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Zhang Z, Wang J, Li X, Zhao L, Zhao J, Su M, Wu X, Zeng H. Synergistic effect of pH-sensitive PEGylated RG3-chitosan prodrug nanoparticles encapsulated celastrol on pancreatic cancer. Drug Deliv 2025; 32:2464189. [PMID: 39957204 PMCID: PMC11834771 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2025.2464189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2025] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Celastrol (Cel) is a potential anticancer therapeutic candidate, but its limited practical applicability is due to its low solubility, poor tumor selectivity, and cytotoxicity. Clinically, ginsenoside Rg3 (RG3) is typically combined with chemotherapy to enhance antitumor effects and reduce side effects. Herein, we developed novel pH-sensitive prodrug nanoparticles (NPs) containing RG3 and Cel for the synergistic treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC). Amphiphilic prodrug, a PEGylated chitosan oligosaccharide coupled with RG3 via Schiff base bond, was self-assembled with hydrophobic Cel into NPs with drug loadings of 2.12% (Cel) and 1.63% (RG3). NPs exhibited a suitable particle size of 124.01 nm, zeta potential of -39.89 mV and good physical stability. In addition, NPs also showed a controlled drug release when the Schiff base bonds were hydrolyzed in the acidic environment. In Pan02 tumor-bearing mice, NPs exhibited a high accumulation in tumor tissues and prolonged blood circulation time. Furthermore, NPs could more effectively inhibit tumor growth and reduce systemic toxicity, compared with the free Cel, RG3, prodrug, and Cel + RG3. The results indicated that the NPs could provide a safe and promising nanoplatform for PC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingzhou Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Su
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangxiang Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huahui Zeng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
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Zeng H, Zeng X, Wang C, Wang G, Tian Q, Zhao J, Zhao L, Li R, Luo Y, Peng H, Zhang Z, Li X, Wu X. Combination therapy using Cel-CSO/Taxol NPs for reversing drug resistance in breast cancer through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2025; 15:992-1010. [PMID: 38922561 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01653-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The resistance of malignant tumors to multiple drugs is a significant obstacle in cancer treatment and prognosis. Accordingly, we synthesized a celastrol (Cel) prodrug (Cel-CSO) by conjugating chitosan oligosaccharides (CSO) to Cel for reversing Taxol resistance in chemotherapy, followed by self-assembly with Taxol into a novel nanoplatform of Cel-CSO/Taxol nanoparticles (termed NPs). NPs showed a suitable size (about 153 nm), excellent stability and prolonged release of Cel and Taxol in a manner that depended on both pH and time. NPs effectively inhibited the overexpression of multidrug resistance-related protein P-gp, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and triggered the MCF-7/Taxol cell apoptosis through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway. In tumor-bearing mice, NPs exhibited significant curative effects in inducing apoptosis of MCF-7/Taxol tumors which showed a low expression level of P-gp, microtubule-related proteins TUBB3 and Tau. The results indicated that NPs may be a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance caused by P-gp, which improve the antitumor effects in drug-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahui Zeng
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiaohu Zeng
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Can Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Qikang Tian
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lingzhou Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ruiqin Li
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Haotian Peng
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Xiangxiang Wu
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Chen K, Zhu X, Sun R, Zhao L, Zhao J, Wu X, Wang C, Zeng H. Oleanolic acid derivative self-assembled aggregates based on heparin and chitosan for breast cancer therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134431. [PMID: 39147629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Oleanolic acid is an active ingredient from natural products with anti-breast cancer activity. However, the poor solubility in water and low bioavailability have limited its effectiveness in clinic. To improve the anticancer activity of oleanolic acid, we synthesized a novel oleanolic quaternary ammonium (QDT), which, driven by electrostatic interactions, was introduced into heparin and coated with chitosan to obtain a QDT/heparin/chitosan nanoaggregate (QDT/HEP/CS NAs). QDT/HEP/CS NAs showed the negative zeta potential (-35.01 ± 4.38 mV), suitable mean particle size (150.45 ± 0.68 nm) with strip shape, and high drug loading (36 %). The coated chitosan had strong anti-leakage characteristics toward QDT under physiological conditions. More importantly, upon sustained release in tumor cells, QDT could significantly decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential and induce apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Further in vivo antitumor study on 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice confirmed the enhanced anticancer efficacy of QDT/HEP/CS NAs via upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome C, which was attributed to the high accumulation in tumor via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Moreover, QDT/HEP/CS NAs significantly enhanced the biosafety and biocompatibility of QDT in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the development of QDT/HEP/CS NAs with high antitumor activity, favorable biodistribution and good biocompatibility provided a safe, facile and promising strategy to improve the anti-cancer effect of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xin Zhu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruiqin Sun
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lingzhou Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiangxiang Wu
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Can Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Huahui Zeng
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Zeng H, Tian Q, Wang C, Zhu X, Li W, Guo H, Zhang Z, Wu X. Cel-CS1K: A Celastrol-Chitosan Conjugate for Treating Diet-Induced Obesity. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:944-956. [PMID: 38771988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Celastrol (Cel), extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook, is a potential antiobesity drug, except for its adverse reactions in clinic. In the present study, we synthesized a promising celastrol-chitosan conjugate (Cel-CS1K) and evaluated its antiobesity effect and biological safety in diet-induced obese mice. Cel-CS1K showed higher drug loading (over 10 wt %), good solubility (18-19 mg/mL) in water, slower peak time (Tmax = 4 h), and clearance (T1/2 = 8.97 h) in rats. Cel-CS1K effectively attenuated the cytotoxicity, celastrol-induced apoptosis, and fat accumulation of hepatocytes. Cel-CS1K reduced body weight and dietary amount same as the free Cel but with lower toxicity in blood, liver, and testis. Cel-CS1K improved the glucose homeostasis, HDL-C level, insulin sensitivity, and leptin sensitivity, while it significantly reduced the gene expression levels of LDL-C, TG, and TC in obese mice. Furthermore, the adipose-related gene expression levels provided evidence in support of a role for Cel-CS1K in losing weight by the multimode regulation. Overall, Cel-CS1K provides a translatable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diet-induced obese humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahui Zeng
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Qikang Tian
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Can Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou Henan 450046, China
| | - Xin Zhu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou Henan 450046, China
| | - Wenyang Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou Henan 450046, China
| | - Hang Guo
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou Henan 450046, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiangxiang Wu
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou Henan 450046, China
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Xiao M, Wang Z, Li C, Zhang K, Hou Z, Sun S, Yang L. Recent advances in drug delivery systems based on natural and synthetic polymes for treating obesity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129311. [PMID: 38218268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Obesity stands as a pervasive global public health issue, posing a formidable threat to human well-being as its prevalence continues to surge year by year. Presently, pharmacological treatment remains the favored adjunct strategy for addressing obesity. However, conventional delivery methods suffer from low bioavailability and the potential for side effects, underscoring the pressing need for more efficient and targeted delivery approaches. Recent research has delved extensively into emerging drug delivery systems employing polymers as carriers, with numerous preclinical studies contributing to the growing body of knowledge. This review concentrates on the utilization of natural polymers as drug delivery systems for the treatment of obesity, encompassing recent advancements in both natural and synthetic polymers. The comprehensive exploration includes an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages associated with these polymer carriers. The examination of these characteristics provides valuable insights into potential future developments in the field of drug delivery for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Xiao
- Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China; College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110102, PR China
| | - Zongheng Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, PR China
| | - Chang Li
- College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endoscopic Center, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Hou
- Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China.
| | - Siyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endoscopic Center, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China.
| | - Liqun Yang
- Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China; Liaoning Research Institute for Eugenic Birth & Fertility, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110031, P.R.China.
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Tang RC, Yang IH, Lin FH. Current Role and Potential of Polymeric Biomaterials in Clinical Obesity Treatment. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:3438-3449. [PMID: 37442789 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The rise of obesity and associated fatal diseases has taken a massive toll worldwide. Despite the existing pharmaceuticals and bariatric surgeries, these approaches manifest limited efficacy or accompany various side effects. Therefore, researchers seek to facilitate the prolonged and specific delivery of therapeutics. Or else, to mimic the essential part of "gastric bypass" by physically blocking excessive absorption via less invasive methods. To achieve these goals, polymeric biomaterials have gained tremendous interest recently. They are known for synthesizing hydrogels, microneedle patches, mucoadhesive coatings, polymer conjugates, and so forth. In this Review, we provide insights into the current studies of polymeric biomaterials in the prevention and treatment of obesity, inspiring future improvements in this regime of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Chian Tang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsuan Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 49, Fanglan Road, Taipei 10672, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Huei Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 49, Fanglan Road, Taipei 10672, Taiwan
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Wang Z, Wang D, Liu X, Wu H, Liu Y, Ge Y, Yan G, Tang R. Dynamic carboxymethyl chitosan-based nano-prodrugs precisely mediate robust synergistic chemotherapy. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 291:119671. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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