneration and RGC survival in animal models of optic nerve damage. However, many challenges remain in developing therapies that exploit cell growth and tissue remodeling including (i) activating/inhibiting cell pathways synergistically, (ii) avoiding tumorigenesis, and (iii) ensuring appropriate physiological tissue function. These challenges are further exacerbated by the need to overcome ocular physiological barriers and clearance mechanisms. Here we present liposomes loaded with multiple mTOR pathway stimulating biologics designed to enhance neuroprotection after retina damage. Liposomes were loaded with ciliary neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, a lipopeptide N-fragment osteopontin mimic, and lipopeptide phosphatase tension homologue inhibitors for either the ATP domain or the c-terminal tail. In a mouse model of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid induced RGC death, a single intravitreal administration of liposomes reduced both RGC death and loss of retina electrophysiological function. Furthermore, combining liposomes with transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell derived RGCs led to an improved electrophysiological outcome in mice. The results presented here show that liposomes carrying multiple signaling pathway modulators can facilitate neuroprotection and transplant electrophysiological outcome.

Development and characterization of gemcitabine hydrochloride loaded lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) using central composite design

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) combine the characteristics and beneficial properties of both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. The objective of this study was to design and optimize gemcitabine hydrochloride loaded LPHNs based on the central composite design approach. PLGA 50:50/PLGA 65:35 mass ratio (w/w), soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC)/polymer mass ratio (%, w/w) and amount of DSPE-PEG were chosen as the investigated independent variables. The LPHNs were prepared with modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized by testing their particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and cumulative release. The composition of optimal formulation was determined as 1,5 (w/w) PLGA 50:50/PLGA 65:35 mass ratio, 30% (w/w) SPC/polymer mass ratio and 15 mg DSPE-PEG. The results showed that the optimal formulation gemcitabine hydrochloride loaded LPHNs had encapsulation efficiency of 45,2%, particle size of 237 nm and cumulative release of 62,3% at the end of 24 h. The morphology of LPHNs was found to be spherical by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. Stability studies showed that LPHNs were physically stable until 12 months at 4 °C and 9 months at 25 °C/60% RH. The results suggest that the LPHNs can be an effective drug delivery system for hydrophilic active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Hyperthermia inhibits the motility of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells through the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common types of malignant tumor and the leading cause of cancer‑associated mortality worldwide. The chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine (GEM) is used as a first‑line chemotherapeutic agent for advanced PC. However, the acquisition of drug resistance is a major limitation of the clinical effect of GEM and commonly leads to increased metastasis. The occurrence of epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been demonstrated to be the underlying mechanism of acquired resistance. It has been reported that heat treatment is able to inhibit EMT in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. In the present study the effect of hyperthermia on the sensitivity of GEM‑resistant PC cells was investigated. First a GEM‑resistant PC cell line PANC‑1 (PAN/GEM) was developed and it was demonstrated that drug resistant PAN/GEM cells exhibited significantly increased migratory and invasive abilities compared with control PANC‑1 cells using a Transwell assay. EMT was induced in resistant PAN/GEM cells, followed by reduced epithelial marker epithelial (E)‑cadherin expression and increased mesenchymal marker Vimentin expression compared with control PANC‑1 cells. Next, the Transwell assay demonstrated that the hyperthermia at 42˚C for 1 h combined with GEM significantly attenuated migration and invasion in drug resistant PAN/GEM cells, while GEM alone treatment did not significantly affect the migration and invasion. Additionally, EMT in PAN/GEM cells was reversed by hyperthermia, as demonstrated by the restoration of E‑cadherin and downregulation of mesenchymal markers Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9. Furthermore, an MMP2 inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)2 and MMP9 inhibitor TIMP1 were used to treat PAN/GEM cells and it was demonstrated that both inhibitors increased the inhibition of hyperthermia treatment combined with GEM on cell invasion, suggesting an association between cell invasion and MMP2, and MMP9. Additionally, proliferation of PAN/GEM cells following hyperthermia was assessed using an MTT assay. The results demonstrated that proliferation in PAN/GEM cells treated with hyperthermia was significantly inhibited by GEM compared with GEM alone treated cells, indicating that hyperthermia enhanced the inhibition of GEM on cell growth and resensitized the drug‑resistant cells to GEM. Overall, the results of the present study suggested that hyperthermia is able to resensitize GEM‑resistant PANC‑1 cells to GEM by reversing EMT via the regulation of EMT‑associated factors, therefore inhibiting cell migration and invasion.

Lymphoma-targeted treatment using a folic acid-decorated vincristine-loaded drug delivery system

Purpose

B-cell lymphoma is the most frequently diagnosed lymphoid tumor. Folic acid (FA)-decorated systems were found to be preferentially internalized on the B-cell lymphoma cell line which is reported to express the folate receptor. This study was designed to develop an FA-decorated vincristine (VCR)-loaded system for targeted lymphoma treatment.

Methods

FA-decorated lipid was synthesized. VCR-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) were fabricated. In vitro cell lines and an in vivo lymphoma animal model was used to evaluate the anti B-cell lymphoma effect.

Results

FA-decorated, VCR-loaded LPNs (FA-VCR/LPNs) have shown a targeted effect in delivery to B-cell lymphoma cells. FA-VCR/LPNs also showed the highest anti-tumor effect in murine-bearing lymphoma xenografts.

Conclusion

FA-VCR/LPNs can achieve targeted delivery of VCR, bring about an outstanding therapeutic effect to treat lymphoma, and also reduce the systemic toxicity. FA-VCR/LPNs could be an excellent system for lymphoma therapy.

Redox-responsive and pH-sensitive nanoparticles enhanced stability and anticancer ability of erlotinib to treat lung cancer in vivo

Purpose

Erlotinib (ETB) is a well-established therapeutic for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To overcome drug resistance and severe toxicities in the clinical application, redox-responsive and pH-sensitive nanoparticle drug delivery systems were designed for the encapsulation of ETB.

Methods

Poly(acrylic acid)-cystamine-oleic acid (PAA-ss-OA) was synthesized. PAA-ss-OA-modified ETB-loaded lipid nanoparticles (PAA-ETB-NPs) were prepared using the emulsification and solvent evaporation method. The tumor inhibition efficacy of PAA-ETB-NPs was compared with that of ETB-loaded lipid nanoparticles (ETB-NPs) and free ETB anticancer drugs in tumor-bearing mice.

Results

PAA-ETB-NPs had a size of 170 nm, with a zeta potential of −32 mV. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity of PAA-ETB-NPs were over 85% and 2.6%, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity of ETB-NPs were higher than that of ETB solution. The cytotoxicity of PAA-ETB-NPs was the highest. The in vivo tumor growth inhibition by PAA-ETB-NP treatment was significantly higher than that by ETB-NPs and ETB solution. No obvious weight loss was observed in any of the treatment groups, indicating that all the treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

PAA-ETB-NPs could enhance the stability and anti-cancer ability of ETB to treat lung cancer and are a promising drug delivery system for lung cancer treatment.

Mast Cell Infiltration in Human Brain Metastases Modulates the Microenvironment and Contributes to the Metastatic Potential

Metastatic brain tumors continue to be a clinical problem, despite new therapeutic advances in cancer treatment. Brain metastases (BMs) are among the most common mass lesions in the brain that are resistant to chemotherapies, have a very poor prognosis, and currently lack any efficient diagnostic tests. Predictions estimate that about 40% of lung and breast cancer patients will develop BM. Despite this, very little is known about the immunological and genetic aberrations that drive tumorigenesis in BM. In this study, we demonstrate the infiltration of mast cells (MCs) in a large cohort of human BM samples with different tissues of origin for primary cancer. We applied patient-derived BM cell models to the study of BM cell-MC interactions. BM cells when cocultured with MCs demonstrate enhanced growth and self-renewal capacity. Gene set enrichment analyses indicate increased expression of signal transduction and transmembrane proteins related genes in the cocultured BM cells. MCs exert their effect by release of mediators such as IL-8, IL-10, matrix metalloprotease 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby permitting metastasis. In conclusion, we provide evidence for a role of MCs in BM. Our findings indicate MCs' capability of modulating gene expression in BM cells and suggest that MCs can serve as a new target for drug development against metastases in the brain.

Recent advances in drug delivery strategies for improved therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine

Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine; dFdC) is an efficacious anticancer agent acting against a wide range of solid tumors, including pancreatic, non-small cell lung, bladder, breast, ovarian, thyroid and multiple myelomas. However, short plasma half-life due to metabolism by cytidine deaminase necessitates administration of high dose, which limits its medical applicability. Further, due to its hydrophilic nature, it cannot traverse cell membranes by passive diffusion and, therefore, enters via nucleoside transporters that may lead to drug resistance. To circumvent these limitations, macromolecular prodrugs and nanocarrier-based formulations of Gemcitabine are gaining wide recognition. The nanoformulations based approaches by virtue of their controlled release and targeted delivery have proved to improve bioavailability, increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects of the drug. Furthermore, the combination of Gemcitabine with other anticancer agents as well as siRNAs using nanocarriers has also been investigated in order to enhance its therapeutic potential. This review deals with challenges and recent advances in the delivery of Gemcitabine with particular emphasis on macromolecular prodrugs and nanomedicines.

Hyaluronan-conjugated liposomes encapsulating gemcitabine for breast cancer stem cells

Investigation of potential therapeutics for targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is important because these cells are regarded as culprit of breast cancer relapse. Accomplishing this kind of strategy requires a specific drug-delivery system using the distinct features of liposomes. Studies on targeted liposomal delivery systems have indicated the conjugation of hyaluronan (HA), a primary ligand for CD44 surface markers, as an appropriate method for targeting BCSCs. For this study, enriched BCSCs were obtained by culturing MCF-7 breast cancer cells in nonadherent conditions. The enriched BCSCs were challenged with HA-conjugated liposomes encapsulating gemcitabine (2, 2-difluoro-2-deoxycytidine, GEM). In vitro study showed that the HA-conjugated liposomes significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity, anti-migration, and anti-colony formation abilities of GEM through targeting of CD44 expressed on BCSCs. In pharmacokinetic study, area under the drug concentration vs time curve (AUC) of the immunoliposomal GEM was 3.5 times higher than that of free GEM, indicating that the HA-conjugated liposomes enhanced the stability of GEM in the bloodstream and therefore prolonged its half-life time. The antitumor effect of the immunoliposomal GEM was 3.3 times higher than that of free GEM in a xenograft mouse model, probably reflecting the unique targeting of the CD44 receptor by HA and the increased cytotoxicity and stability through the liposomal formulation. Furthermore, marginal change in body weight demonstrated that the use of liposomes considerably reduced the systemic toxicity of GEM on normal healthy cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that HA-conjugated liposomes encapsulating GEM show promise for the therapy of breast cancer in vitro and in a xenograft model by targeting the BCSCs.

The role of S100 proteins and their receptor RAGE in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with low survival rates. Current therapeutic treatments have very poor response rates due to the high inherent chemoresistance of the pancreatic-cancer cells. Recent studies have suggested that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its S100 protein ligands play important roles in the progression of PDAC. We will discuss the potential role of S100 proteins and their receptor, RAGE, in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer.

Mild hyperthermia enhances transport of liposomal gemcitabine and improves in vivo therapeutic response

Obstructive biological barriers limit the transport and efficacy of cancer nanotherapeutics. Creative manipulation of tumor microenvironment provides promising avenues towards improving chemotherapeutic response. Such strategies include the use of mechanical stimuli to overcome barriers, and increase drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. The rational use of gold nanorod-mediated mild hyperthermia treatment (MHT) alters tumor transport properties, increases liposomal gemcitabine (Gem Lip) delivery, and antitumor efficacy in pancreatic cancer CAPAN-1 tumor model. MHT treatment leads to a threefold increase in accumulation of 80-nm liposomes and enhances spatial interstitial distribution. I.v. injection of Gem Lip and MHT treatment lead to a threefold increase in intratumor gemcitabine concentration compared to chemotherapeutic infusion alone. Furthermore, combination of MHT treatment with infusion of 12 mg kg(-1) Gem Lip leads to a twofold increase in therapeutic efficacy and inhibition of CAPAN-1 tumor growth when compared to equimolar chemotherapeutic treatment alone. Enhanced therapeutic effect is confirmed by reduction in tumor size and increase in apoptotic index where MHT treatment combined with 12 mg kg(-1) Gem Lip achieves similar therapeutic efficacy as the use of 60 mg kg(-1) free gemcitabine. In conclusion, improvements in vivo efficacy are demonstrated resulting from MHT treatment that overcome transport barriers, promote delivery, improve efficacy of nanomedicines.

Nanoformulations for therapy of pancreatic and liver cancers

Pancreatic and liver cancers often have poor prognoses. Clinically, pancreatic and liver cancer requires early diagnosis, and surgery is often associated with tumor recurrence. Currently, chemotherapies are limited in their ability to accurately target the tumors, and are associated with significant toxicity in patients. Targeting of chemotherapy can be improved by encapsulation in nanocarriers. A variety of preclinical studies indicate relatively superior therapeutic outcomes compared with drug alone therapy. Targeted nanoparticle imaging agents may also additionally facilitate better diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. This review discusses the nanoformulations that are under investigation (mainly preclinical studies, but also with some current clinical trial examples) against pancreatic and liver cancers, understands the challenges and provides future perspectives.

Functional liposomes in the cancer-targeted drug delivery

Cancer is considered as one of the most severe health problems and is currently the third most common cause of death in the world after heart and infectious diseases. Novel therapies are constantly being discovered, developed and trialed. Many of the current anticancer agents exhibit non-ideal pharmaceutical and pharmacological properties and are distributed non-specifically throughout the body. This results in death of the both normal healthy and malignant cells and substantially leads to accruing a variety of serious toxic side effects. Therefore, the efficient systemic therapy of cancer is almost impossible due to harmful side effects of anticancer agents to the healthy organs and tissues. Furthermore, several problems such as low bioavailability of the drugs, low drug concentrations at the site of action, lack of drug specificity and drug-resistance also cause many restrictions on clinical applications of these drugs in the tumor therapy. Different types of the liposomal formulations have been used in medicine due to their distinctive advantages associated with their structural flexibility in the encapsulation of various agents with different physicochemical properties. They can also mediate delivery of the cargo to the appropriate cell type and subcellular compartment, reducing the effective dosage and possible side effects which are related to high systemic concentrations. Therefore, these novel systems were found very promising and encouraging dosage forms for the treatment of different types of cancer by increasing efficiency and reducing the systemic toxicity due to the specific drug delivery and targeting.

Approaches for analyzing the roles of mast cells and their proteases in vivo

The roles of mast cells in health and disease remain incompletely understood. While the evidence that mast cells are critical effector cells in IgE-dependent anaphylaxis and other acute IgE-mediated allergic reactions seems unassailable, studies employing various mice deficient in mast cells or mast cell-associated proteases have yielded divergent conclusions about the roles of mast cells or their proteases in certain other immunological responses. Such "controversial" results call into question the relative utility of various older versus newer approaches to ascertain the roles of mast cells and mast cell proteases in vivo. This review discusses how both older and more recent mouse models have been used to investigate the functions of mast cells and their proteases in health and disease. We particularly focus on settings in which divergent conclusions about the importance of mast cells and their proteases have been supported by studies that employed different models of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency. We think that two major conclusions can be drawn from such findings: (1) no matter which models of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency one employs, the conclusions drawn from the experiments always should take into account the potential limitations of the models (particularly abnormalities affecting cell types other than mast cells) and (2) even when analyzing a biological response using a single model of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency, details of experimental design are critical in efforts to define those conditions under which important contributions of mast cells or their proteases can be identified.

S100 proteins in cancer

In humans, the S100 protein family is composed of 21 members that exhibit a high degree of structural similarity, but are not functionally interchangeable. This family of proteins modulates cellular responses by functioning both as intracellular Ca(2+) sensors and as extracellular factors. Dysregulated expression of multiple members of the S100 family is a common feature of human cancers, with each type of cancer showing a unique S100 protein profile or signature. Emerging in vivo evidence indicates that the biology of most S100 proteins is complex and multifactorial, and that these proteins actively contribute to tumorigenic processes such as cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Drug discovery efforts have identified leads for inhibiting several S100 family members, and two of the identified inhibitors have progressed to clinical trials in patients with cancer. This Review highlights new findings regarding the role of S100 family members in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the contribution of S100 signalling to tumour biology, and the discovery and development of S100 inhibitors for treating cancer.

Inhibition of mast cell-derived histamine secretion by cromolyn sodium treatment decreases biliary hyperplasia in cholestatic rodents

Cholangiopathies are characterized by dysregulation of the balance between biliary growth and loss. We have shown that histamine (HA) stimulates biliary growth via autocrine mechanisms. To evaluate the paracrine effects of mast cell (MC) stabilization on biliary proliferation, sham or BDL rats were treated by IP-implanted osmotic pumps filled with saline or cromolyn sodium (24 mg/kg BW/day (inhibits MC histamine release)) for 1 week. Serum, liver blocks and cholangiocytes were collected. Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression was measured using real-time PCR in cholangiocytes. Intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM) was evaluated by IHC for CK-19. MC number was determined using toluidine blue staining and correlated to IBDM. Proliferation was evaluated by PCNA expression in liver sections and purified cholangiocytes. We assessed apoptosis using real-time PCR and IHC for BAX. Expression of MC stem factor receptor, c-kit, and the proteases chymase and tryptase were measured by real-time PCR. HA levels were measured in serum by EIA. In vitro, MCs and cholangiocytes were treated with 0.1% BSA (basal) or cromolyn (25 μM) for up to 48 h prior to assessing HDC expression, HA levels and chymase and tryptase expression. Supernatants from MCs treated with or without cromolyn were added to cholangiocytes before measuring (i) proliferation by MTT assays, (ii) HDC gene expression by real-time PCR and (iii) HA release by EIA. In vivo, cromolyn treatment decreased BDL-induced: (i) IBDM, MC number, and biliary proliferation; (ii) HDC and MC marker expression; and (iii) HA levels. Cromolyn treatment increased cholangiocyte apoptosis. In vitro, cromolyn decreased HA release and chymase and tryptase expression in MCs but not in cholangiocytes. Cromolyn-treated MC supernatants decreased biliary proliferation and HA release. These studies provide evidence that MC histamine is key to biliary proliferation and may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of cholangiopathies.

Targeting mast cells in inflammatory diseases

Although mast cells have long been known to play a critical role in anaphylaxis and other allergic diseases, they also participate in some innate immune responses and may even have some protective functions. Data from the study of mast cell-deficient mice have facilitated our understanding of some of the molecular mechanisms driving mast cell functions during both innate and adaptive immune responses. This review presents an overview of the biology of mast cells and their potential involvement in various inflammatory diseases. We then discuss some of the current pharmacological approaches used to target mast cells and their products in several diseases associated with mast cell activation.

Silymarin loaded liposomes for hepatic targeting: in vitro evaluation and HepG2 drug uptake

Silymarin has hepatoprotective properties and is used in treatment of various liver diseases, but its bioavailability from oral products is very poor. In order to overcome its poor oral bioavailability we have prepared silymarin loaded hepatic targeting liposomes suitable for parenteral administration. The liposomal formulations were composed of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol with or without distearoylphosphoethanolamine-(polyethyleneglycol)-2000 and various amounts of β-sitosterol β-D-glucoside (Sito-G) as the hepatic targeting moiety. Increasing the amount of Sito-G in the liposomes gradually decreased drug encapsulation efficiencies from ∼70% to ∼60%; still showing promising drug encapsulation efficiencies. Addition of Sito-G to non-PEGylated liposomes clearly affected their drug release profiles and plasma protein interactions, whereas no effect on these was seen for the PEGylated liposomes. Non-PEGylated liposomes with 0.17 M ratio of Sito-G exhibited the highest cellular drug uptake of 37.5% for all of the studied liposome formulations. The highest cellular drug uptake in the case of PEGylated liposomes was 18%, which was achieved with 0.17 and 0.33 M ratio of added Sito-G. The liposome formulations with the highest drug delivery efficacy in this study showed hemolytic activities around 12.7% and were stable for at least 2 months upon storage in 20 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) containing 1.5% Polysorbate 80 at 4 °C and room temperature. These results suggest that the Sito-G containing liposomes prepared in this work have hepatic targeting capability and that they are promising candidates for delivering silymarin to the liver.

Designing and developing S100P inhibitor 5-methyl cromolyn for pancreatic cancer therapy

We have previously shown that the antiallergic drug cromolyn blocks S100P interaction with its receptor receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) and improves gemcitabine effectiveness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the concentration required to achieve its effectiveness was high (100 μmol/L). In this study, we designed and synthesized analogs of cromolyn and analyzed their effectiveness compared with the parent molecule. An ELISA was used to confirm the binding of S100P with RAGE and to test the effectiveness of the different analogs. Analog 5-methyl cromolyn (C5OH) blocked S100P binding as well as the increases in NF-κB activity, cell growth, and apoptosis normally caused by S100P. In vivo C5OH systemic delivery reduced NF-κB activity to a greater extent than cromolyn and at 10 times lesser dose (50 mg vs. 5 mg). Treatment of mice-bearing syngeneic PDAC tumors showed that C5OH treatment reduced both tumor growth and metastasis. C5OH treatment of nude mice bearing orthotopic highly aggressive pancreatic Mpanc96 cells increased the overall animal survival. Therefore, the cromolyn analog, C5OH, was found to be more efficient and potent than cromolyn as a therapeutic for PDAC.