Endoplasmic reticulum stress: major player in size-dependent inhibition of P-glycoprotein by silver nanoparticles in multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells

Shikonin and chitosan-silver nanoparticles synergize against triple-negative breast cancer through RIPK3-triggered necroptotic immunogenic cell death

Necroptotic immunogenic cell death (ICD) can activate the human immune system to treat the metastasis and recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, developing the necroptotic inducer and precisely delivering it to the tumor site is the key issue. Herein, we reported that the combination of shikonin (SHK) and chitosan silver nanoparticles (Chi-Ag NPs) effectively induced ICD by triggering necroptosis in 4T1 cells. Moreover, to address the lack of selectivity of drugs for in vivo application, we developed an MUC1 aptamer-targeted nanocomplex (MUC1@Chi-Ag@CPB@SHK, abbreviated as MUC1@ACS) for co-delivering SHK and Chi-Ag NPs. The accumulation of MUC1@ACS NPs at the tumor site showed a 6.02-fold increase compared to the free drug. Subsequently, upon reaching the tumor site, the acid-responsive release of SHK and Chi-Ag NPs from MUC1@ACS NPs cooperatively induced necroptosis in tumor cells by upregulating the expression of RIPK3, p-RIPK3, and tetrameric MLKL, thereby effectively triggering ICD. The sequential maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) subsequently enhanced the infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in tumors, while inhibiting regulatory T cells (Treg cells), resulting in the effective treatment of primary and distal tumor growth and the inhibition of TNBC metastasis. This work highlights the importance of nanoparticles in mediating drug interactions during necroptotic ICD.

Biomaterials for Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum in Cancer

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is one of the most important sub-cellular organelles which controls myriads of biological functions including protein biosynthesis with proper functional folded form, protein misfolding, protein transport into Golgi body for secretion, Ca2+ homeostasis and so on. Subsequently, dysregulation in ER function leads to ER stress followed by disease pathology like cancer. Hence, targeting ER in the cancer cells emerged as one of the futuristic strategies for cancer treatment. However, the major challenge is to selectively and specifically target ER in the sub-cellular milieu in the cancer tissues, due to the lack of ER targeting chemical moieties to recognize the ER markers. To address this, in the last decade, numerous biomaterials were explored to selectively impair and image ER in cancer cells to induce ER stress. This review outlines those biomaterials which consists of carbon and silicon materials, lipid nanoparticles (liposomes and micelles), supramolecular self-assembled nanostructures, cell membrane-coated nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles. Moreover, we also discuss the challenges and possible solutions of this promising field to usher the readers towards next-generation ER targeted cancer therapy.

Bioinspired and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Medical Applications: A Green Perspective

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess unmatched chemical, biological, and physical properties that make them unique compounds as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer agents. With the increasing drug resistance, AgNPs serve as promising entities for targeted drug therapy against several bacterial, fungal, and viral components. In addition, AgNPs also serve as successful anticancer agents against several cancers, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Several works in recent years have been done towards the development of AgNPs by using plant extracts like flowers, leaves, bark, root, stem, and whole plant parts. The green method of AgNP synthesis thus has several advantages over chemical and physical methods, especially the low cost of synthesis, no toxic byproducts, eco-friendly production pathways, can be easily regenerated, and the bio-reducing potential of plant derived nanoparticles. Furthermore, AgNPs are biocompatible and do not harm normally functioning human or host cells. This review provides an exhaustive overview and potential of green synthesized AgNPs that can be used as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer agents. After a brief introduction, we discussed the recent studies on the development of AgNPs from different plant extracts, including leaf parts, seeds, flowers, stems, bark, root, and whole plants. In the following section, we highlighted the different therapeutic actions of AgNPs against various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancers, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers. We then highlighted the general mechanism of action of AgNPs. The advantages of the green synthesis method over chemical and physical methods were then discussed in the article. Finally, we concluded the review by providing future perspectives on this promising field in nanotechnology.

Using nanotechnology to progress the utilization of marine natural products in combating multidrug resistance in cancer: A prospective strategy

Achieving targeted, customized, and combination therapies with clarity of the involved molecular pathways is crucial in the treatment as well as overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. Nanotechnology has emerged as an innovative and promising approach to address the problem of drug resistance. Developing nano-formulation-based therapies using therapeutic agents poses a synergistic effect to overcome MDR in cancer. In this review, we aimed to highlight the important pathways involved in the progression of MDR in cancer mediated through nanotechnology-based approaches that have been employed to circumvent them in recent years. Here, we also discussed the potential use of marine metabolites to treat MDR in cancer, utilizing active drug-targeting nanomedicine-based techniques to enhance selective drug accumulation in cancer cells. The discussion also provides future insights for developing complex targeted, multistage responsive nanomedical drug delivery systems for effective cancer treatments. We propose more combinational studies and their validation for the possible marine-based nanoformulations for future development.

Multifunctional nanoparticles inhibit tumor and tumor-associated macrophages for triple-negative breast cancer therapy

HYPOTHESIS

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are the mainstay of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment, and elimination of M2-type macrophages (M2-TAM) is considered as a potential immunotherapy. However, the interaction of breast cancer cells with macrophages hinders the effectiveness of immunotherapy. In order to improve the efficacy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) therapy, strategies that simultaneously target the elimination of M2-TAM and breast cancer cells may be able to achieve a better therapy.

EXPERIMENTS

LyP-SA/AgNP@Dox multifunctional nanoparticles were synthesized by electrostatic adsorption. They were characterized by particle size, potential and spectroscopy. And the efficacy of multifunctional nanoparticles was evaluated in 4 T1 cell lines and M2 macrophages, including their cell uptake intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the therapeutic effect. Furthermore, based on the orthotopic xenotransplantation model of triple negative breast cancer, the biological distribution, fluorescence imaging, biosafety evaluation and combined efficacy evaluation of the nanoplatform were performed.

FINDINGS

We have successfully prepared LyP-SA/AgNP@Dox and characterized. Administering the nanosystem to 4 T1 tumor cells or M2 macrophages in culture induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, destruction of mitochondria and apoptosis, and inhibited replication and transcription. Animal experiments demonstrated the nanoparticle had favorable targeting and antitumor activity. Our nanosystem may be useful for simultaneously inhibiting tumor and tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer and, potentially, other malignancies.

Silver nanoparticles induce a non-immunogenic tumor cell death

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a form of cell death characterized by the release of danger signals required to trigger an adaptive immune response against tumor-associated antigens. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) display anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects in tumor cells, but it has not been previously studied whether AgNP act as an ICD inductor. The present study evaluated the in vitro release of calreticulin as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) associated with the cytotoxicity of AgNP and their in vivo anti-cancer effects. In vitro, mouse CT26 colon carcinoma and MCA205 fibrosarcoma cells were exposed to AgNP and then cell proliferation, adhesion, and release of calreticulin were determined. The results indicated there were time- and concentration-related anti-proliferative effects of AgNP in both the CT26 and MCA205 lines. Concurrently, changes in cell adhesion were detected mainly in the CT26 cells. Regarding DAMP detection, a significant increase in calreticulin was observed only in CT26 cells treated with doxorubicin and AgNP; however, no differences were found in the MCA205 cells. In vivo, the survival and growth of subcutaneous tumors were monitored after vaccination of mice with cell debris from tumor cells treated with AgNP or after intra-tumoral administration of AgNP to established tumors. Consequently, anti-tumoral prophylactic immunization with AgNP-dead cells failed to protect mice from tumor re-challenge; intra-tumor injection of AgNP did not induce a significant effect. In conclusion, there was a noticeable anti-tumoral effect of AgNP in vitro in both CT26 and MCA205 cell lines, accompanied by the release of calreticulin in CT26 cells. In vivo, immunization with cell debris derived from AgNP-treated tumor cells failed to induce a protective immune response in the cancer model mice. Clearly, further research is needed to determine if one could combine AgNP with other ICD inducers to improve the anti-tumor effect of these nanoparticles in vivo.

Nanodelivery systems: An efficient and target-specific approach for drug-resistant cancers

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment is still a global health challenge. Nowadays, chemotherapy is widely applied for treating cancer and reducing its burden. However, its application might be in accordance with various adverse effects by exposing the healthy tissues and multidrug resistance (MDR), leading to disease relapse or metastasis. In addition, due to tumor heterogeneity and the varied pharmacokinetic features of prescribed drugs, combination therapy has only shown modestly improved results in MDR malignancies. Nanotechnology has been explored as a potential tool for cancer treatment, due to the efficiency of nanoparticles to function as a vehicle for drug delivery.

METHODS

With this viewpoint, functionalized nanosystems have been investigated as a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance.

RESULTS

This approach aims to improve the efficacy of anticancer medicines while decreasing their associated side effects through a range of mechanisms, such as bypassing drug efflux, controlling drug release, and disrupting metabolism. This review discusses the MDR mechanisms contributing to therapeutic failure, the most cutting-edge approaches used in nanomedicine to create and assess nanocarriers, and designed nanomedicine to counteract MDR with emphasis on recent developments, their potential, and limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies have shown that nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery confers distinct benefits over traditional pharmaceuticals, including improved biocompatibility, stability, permeability, retention effect, and targeting capabilities.

Landscape of NcRNAs involved in drug resistance of breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) leads to the most amounts of deaths among women. Chemo-, endocrine-, and targeted therapies are the mainstay drug treatments for BC in the clinic. However, drug resistance is a major obstacle for BC patients, and it leads to poor prognosis. Accumulating evidences suggested that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are intricately linked to a wide range of pathological processes, including drug resistance. Till date, the correlation between drug resistance and ncRNAs is not completely understood in BC. Herein, we comprehensively summarized a dysregulated ncRNAs landscape that promotes or inhibits drug resistance in chemo-, endocrine-, and targeted BC therapies. Our review will pave way for the effective management of drug resistance by targeting oncogenic ncRNAs, which, in turn will promote drug sensitivity of BC in the future.

Functionalized and Nonfunctionalized Nanosystems for Mitochondrial Drug Delivery with Metallic Nanoparticles

Background: The application of metallic nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic tool has significant potential to facilitate the treatment and diagnosis of mitochondria-based disorders. Recently, subcellular mitochondria have been trialed to cure pathologies that depend on their dysfunction. Nanoparticles made from metals and their oxides (including gold, iron, silver, platinum, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide) have unique modi operandi that can competently rectify mitochondrial disorders. Materials: This review presents insight into the recent research reports on exposure to a myriad of metallic nanoparticles that can alter the dynamic ultrastructure of mitochondria (via altering metabolic homeostasis), as well as pause ATP production, and trigger oxidative stress. The facts and figures have been compiled from more than a hundred PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus indexed articles that describe the essential functions of mitochondria for the management of human diseases. Result: Nanoengineered metals and their oxide nanoparticles are targeted at the mitochondrial architecture that partakes in the management of a myriad of health issues, including different cancers. These nanosystems not only act as antioxidants but are also fabricated for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. However, the biocompatibility, safety, and efficacy of using metal nanoparticles is contested among researchers, which will be discussed further in this review.

Semi-Synthetic Dihydrotestosterone Derivatives Modulate Inherent Multidrug Resistance and Sensitize Colon Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a serious hurdle to successful cancer therapy. Here, we examined the efficiency of novel semi-synthetic dihydrotestosterone derivatives, more specifically androstano-arylpyrimidines in inhibiting the efflux activity of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and sensitizing inherently MDR colon cancer cells to various chemotherapy drugs. Using the Rhodamine123 accumulation assay, we evaluated the efflux activity of cancer cells following treatments with androstano-arylpyrimidines. We found that acetylated compounds were capable of attenuating the membrane efflux of inherently MDR cells; however, deacetylated counterparts were ineffective. To delineate the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these unique activities of androstano-arylpyrimidines, the degree of apoptosis induction was assessed by AnnexinV-based assays, both upon the individual as well as by steroid and chemotherapy agent combination treatments. Five dihydrotestosterone derivatives applied in combination with Doxorubicin or Epirubicin triggered massive apoptosis in MDR cells, and these combinations were more efficient than chemotherapy drugs together with Verapamil. Furthermore, our results revealed that androstano-arylpyrimidines induced significant endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) but did not notably modulate ABC transporter expression. Therefore, ER stress triggered by acetylated androstano-arylpyrimidines is probably involved in the mechanism of efflux pump inhibition and drug sensitization which can be targeted in future drug developments to defeat inherently multidrug-resistant cancer.

The Role of Silver Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer: Are There Any Perspectives for the Future?

Cancer is a fatal disease with a complex pathophysiology. Lack of specificity and cytotoxicity, as well as the multidrug resistance of traditional cancer chemotherapy, are the most common limitations that often cause treatment failure. Thus, in recent years, significant efforts have concentrated on the development of a modernistic field called nano-oncology, which provides the possibility of using nanoparticles (NPs) with the aim to detect, target, and treat cancer diseases. In comparison with conventional anticancer strategies, NPs provide a targeted approach, preventing undesirable side effects. What is more, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have shown good pharmacokinetics and precise targeting, as well as reduced multidrug resistance. It has been documented that, in cancer cells, NPs promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, activate ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress, modulate various signaling pathways, etc. Furthermore, their ability to inhibit tumor growth in vivo has also been documented. In this paper, we have reviewed the role of silver NPs (AgNPs) in cancer nanomedicine, discussing numerous mechanisms by which they render anticancer properties under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, as well as their potential in the diagnosis of cancer.

Dual tumor- and subcellular-targeted photodynamic therapy using glucose-functionalized MoS2 nanoflakes for multidrug-resistant tumor ablation

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is emerging as an efficient strategy to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer. However, the short half-life and limited diffusion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) undermine the therapeutic outcomes of this therapy. To address this issue, a tumor-targeting nanoplatform was developed to precisely deliver mitochondria- and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeting PDT agents to desired sites for dual organelle-targeted PDT. The nanoplatform is constructed by functionalizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanoflakes with glucose-modified hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG), and then loading the organelle-targeting PDT agents. The resultant nanoplatform Cy7.5-TG@GPM is demonstrated to mediate both greatly enhanced internalization within MDR cells and precise subcellular localization of PDT agents, facilitating in situ near-infrared (NIR)-triggered ROS generation for augmented PDT and reversal of MDR, causing impressive tumor shrinkage in a HeLa multidrug-resistant tumor mouse model. As revealed by mechanistic studies of the synergistic mitochondria- and ER-targeted PDT, ROS-induced ER stress not only activates the cytosine-cytosine-adenosine-adenosine thymidine/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) pro-apoptotic signaling pathway, but also cooperates with ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction to trigger cytochrome C release from the mitochondria and induce subsequent cell death. Furthermore, the mitochondrial dysfunction reduces ATP production and thereby contributes to the reversal of MDR. This nanoplatform, with its NIR-responsive properties and ability to target tumors and subcellular organelles, offers a promising strategy for effective MDR cancer therapy.

The critical role of nanoparticle sizes in the interactions between gold nanoparticles and ABC transporters in zebrafish embryos

Despite the increasing evidences for adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC transporters)-mediated efflux of nanoparticles, the universality of these phenomena and the determining factors for the process remained to be clarified. This paper aimed to systemically investigate the role of nanoparticle size in the interactions between adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC transporters) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, 3 nm, 19 nm, and 84 nm, named as Au-3, Au-19, and Au-84) in zebrafish embryos. The results showed that all the three AuNPs induced significant toxicity as reflected by delayed hatching of embryos, decreased glutathione (GSH) contents, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Under the hindrance of embryo chorions, smaller AuNPs could more easily accumulate in the embryos, causing higher toxicity. Addition of transporter inhibitors enhanced the accumulation and toxicity of Au-3 and Au-19, and these nanoparticles induced the expressions of abcc2 and abcb4, indicating a fact that Au-3 and Au-19 were the potential substrates of ABC transporters, but these phenomena were barely found for Au-84. On the contrary, Au-84 suppressed the gene expressions of various ABC transporters like abcc1, abcg5, and abcg8. With specific suppressors, transcription factors like nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and pregnane X receptor (Pxr) were found to be important in the induction of ABC transporters by AuNPs. After all, these results revealed a vital role of nanoparticle sizes in the interactions between ABC transporters and AuNPs in zebrafish embryos, and the critical size could be around 19 nm. Such information would be beneficial in assessing the environmental risk of nanoparticles, as well as their interactions with other chemical toxicants.

Emerging nanotechnology-based therapeutics to combat multidrug-resistant cancer

Cancer often develops multidrug resistance (MDR) when cancer cells become resistant to numerous structurally and functionally different chemotherapeutic agents. MDR is considered one of the principal reasons for the failure of many forms of clinical chemotherapy. Several factors are involved in the development of MDR including increased expression of efflux transporters, the tumor microenvironment, changes in molecular targets and the activity of cancer stem cells. Recently, researchers have designed and developed a number of small molecule inhibitors and derivatives of natural compounds to overcome various mechanisms of clinical MDR. Unfortunately, most of the chemosensitizing approaches have failed in clinical trials due to non-specific interactions and adverse side effects at pharmacologically effective concentrations. Nanomedicine approaches provide an efficient drug delivery platform to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapy and improve therapeutic effectiveness. Multifunctional nanomaterials have been found to facilitate drug delivery by improving bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs to overcome MDR. In this review article, we discuss the major factors contributing to MDR and the limitations of existing chemotherapy- and nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems to overcome clinical MDR mechanisms. We critically review recent nanotechnology-based approaches to combat tumor heterogeneity, drug efflux mechanisms, DNA repair and apoptotic machineries to overcome clinical MDR. Recent successful therapies of this nature include liposomal nanoformulations, cRGDY-PEG-Cy5.5-Carbon dots and Cds/ZnS core–shell quantum dots that have been employed for the effective treatment of various cancer sub-types including small cell lung, head and neck and breast cancers.

Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Drug-Delivery to Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cells

Background

Multidrug resistance is a common reason behind the failure of chemotherapy. Even if the therapy is effective, serious adverse effects might develop due to the low specificity and selectivity of antineoplastic agents. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising materials for tumor-targeting and drug-delivery due to their small size, relatively inert nature, and extremely large specific surfaces that can be functionalized by therapeutic and targeting entities. We aimed to create a fluorescently labeled MSN-based drug-delivery system and investigate their internalization and drug-releasing capability in drug-sensitive MCF-7 and P-glycoprotein-overexpressing multidrug-resistant MCF-7 KCR cancer cells.

Methods and Results

To track the uptake and subcellular distribution of MSNs, particles with covalently coupled red fluorescent Rhodamine B (RhoB) were produced (RhoB@MSNs). Both MCF-7 and MCF-7 KCR cells accumulated a significant amount of RhoB@MSNs. The intracellular RhoB@MSN concentrations did not differ between sensitive and multidrug-resistant cells and were kept at the same level even after cessation of RhoB@MSN exposure. Although most RhoB@MSNs resided in the cytoplasm, significantly more RhoB@MSNs co-localized with lysosomes in multidrug-resistant cells compared to sensitive counterparts. To examine the drug-delivery capability of these particles, RhoB@Rho123@MSNs were established, where RhoB-functionalized nanoparticles carried green fluorescent Rhodamine 123 (Rho123) - a P-glycoprotein substrate - as cargo within mesopores. Significantly higher Rho123 fluorescence intensity was detected in RhoB@Rho123@MSN-treated multidrug-resistant cells than in free Rho123-exposed counterparts. The exceptional drug-delivery potential of MSNs was further verified using Mitomycin C (MMC)-loaded RhoB@MSNs (RhoB@MMC@MSNs). Exposures to RhoB@MMC@MSNs significantly decreased the viability not only of drug-sensitive but of multidrug-resistant cells and the elimination of MDR cells was significantly more robust than upon free MMC treatments.

Conclusion

The efficient delivery of Rho123 and MMC to multidrug-resistant cells via MSNs, the amplified and presumably prolonged intracellular drug concentration, and the consequently enhanced cytotoxic effects envision the enormous potential of MSNs to defeat multidrug-resistant cancer.

Cavitation assisted endoplasmic reticulum targeted sonodynamic droplets to enhanced anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors and promises to play an assistive role in immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. However, the short half-life and limited diffusion distance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) impair ICD induction, especially in tumors with relatively poor blood perfusion and dense stroma.

RESULTS

To address this problem, we fabricated cavitation-assisted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeted sonodynamic nanodroplets (PMPS NDs, 329 nm). The good sonodynamic effect and precise endoplasmic reticulum target effect was verified. After intravenous injection, the cRGD peptide modified nanodroplets initially aggregated around the tumor vascular endothelial cells. Stimulated by ultrasound, the liquid-to-gas bubbles began to oscillate and cavitate. This acoustic droplet evaporation strategy facilitated transport of the nanoparticle across the vessel, with deep penetration. This loosened the tumor stroma and facilitated accumulation and penetration of loaded sonosensitizer after 6 h. The modified sonosensitizer can selectively accumulate in the ER to generate a large amount of ROS in situ, inducing potent ER stress, amplified ICD and dendritic cell maturation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the elevated antitumor effect of SDT plus anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy was verified using an orthotopic tumor model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports a cavitation assisted ER targeted sonodynamic therapy that can enhance the effect of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy effectively in orthotopic and distant pancreatic cancer.

Reverse anti-breast cancer drug resistance effects by a novel two-step assembled nano-celastrol medicine

Multidrug resistance (MDR) has become one of the most intractable problems in clinics as it would cause failure in chemotherapy. In this study, we demonstrated that a nanoscale self-assembled nanomedicine, which almost consisted of a pure chemo-drug, could efficiently overcome MDR. Celastrol (CST) was directly assembled into a discrete nanomedicine by precipitation, and then CST nanoparticles (CNPs) inhibited drug efflux pumps by activating HSF-1 expression and promoting HSF-1 translocation into nucleus to suppress the Pgp expression. The more drug accumulated in cells could activate apoptosis signals simultaneously and realize drug resistance reversal. CNPs significantly increased the level of ROS to regulate ERK/JNK signaling, which would further induce resistant cell apoptosis. The tandem apoptosis strategy used the same concentration of CST but achieved a higher antitumor effect. Overall, our study provides a new translational and alternative strategy using conventional natural products to overcome MDR with high efficacy.

Nano Silver-Induced Toxicity and Associated Mechanisms

Nano silver is one of the most widely used engineering nanomaterials with antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, the widespread application of nano silver preparations in daily life raises concerns about public health. Although several review articles have described the toxicity of nano silver to specific major organs, an updated comprehensive review that clearly and systematically outlines the harmful effects of nano silver is lacking. This review begins with the routes of exposure to nano silver and its distribution in vivo. The toxic reactions are then discussed on three levels, from the organ to the cellular and subcellular levels. This review also provides new insights on adjusting the toxicity of nano silver by changing their size and surface functionalization and their combination with other materials to form a composite formulation. Finally, future development, challenges, and research directions are discussed.

AgNPs Targeting the Drug Resistance Problem of Staphylococcus aureus: Susceptibility to Antibiotics and Efflux Effect

The present work presents translational research with application of AgNPs targeting the global drug resistance problem. In vivo fieldwork was carried out with 400 breeding farm cows sick with a serous mastitis. Ex vivo results revealed that after cow treatment with LactobayTM (a mixture of antibiotic drugs) the susceptibility to 31 antibiotics of S. aureus isolates from cow breast secretion decreased by 25%, while after treatment with Argovit–CTM silver nanoparticles S. aureus susceptibility increased by 11%. The portion of isolates with an efflux effect leading to elimination of antibiotics from S. aureus after Lactobay-treatment resulted in a 15% increase, while Argovit-C-treatment led to a 17.5% decrease. The obtained results showed that mastitis treatments with Argovit-CTM AgNPs can partially restore the activity of antibiotics towards S. aureus and shorten the duration of mastitis treatment by 33%.

A Nanoparticle's Journey to the Tumor: Strategies to Overcome First-Pass Metabolism and Their Limitations

Simple Summary

Traditional cancer therapeutics suffer from off-target toxicity, limiting their effective dose and preventing patients’ tumors from being sufficiently treated by chemotherapeutics alone. Nanomedicine is an emerging class of therapeutics in which a drug is packaged into a nanoparticle that promotes uptake of the drug at a tumor site, shielding it from uptake by peripheral organs and enabling the safe delivery of chemotherapeutics that have poor aqueous solubility, short plasma half-life, narrow therapeutic window, and toxic side effects. Despite the advantages of nanomedicines for cancer, there remains significant challenges to improve uptake at the tumor and prevent premature clearance from the body. In this review, we summarize the effects of first-pass metabolism on a nanoparticle’s journey to a tumor and outline future steps that we believe will improve the efficacy of cancer nanomedicines.

Abstract

Nanomedicines represent the cutting edge of today’s cancer therapeutics. Seminal research decades ago has begun to pay dividends in the clinic, allowing for the delivery of cancer drugs with enhanced systemic circulation while also minimizing off-target toxicity. Despite the advantages of delivering cancer drugs using nanoparticles, micelles, or other nanostructures, only a small fraction of the injected dose reaches the tumor, creating a narrow therapeutic window for an otherwise potent drug. First-pass metabolism of nanoparticles by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) has been identified as a major culprit for the depletion of nanoparticles in circulation before they reach the tumor site. To overcome this, new strategies, materials, and functionalization with stealth polymers have been developed to improve nanoparticle circulation and uptake at the tumor site. This review summarizes the strategies undertaken to evade RES uptake of nanomedicines and improve the passive and active targeting of nanoparticle drugs to solid tumors. We also outline the limitations of current strategies and the future directions we believe will be explored to yield significant benefits to patients and make nanomedicine a promising treatment modality for cancer.

Cancer Therapy by Silver Nanoparticles: Fiction or Reality?

As an emerging new class, metal nanoparticles and especially silver nanoparticles hold great potential in the field of cancer biology. Due to cancer-specific targeting, the consequently attenuated side-effects and the massive anti-cancer features render nanoparticle therapeutics desirable platforms for clinically relevant drug development. In this review, we highlight those characteristics of silver nanoparticle-based therapeutic concepts that are unique, exploitable, and achievable, as well as those that represent the critical hurdle in their advancement to clinical utilization. The collection of findings presented here will describe the features that distinguish silver nanoparticles from other anti-cancer agents and display the realistic opportunities and implications in oncotherapeutic innovations to find out whether cancer therapy by silver nanoparticles is fiction or reality.

Recent advances in targeted nanotherapeutic approaches for breast cancer management

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring tumor disease worldwide. Breast cancer is currently managed by conventional chemotherapy, which is inadequate in curbing this heterogeneous disease and results in off-site toxic effects, suggesting effective treatment approaches with better therapeutic profiles are needed. This review, therefore, focuses on the recent advancements in delivering therapeutics to the target site using passive and/or active targeted nanodrug-delivery systems to ameliorate endolysosomal escape. In addition, recent strategies in targeting breast cancer stem cells are discussed. The role of naturally cell-secreted nanovesicles (exosomes) in the management of triple-negative breast cancer is also discussed.

Nanotherapeutics approaches to overcome P-glycoprotein-mediated multi-drug resistance in cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer chemotherapy is a growing concern for medical practitioners. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression is one of the major reasons for multidrug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. The P-gp overexpression in cancer cells depends on several factors like adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), and drug physicochemical properties such as lipophilicity, molecular weight, and molecular size. Further multiple exposures of anticancer drugs to the P-gp efflux protein cause acquired P-gp overexpression. Unique structural and functional characteristics of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems provide opportunities to circumvent P-gp mediated MDR. The primary mechanism behind the nanocarrier systems in P-gp inhibition includes: bypassing or inhibiting the P-gp efflux pump to combat MDR. In this review, we discuss the role of P-gp in MDR and highlight the recent progress in different nanocarriers to overcome P-gp mediated MDR in terms of their limitations and potentials.

Traditional Chinese medicine reverses cancer multidrug resistance and its mechanism

Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used clinical treatments among the currently available cancer therapies. However, the phenomenon of Multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a challenge in the treatment process, weakening the impact of chemotherapy. Extensive research on elucidating the development of cancer MDR has identified the following mechanisms that play a critical role in the development of several MDR reversal agents: abnormal expression of cell membrane transporters, adaptation of cancer cells to the microenvironment, regulation of hypoxia, repair of DNA damage and reduction of apoptosis, the enhancement of the EMT process, the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the abnormal activation of key signaling pathways. However, they failed to demonstrate significant efficacy due to severe side effects during their clinical trials. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are known to play an important anti-cancer role since they have low toxicity, high efficacy, and safety and can reverse MDR. TCMs reversal agents can be divided into Chinese medicine monomers, synthetic monomers, analogs, or derivatives. Several studies have shown that TCMs can effectively overcome cancer MDR and can be effectively used for treating cancer patients.

Exploring new Horizons in overcoming P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug-resistant breast cancer via nanoscale drug delivery platforms

The high probability (13%) of women developing breast cancer in their lifetimes in America is exacerbated by the emergence of multidrug resistance after exposure to first-line chemotherapeutic agents. Permeation glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated drug efflux is widely recognized as the major driver of this resistance. Initial in vitro and in vivo investigations of the co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and P-gp inhibitors have yielded satisfactory results; however, these results have not translated to clinical settings. The systemic delivery of multiple agents causes adverse effects and drug-drug interactions, and diminishes patient compliance. Nanocarrier-based site-specific delivery has recently gained substantial attention among researchers for its promise in circumventing the pitfalls associated with conventional therapy. In this review article, we focus on nanocarrier-based co-delivery approaches encompassing a wide range of P-gp inhibitors along with chemotherapeutic agents. We discuss the contributions of active targeting and stimuli responsive systems in imparting site-specific cytotoxicity and reducing both the dose and adverse effects.

Differential Action of Silver Nanoparticles on ABCB1 (MDR1) and ABCC1 (MRP1) Activity in Mammalian Cell Lines

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), due to their unique properties have been receiving immense attention in recent years. In addition to their antibacterial and antifungal activities, AgNPs also cause apoptosis, mitochondria disfunction, nucleic acid damage and show potent anticancer properties in both multidrug resistance (MDR) and sensitive tumors. The MDR phenomenon, caused by the presence of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins, is responsible for the failure of chemotherapy. Thus, investigating the influence of widely used AgNPs on ABC transporters is crucial. In the present study, we have examined the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles of a nominal size of 20 nm (Ag20) on the cell lines of different tissue origins. In addition, we have checked the ATP-binding cassette transporters’ activity and expression under AgNP exposure. The results indicate that Ag20 shows a toxic effect on tested cells, as well as modulating the expression and transport activity of ABC proteins.

Molecular Perspective of Nanoparticle Mediated Therapeutic Targeting in Breast Cancer: An Odyssey of Endoplasmic Reticulum Unfolded Protein Response (UPRER) and Beyond

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most frequent cause of death among women. Representing a complex and heterogeneous type of cancer, its occurrence is attributed by both genetic (gene mutations, e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2) and non-genetic (race, ethnicity, etc.) risk factors. The effectiveness of available treatment regimens (small molecules, cytotoxic agents, and inhibitors) decreased due to their poor penetration across biological barriers, limited targeting, and rapid body clearance along with their effect on normal resident cells of bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles. This significantly reduced their clinical outcomes, which led to an unprecedented increase in the number of cases worldwide. Nanomedicine, a nano-formulation of therapeutics, emerged as a versatile delivering module for employment in achieving the effective and target specific delivery of pharmaceutical payloads. Adoption of nanotechnological approaches in delivering therapeutic molecules to target cells ensures not only reduced immune response and toxicity, but increases the stability of therapeutic entities in the systemic circulation that averts their degradation and as such increased extravasations and accumulation via enhanced permeation and the retention (EPR) effect in target tissues. Additionally, nanoparticle (NP)-induced ER stress, which enhances apoptosis and autophagy, has been utilized as a combative strategy in the treatment of cancerous cells. As nanoparticles-based avenues have been capitalized to achieve better efficacy of the new genera of therapeutics with enhanced specificity and safety, the present study is aimed at providing the fundamentals of BC, nanotechnological modules (organic, inorganic, and hybrid) employed in delivering different therapeutic molecules, and mechanistic insights of nano-ER stress induced apoptosis and autophagy with a perspective of exploring this avenue for use in the nano-toxicological studies. Furthermore, the current scenario of USA FDA approved nano-formulations and the future perspective of nanotechnological based interventions to overcome the existing challenges are also discussed.

Are Smaller Nanoparticles Always Better? Understanding the Biological Effect of Size-Dependent Silver Nanoparticle Aggregation Under Biorelevant Conditions

Purpose

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most commonly investigated nanomaterials, especially due to their biomedical applications. However, their excellent cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity is often compromised in biological media due to nanoparticle aggregation. In this work, the aggregation behavior and the related biological activity of three different samples of citrate capped silver nanoparticles, with mean diameters of 10, 20, and 50 nm, respectively, were examined.

Methods

Following nanoparticle synthesis and characterization with transmission electron microscopy, their aggregation behavior under various pH values, NaCl, glucose, and glutamine concentrations, furthermore in cell culture medium components such as Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium and fetal bovine serum, was assessed through dynamic light scattering and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.

Results

The results indicated that acidic pH and physiological electrolyte content universally induce micron-scale aggregation, which can be mediated by biomolecular corona formation. Remarkably, larger particles demonstrated higher resistance against external influences than smaller counterparts. In vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial assays were performed by treating cells with nanoparticulate aggregates in differing stages of aggregation.

Conclusion

Our results revealed a profound association between colloidal stability and toxicity of AgNPs, as extreme aggregation led to the complete loss of biological activity. The higher degree of aggregation resistance observed for larger particles had a significant impact on the in vitro toxicity, since such samples retained more of their activity against microbes and mammalian cells. These findings lead to the conclusion that aiming for the smallest possible nanoparticles might not be the best course of action, despite the general standpoint of the relevant literature.

Intracellular and extracellular targets as mechanisms of cancer therapy by nanomaterials in relation to their physicochemical properties

Cancer nanomedicine has evolved in recent years and is only expected to increase due to the ease with which nanomaterials (NMs) may be manipulated to the advantage of the cancer patient. The success of nanomedicine is dependent on the cell death mechanism, which in turn is dependent on the organelle initially targeted. The success of cancer nanomedicine is also dependent on other cellular mechanisms such as the induction of autophagy dysfunction, manipulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and secretome or induction of host immune responses. Current cancer phototherapies for example, photothermal- or photodynamic therapies as well as radio enhancement also form a major part of cancer nanomedicine. In general, cancer nanomedicine may be grouped into those NMs exhibiting inherent anti-cancer properties that is, self-therapeutic NMs (Group 1), NMs leading to localization of phototherapies or radio-enhancement (Group 2), and NMs as nanocarriers in the absence or presence of external radiation (Group 3). The recent advances of these three groups, together with their advantages and disadvantages as well as their cellular mechanisms and ultimate outcomes are summarized in this review. By exploiting these different intracellular mechanisms involved in initiating cell death pathways, it is possible to synthesize NMs that may have the desirable characteristics to maximize their efficacy in cancer therapy. Therefore, a summary of these important physicochemical characteristics is also presented that need to be considered for optimal cancer cell targeting and initiation of mechanisms that will lead to cancerous cell death. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine.

Combined Photothermal and Ionizing Radiation Sensitization of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Using Triangular Silver Nanoparticles

Background

Ionizing radiation (IR) is commonly used in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment regimens. However, off-target toxicity affecting normal tissue and grueling treatment regimens remain major limitations. Hyperthermia is one of the greatest IR sensitizers, but only if heat is administered simultaneously or immediately prior to ionizing radiation. Difficulty in co-localizing ionizing radiation (IR) in rapid succession with hyperthermia, and confining treatment to the tumor have hindered widespread clinical adoption of combined thermoradiation treatment. Metal nanoparticle-based approaches to IR sensitization and photothermal heat generation may aid in overcoming these issues and improve treatment specificity.

Methods

We assessed the potential to selectively treat MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells without affecting non-malignant MCF-10A breast cells using a multimodal approach based upon combined photothermal therapy, IR sensitization, and specific cytotoxicity using triangular silver nanoparticles (TAgNPs) with peak absorbance in the near-infrared light (NIR) spectrum.

Results

We found that TAgNP-mediated photothermal therapy and radiosensitization offer a high degree of specificity for treatment of TNBC without affecting non-malignant mammary epithelial cells.

Discussion

If given at a high enough dose, IR, heat, or TAgNPs alone could be sufficient for tumor treatment. However, when the dose of one or all of these modalities increases, off-target effects also increase. The challenge lies in identifying the minimal doses of each individual treatment such that when combined they provide maximum selectivity for treatment of TNBC cells with minimum off-target effects on non-malignant breast cells. Our results provide proof of concept that this combination is highly selective for TNBC cells while sparing non-malignant mammary epithelial cells. This treatment would be particularly important for patients undergoing breast conservation therapy and for treatment of invasive tumor margins near the periphery where each individual treatment might be at a sub-therapeutic level.

Hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum stress and chemoresistance: dangerous liaisons

Solid tumors often grow in a micro-environment characterized by < 2% O₂ tension. This condition, together with the aberrant activation of specific oncogenic patwhays, increases the amount and activity of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a transcription factor that controls up to 200 genes involved in neoangiogenesis, metabolic rewiring, invasion and drug resistance. Hypoxia also induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a condition that triggers cell death, if cells are irreversibly damaged, or cell survival, if the stress is mild.Hypoxia and chronic ER stress both induce chemoresistance. In this review we discuss the multiple and interconnected circuitries that link hypoxic environment, chronic ER stress and chemoresistance. We suggest that hypoxia and ER stress train and select the cells more adapted to survive in unfavorable conditions, by activating pleiotropic mechanisms including apoptosis inhibition, metabolic rewiring, anti-oxidant defences, drugs efflux. This adaptative process unequivocally expands clones that acquire resistance to chemotherapy.We believe that pharmacological inhibitors of HIF-1α and modulators of ER stress, although characterized by low specificty and anti-cancer efficacy when used as single agents, may be repurposed as chemosensitizers against hypoxic and chemorefractory tumors in the next future.

Androstano-arylpyrimidines: Novel small molecule inhibitors of MDR1 for sensitizing multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells

Apart from the numerous physiological functions of MDR1, it is widely known for its role in granting multidrug resistance to cancer cells. This ATP-driven transmembrane protein exports a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents from cancer cells, thereby deterring drugs to reach effective intracellular concentrations. Thus, inhibition of MDR1 expression or function would be a viable option to enhance the accumulation of cytotoxic agents in cancer cells which in turn could improve significantly the success rate of chemotherapy. Although, several pharmacological inhibitors have been designed and tested in the past, due to their unsuccessful translation to clinical application, there is still ongoing research to find suitable compounds to manipulate MDR1 function and potentially overturn multidrug resistance. In the present study, we demonstrate that novel DHT-derived A-ring-fused arylpyrimidinone derivatives, based on their acetylation status, can inhibit MDR1 efflux activity in MDR1 overexpressing multidrug-resistant breast adenocarcinoma cells. Strikingly, all derivatives carrying an acetoxy group on the sterane d-ring were highly potent in hindering Rhodamine 123 export via MDR1, however deacetylated molecules were not capable to exert a similar effect on multidrug resistant cancer cells. The possible molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the efflux pump inhibiting function of acetylated derivatives were dissected using the most potent MDR1 inhibitor, compound 10g and its deacetylated counterpart (11g). Importantly, molecule 10g was able to sensitize drug resistant cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis, further verifying the highly advantageous nature of efflux pump inhibition upon chemotherapy. Our experiments also revealed that neither mitochondrial damage, nor MDR1 gene regulation could lay behind the MDR1 inhibitory function of compound 10g. Molecular docking studies were carried out to analyze the interactions of 10g and 11g with MDR1, however no significant differences in their binding properties were observed. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the ER stress inducing potential of molecule 10g might be the fundamental mechanism behind its inhibitory action on MDR1. With additional studies, our work can yield a structural platform for a new generation of small molecule MDR1 inhibitors to sensitize drug resistant cancer cells and at the same time it elucidates the exemplary involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the molecular events to defeat multidrug resistance.

Precise design strategies of nanomedicine for improving cancer therapeutic efficacy using subcellular targeting

Therapeutic efficacy against cancer relies heavily on the ability of the therapeutic agents to reach their final targets. The optimal targets of most cancer therapeutic agents are usually biological macromolecules at the subcellular level, which play a key role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, to improve the therapeutic efficiency of drugs, researchers need to focus on delivering not only the therapeutic agents to the target tissues and cells but also the drugs to the relevant subcellular structures. In this review, we discuss the most recent construction strategies and release patterns of various cancer cell subcellular-targeting nanoformulations, aiming at providing guidance in the overall design of precise nanomedicine. Additionally, future challenges and potential perspectives are illustrated in the hope of enhancing anticancer efficacy and accelerating the translational progress of precise nanomedicine.

Homotype-Targeted Biogenic Nanoparticles to Kill Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cells

“Off-targeting” and receptor density expressed at the target sites always compromise the efficacy of the nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. In this study, we isolated different cell membranes and constructed cell membrane-cloaked biogenic nanoparticles for co-delivery of antitumor paclitaxel (PTX) and multidrug resistance (MDR)-modulator disulfiram (DSF). Consequently, MDR cancer cell membrane (A549/T)-coated hybrid nanoparticles (A549/T CM-HNPs) selectively recognized the source cells and increased the uptake by ninefold via the homotypic binding mechanism. Moreover, the A549/T CM-HNPs sensitized MDR cells to PTX by suppressing P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity by 3.2-fold and induced effective apoptosis (70%) in homologous A549/T cells. Cell-membrane coating based on the “homotypic binding” is promising in terms of promoting the accumulation of chemotherapeutics in MDR cells and killing them.

The critical size of gold nanoparticles for overcoming P-gp mediated multidrug resistance

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a huge obstacle during cancer treatment. One of the most studied MDR mechanisms is P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated drug efflux. Based on the three-dimensional structural characteristics of P-gp, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with average sizes of 4.1 nm and 5.4 nm were designed for the construction of nanodrug delivery systems (NanoDDSs), with the anticancer molecules 2-(9-anthracenylmethylene)-hydrazinecarbothioamide (ANS) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) modified on the AuNP surfaces through the thiol group. In vitro cytotoxicity results suggested that the larger sized AuNPs can effectively decrease the drug resistance index of MCF-7/ADR cells to ∼2. Verapamil and P-gp antibody competitive experiments, combined with the cellular uptake of AuNPs, indicated that larger NanoDDSs were more conducive to intracellular drug accumulation and thus had improved anticancer activities, due to a size mismatch between the nanoparticles and the active site of P-gp, and, therefore, reduced drug efflux was seen. Measurements of ATPase activity and intracellular ATP levels indicated that the larger nanoparticles do not bind well to P-gp, thus avoiding effective recognition by P-gp. This was further evidenced by the observation that 4.1 nm and 5.4 nm NanoDDS-treated MCF-7/ADR cells showed remarkable differences in energy-related metabolic pathways. Therefore, the critical size of AuNPs for overcoming MDR was identified to be between 4.1 nm and 5.4 nm. This provides a more accurate description of the composite dimension requirements for NanoDDSs that are designed to overcome MDR.

Microcellular Environmental Regulation of Silver Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: A Critical Review

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) play significant roles in various cancer cells such as functional heterogeneity, microenvironmental differences, and reversible changes in cell properties (e.g., chemotherapy). There is a lack of targets for processes involved in tumor cellular heterogeneity, such as metabolic clampdown, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity, which hinders microenvironmental biology. Proteogenomics and chemical metabolomics are important tools that can be used to study proteins/genes and metabolites in cells, respectively. Chemical metabolomics have many advantages over genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics in anticancer therapy. However, recent studies with AgNPs have revealed considerable genomic and proteomic changes, particularly in genes involved in tumor suppression, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Metabolites interact biochemically with energy storage, neurotransmitters, and antioxidant defense systems. Mechanobiological studies of AgNPs in cancer metabolomics suggest that AgNPs may be promising tools that can be exploited to develop more robust and effective adaptive anticancer therapies. Herein, we present a proof-of-concept review for AgNPs-based proteogenomics and chemical metabolomics from various tumor cells with the help of several technologies, suggesting their promising use as drug carriers for cancer therapy.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress confers 5-fluorouracil resistance in breast cancer cell via the GRP78/OCT4/lncRNA MIAT/AKT pathway

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an effective anticancer drug. However, high drug resistance limits its chemotherapeutic efficacy. Cancer cell resistance in colon cancer to 5-FU has been attributed to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. But little is known about any similar role in resistance of breast cancer (BC). Here, we aim to investigate the role of ER stress played in BC cell resistance to 5-FU and to describe relevant molecular mechanisms. The expression patterns of 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), octamer 4 (OCT4), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT), and Protein kinase B (AKT) in BC MCF-7 cells resistant to 5-FU were determined by Western blot assay. Next, gain- and loss of-function experiments were conducted to verify effects of GRP78, OCT4, MIAT, and AKT on the to 5-FU sensitivity of MCF-7 cells and 5-FU resistant MCF cells (MCF-7/5-FU). Besides, the in vivo roles of the GRP78/OCT4/lncRNA MIAT/AKT pathway were assessed in tumor-bearing nude mice. 5-FU induced ER stress increased the expression of GRP78 in MCF-7 cells. GRP78 could positively regulate the expression of MIAT and AKT through upregulating OCT4, thereby contributing to 5-FU resistance in BC cells. Additionally, the function of GRP78 silencing in promoting tumor cell sensitivity was confirmed in vivo. These data supported an important role of the ER stress-mediated GRP78/OCT4/lncRNA MIAT/AKT pathway in BC cell resistance to 5-FU, highlighting potential molecular targets for combating 5-FU resistance in BC.

Lytic peptide-grafted beta-cyclodextrin polymer based nano-scaled drug delivery system with enhanced camptothecin anti-cancer efficacy

The aqueous solubility of drug molecules is closely related to its bioactivity like bioavailability and subsequent therapeutic index, especially in the case of hydrophobic drugs like camptothecin (CPT), a potential broad-spectrum anti-cancer agent. Enhanced anti-cancer activity and selectivity of CPT are equally important. Inspired by host-guest effect and drug combination regimen, we developed a novel tumor lytic peptide incorporated drug delivery system by forming beta-cyclodextrin polymer (BCDp) based inclusion complex in nano-scaled size. In this study, BCDp formed inclusion complex with CPT and then a lytic-type peptide (ZH) was grafted. The resulting combinational formulation of BCDp, CPT and ZH, named as ZH-BCDp-CPT inclusion complex, demonstrated greater solubility resulting from its nano-scaled size, amorphous solid state and inclusion structure. Moreover, ZH facilitated quick internalization of conjugated drug via cell membrane lysis, leading to efficient intracellular drug delivery. This novel drug formulation was featured with prolonged circulation, enhanced anti-cancer efficacy, selectivity, anti-cell migration activity and better biocompatibility in comparison with crude CPT and binary BCDp-CPT inclusion complex, all of which were attributed to a cooperative action between ZH and BCDp-CPT inclusion complex. Our results suggested ZH-BCDp-CPT inclusion complex induced cell apoptosis by up-regulation of Bax and P53 and down-regulation of Bcl-2, primarily involved in the mitochondrial pathways.

pH and redox dual-responsive nanoparticles based on disulfide-containing poly(β-amino ester) for combining chemotherapy and COX-2 inhibitor to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer

Background

Multidrug resistance (MDR) generally leads to breast cancer treatment failure. The most common mechanism of MDR is the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) that reduce the intracellular accumulation of various chemotherapeutic agents. Celecoxib (CXB), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, can dramatically enhance the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) in breast cancer cells overexpressing P-gp. Thus it can be seen that the combination of DOX and CXB maybe obtain synergistic effects against breast cancer by overcoming drug resistance.

Results

In this study, we designed a pH and redox dual-responsive nanocarrier system to combine synergistic effects of DOX and CXB against drug resistant breast cancer. This nanocarrier system denoted as HPPDC nanoparticles showed good in vitro stability and significantly accelerated drug releases under the acidic and redox conditions. In drug-resistant human breast cancer MCF-7/ADR cells, HPPDC nanoparticles significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of DOX through the endocytosis mediated by CD44/HA specific binding and the down-regulated P-gp expression induced by COX-2 inhibition, and thus notably increased the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity of DOX. In MCF-7/ADR tumor-bearing nude mice, HPPDC nanoparticles showed excellent tumor-targeting ability, remarkably enhanced tumor chemosensitivity and reduced COX-2 and P-gp expressions in tumor tissues.

Conclusion

All results demonstrated that HPPDC nanoparticles can efficiently overcome drug resistance in breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo by combining chemotherapy and COX-2 inhibitor. In a summary, HPPDC nanoparticles show a great potential for combination treatment of drug resistant breast cancer.

The Mechanism of Bufalin-Induced Apoptosis of K562/A02

Background

In clinical practice, many patients become multidrug resistant during chemotherapy, resulting in reduced or no healing effect. Therefore, the present study focused on bufalin, which is extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine named Chan Su (Venenum bufonis). We assessed the effect of bufalin in reversing K562/A02 cell drug resistance and inducing apoptosis, and explored the possible mechanism by which bufalin induces K562/A02 cell apoptosis.

Material/Methods

We used flow cytometry to evaluate intracellular ADM concentration, and RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to assess the effect of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) bufalin-related resistance gene expression. We used MTT and flow cytometry to detect apoptosis, and RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis gene action.

Results

We found that bufalin can increase the concentration of Adriamycin (ADM) in K562/A02 cells by inhibiting the expression of Nrf2 and related drug resistance factors. The results showed that bufalin induced apoptosis of K562/A02 cells by the IRE1α/TRAF2/JNK/caspase-12 pathway.

Conclusions

These results suggest bufalin can reverse drug resistance in K562/A02 cells and that it induces apoptosis of K562/A02 cells by the IRE1α/TRAF2/JNK/caspase-12 pathway.