Experimental and Theoretical Insights on Chemopreventive Effect of the Liposomal Thymoquinone Against Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Lung Cancer in Swiss Albino Mice

6-Shogaol prevents benzo (A) pyrene-exposed lung carcinogenesis via modulating PRDX1-associated oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation in mouse models

In this study, we have investigated the chemopreventive role of 6-shogaol (6-SGL) on benzopyrene (BaP) exposed lung carcinogenesis by modulating PRDX1-associated oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation in Swiss albino mouse models. Mice were exposed to BaP (50 mg/kg b.wt) orally twice a week for four consecutive weeks and maintained for 16 weeks, respectively. 6-SGL (30 mg/kg b.wt) were orally administered to mouse 1 h before BaP exposure for 16 weeks. After the experiment's termination, 6-SGL (30 mg/kg b.wt) prevented the loss in body weight, increased lung weight, and the total number of tumors in the mice. Moreover, we observed that 6-SGL treatment reverted the activity of BaP-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in mice. Also, 6-SGL impeded the phosphorylation of MAPK family proteins such as Erk1, p38, and Jnk1 in BaP-exposed mice. PRDX1 is an essential antioxidant protein that scavenges toxic radicals and enhances several antioxidant proteins. Overexpression of PRDX1 substantially inhibits MAPKs, proliferation, and inflammation signaling axis. Hence, PRDX1 is thought to be a novel targeting protein for preventing BaP-induced lung cancer. In this study, we have obtained the 6-SGL treatment in a mouse model that reverted BaP-induced depletion of PRDX1 expression. Moreover, pretreatment of 6-SGL (30 mg/kg b.wt) significantly inhibited enhanced proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-β1, IL-10) and proliferative markers (Cyclin-D1, Cyclin-D2, and PCNA) in BaP-exposed mice. The histopathological studies also confirmed that 6-SGL effectively protected the cells with less damage. Thus, the study demonstrated that 6-SGL could be a potential phytochemical and act as a chemopreventive agent in BaP-induced lung cancer by enhancing PRDX1 expression.

In Vivo Cancer Microenvironment Responsive Glycan Receptor-Targeted Nanoparticles for Gemcitabine Delivery to Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Lung Cancer Model

Targeted gemcitabine (GEB) loaded 5-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) assembled chitosan nanoparticles (CA-NPs) were formulated by ionotropic gelation process and evaluated for physicochemical and morphological characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies in A-549 cells and lung cancer mice model, respectively. The mean diameter of GEB-CA-Neu5Ac-NPs determined by dynamic light scattering was 161.16 ± 7.70 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.303 ± 0.011 and its zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (%EE) were 40.3 ± 3.45 mv and 66.11 ± 1.94%, respectively. The in vitro cellular uptake studies showed that glycan receptor-targeted nanoparticles deliver significantly more amount (p < 0.001) of GEB into the A-549 lung cancerous cells than non-targeted nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity study using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay clearly demonstrated that GEB-CA-Neu5Ac-NPs have lower IC50 value (6.39 ± 3.78 µg/ml) than others groups that showed that the greater lung cancerous cells inhibition potential of targeted nanoparticles. The in vivo biodistribution of the GEB-loaded 5-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid conjugated chitosan nanoparticles was revealed that targeted nanoparticles showed higher accumulation and retention for an extended period of time due to the active targeting ability of Neu5Ac to glycan receptors. Histopathological examination showed significant recovery in the physiological architecture upon administration of targeted nanoparticles. The glycan receptor-targeted nanoparticles treated groups showed a significant decline in the number of metastatic lung epithelial cells, as compared to the untreated positive control group (p < 0.001) confirming higher anticancer efficacy of the GEB-CA-Neu5Ac-NPs.

Dual targeting pH responsive chitosan nanoparticles for enhanced active cellular internalization of gemcitabine in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer (LC), related with the enhanced expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and sialic acid binding receptors (glycan) brought about the development of EGFR and glycan receptor specific anticancer therapeutics. The current study assessed the formulation, physiochemical characterization, in vitro and in vivo effects of sialic acid (SA) and cetuximab (Cxmab) decorated chitosan nanoparticles (CSN-NPs) loaded with gemcitabine (GMC) targeted to glycan and EGFR over-expressing non-small-cell lung-cancer (NSCLC) A-549 cells. Chitosan (CSN) was conjugated with sialic acid via EDC/NHS chemistry followed by gemcitabine loaded sialic acid conjugated chitosan nanoparticles (GMC-CSN-SA-NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation method decorated with Cxmab by electrostatic interaction. In vitro cytotoxicity of NPs quantified using cell based MTT, DAPI and Annexing-V/PI apoptosis assays showed superior antiproliferative activity of targeted nanoformulations (GMC-CSN-SA-Cxmab-NPs ≫ GMC-CSN-SA-NPs, GMC-CSN-Cxmab-NPs) over non-targeted nanoformulation (GMC-CSN-NPs) against A-549 cells. In vivopharmacokinetic study showed superior bioavailability and in vivo therapeutic efficacy investigation exhibited strongest anticancer activity of glycan and EGFR targeted NPs (GMC-CSN-SA-Cxmab-NPs). GMC-CSN-SA-Cxmab-NPs demonstrated enhanced cellular internalization and better therapeutic potential, by specifically targeting glycan and EGFR on NSCLC A-549 cells and B[a]P induced lung cancer mice model, hence it might be a good substitute for non-targeted, conventional chemotherapy.

Anticancer activity of thymoquinone against breast cancer cells: Mechanisms of action and delivery approaches

The rising incidence of breast cancer has been a significant source of concern in the medical community. Regarding the adverse effects and consequences of current treatments, cancers' health, and socio-economical aspects have become more complicated, leaving research aimed at improved or new treatments on top priority. Medicinal herbs contain multitarget compounds that can control cancer development and advancement. Owing to Nigella Sativa's elements, it can treat many disorders. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural chemical derived from the black seeds of Nigella sativa Linn proved to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. TQ interferes in a broad spectrum of tumorigenic procedures and inhibits carcinogenesis, malignant development, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis owing to its multitargeting ability. It effectively facilitates miR-34a up-regulation, regulates the p53-dependent pathway, and suppresses Rac1 expression. TQ promotes apoptosis and controls the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. It has also been shown to diminish the phosphorylation of NF-B and IKK and decrease the metastasis and ERK1/2 and PI3K activity. We discuss TQ's cytotoxic effects for breast cancer treatment with a deep look at the relevant stimulatory or inhibitory signaling pathways. This review discusses the various forms of polymeric and non-polymeric nanocarriers (NC) and the encapsulation of TQ for increasing oral bioavailability and enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacy of TQ-combined treatment with different chemotherapeutic agents against various breast cancer cell lines. This study can be useful to a broad scientific community, comprising pharmaceutical and biological scientists, as well as clinical investigators.

Lipid Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Therapeutic Advances in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Although various treatments are currently being developed, lung cancer still has a very high mortality rate. Moreover, while various strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are being used in clinical settings, in many cases, lung cancer does not respond to treatment and presents reducing survival rates. Cancer nanotechnology, also known as nanotechnology in cancer, is a relatively new topic of study that brings together scientists from a variety of fields, including chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine. The use of lipid-based nanocarriers to aid drug distribution has already had a significant impact in several scientific fields. Lipid-based nanocarriers have been demonstrated to help stabilize therapeutic compounds, overcome barriers to cellular and tissue absorption, and improve in vivo drug delivery to specific target areas. For this reason, lipid-based nanocarriers are being actively researched and used for lung cancer treatment and vaccine development. This review discusses the improvements in drug delivery achieved with lipid-based nanocarriers, the obstacles that still exist with in vivo applications, and the current clinical and experimental applications of lipid-based nanocarriers in lung cancer treatment and management.

Antinociceptive Action of Thymoquinone-Loaded Liposomes in an In Vivo Model of Tendinopathy

Tendinopathies represent about 45% of musculoskeletal lesions and they are a big burden in clinics characterized by activity-related pain, focal tendon tenderness and intra-tendinous imaging changes. Many approaches have been proposed for tendinopathies' management (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, eccentric exercises, laser therapy), unfortunately with very little support of efficacy or serious side effects, thus making the identification of new treatments fundamental. The aim of the study was to test the protective and pain reliever effect of thymoquinone (TQ)-loaded formulations in a rat model of tendinopathy induced by carrageenan intra-tendon injection (20 µL of carrageenan 0.8% on day 1). Conventional (LP-TQ) and hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated TQ liposomes (HA-LP-TQ) were characterized and subjected to in vitro release and stability studies at 4 °C. Then, TQ and liposomes were peri-tendon injected (20 µL) on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 to evaluate their antinociceptive profile using mechanical noxious and non-noxious stimuli (paw pressure and von Frey tests), spontaneous pain (incapacitance test) and motor alterations (Rota rod test). Liposomes containing 2 mg/mL of TQ and covered with HA (HA-LP-TQ2) reduced the development of spontaneous nociception and hypersensitivity for a long-lasting effect more than the other formulations. The anti-hypersensitivity effect matched with the histopathological evaluation. In conclusion, the use of TQ encapsulated in HA-LP liposomes is suggested as a new treatment for tendinopathies.

Concomitant delivery of doxorubicin and cisplatin through liposome-based thermosensitive nanoparticles: perspective in the treatment of cancer in animal models

The temperature sensitive liposomal formulations are a promising tool to improve the therapeutic index of the drugs with minimal toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of concomitant delivery of cisplatin (Cis) and doxorubicin (Dox) containing thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs) with mild hyperthermia against cancer in vitro and in vivo. The polyethylene glycol coated DPPC/DSPC, thermosensitive and DSPC, non-thermosensitive liposomes incorporating Cis and Dox were prepared and characterized. A conventional Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) were applied to study drug-phospholipid interaction and compatibility. The chemotherapeutic efficacy of these formulations was evaluated in benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) induced fibrosarcoma under hyperthermic condition. The size diameter of prepared thermosensitive liposomes was measured to be 120 ± 10 nm. The DSC data exhibited the changes in the curves of DSPC + Dox and DSPC + Cis while comparing the pure DSPC and drugs. However, the FITR showed same spectrum of phospholipids and drugs individually and in the mixture as well. The data showed higher efficacy of Cis-Dox-TSL as 84% inhibition in tumor growth was recorded in this group of animals in hyperthermic condition. The Kaplan-Meir curve revealed, 100% and 80% survival of the animals in the groups treated with Cis-Dox-TSL under hyperthermia and Cis-Dox-NTSL without hyperthermia, respectively. However, Cis-TSL as well as Dox-TSL exhibited 50% survival, while only 20% survival was recorded in the groups of animals treated with Dox-NTSL and Cis-NTSL. The flow cytometry analysis revealed that Cis-Dox-NTSL augments the induction of apoptosis in the tumor cells which was recorded as 18%. As expected, Cis-Dox-TSL showed great potential as 39% of cells were measured as apoptotic cells, significantly very high in comparison to Cis-Dox-NTSL, Dox-TSL and Cis-TSL as well. The apoptotic analysis of the cells by flow cytometry clearly indicated the effect of hyperthermia during the treatment while Cis-Dox-TSL formulation was administered. Finally, the immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissues by confocal microscopy exhibited several fold increases in the expression of pAkt in the animals treated with vehicles in Sham-NTSL as well as Sham-TSL. However, Cis-Dox-TSL showed great reduction in the expression of Akt, as it declined by 11-fold. The results of the present study directed the role of concomitant delivery doxorubicin and cisplatin containing thermosensitive liposomes under hyperthermic conditions for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer.

Aqueous Extract of Artemisia annua Shows In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and an In Vivo Chemopreventive Effect in a Small-Cell Lung Cancer Model

Artemisia annua (A. annua) has been used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of several infectious and non-infectious diseases in the forms of tea and press juice since ancient times. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous extract of A. annua (AAE) as an antimicrobial agent in vitro and to evaluate its chemopreventive efficacy in vivo in a small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) animal model. The dried powder of AAE was prepared using the Soxhlet extraction system from the leaves of Artemisia annua. The in vitro activity of AAE was determined against Candida albicans (C. albicans), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using the agar well diffusion method and propidium iodide (PI)-stained microbial death under a confocal microscope. The pretreatment of mice with AAE was initiated two weeks before the first dose of benzo[a]pyrene and continued for 21 weeks. The chemopreventive potential of the extract was evaluated by flow cytometry and biochemical and histopathological analyses of the tissues and serum accordingly, after sacrificing the mice. The data revealed the antimicrobial potential of AAE against all the species investigated, as it showed growth-inhibitory activity by MIC, as well as confocal microscopy. The pretreatment of AAE exhibited significant protection in carcinogen-modulated, average body weight (ABW), and relative organ weight (ROW) cancer biomarkers in the serum and antioxidants in the lungs. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the tissues revealed that AAE prevented malignancy in the lungs. AAE also induced apoptosis and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lung cells analyzed by flow cytometry. The current findings demonstrated the use of AAE as an alternative medicine in the treatment of infectious disease and the chemoprevention of lung cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first study that summarizes the chemopreventive potential of AAE in a lung cancer model in vivo. However, further investigations are suggested to understand the role of AAE to potentiate the therapeutic index of the commercially available drugs that show multiple drug resistance against microbial growth and high toxicity during cancer chemotherapy.

The Role of Thymoquinone in Inflammatory Response in Chronic Diseases

Anti-inflammatory therapies have been shown to be effective in the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and cancer complications. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main active constituent of Nigella sativa, has shown promising therapeutic properties in many in vivo and in vitro models. However, TQ has poor bioavailability and is hydrophobic, prohibiting clinical trials with TQ alone. Studies have explored the combination of TQ with biological nanomaterials to improve its bioavailability. The TQ nanoparticle formulation shows better bioavailability than free TQ, and these formulations are ready for clinical trials to determine their potential as therapeutic agents. In this paper, we review current knowledge about the interaction between TQ and the inflammatory response and summarize the research prospects in Korea and abroad. We discuss the different biological activities of TQ and various combination therapies of TQ and nanomaterials in clinical trials.