Treatment of lung cancer via telomerase inhibition: self-assembled nanoplexes versus polymeric nanoparticles as vectors for 2'-O-Methyl-RNA

Recent advances in nanoparticle applications in respiratory disorders: a review

Various nanoparticles are used in the discovery of new nanomedicine to overcome the shortages of conventional drugs. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the effects of nanoparticle-based drugs in the treatment of respiratory disorders, including both basic and clinical studies. Databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus, were searched until the end of August 2022 regarding the effect of nanoparticles on respiratory diseases. As a new tool, nanomedicine offered promising applications for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The basic composition and intrinsic characteristics of nanomaterials showed their effectiveness in treating pulmonary diseases. The efficiency of different nanomedicines has been demonstrated in experimental animal models of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), lung cancer, lung infection, and other lung disorders, confirming their function in the improvement of respiratory disorders. Various types of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, polymeric nanomaterials, liposomes, quantum dots, and metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, have demonstrated therapeutic effects on respiratory disorders, which may lead to new possible remedies for various respiratory illnesses that could increase drug efficacy and decrease side effects.

Blood-Derived Exosomal hTERT mRNA in Patients with Lung Cancer: Characterization and Correlation with Response to Therapy

Background: Telomerase (human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is considered a hallmark of cancer, being active in cancer cells but repressed in human somatic cells. As such, it has the potential to serve as a valid cancer biomarker. Exosomal hTERT mRNA can be detected in the serum of patients with solid malignancies but not in healthy individuals. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of measuring serum exosomal hTERT transcripts levels in patients with lung cancer. Methods: A prospective analysis of exosomal hTERT mRNA levels was determined in serum-derived exosomes from 76 patients with stage III-IV lung cancer (11 SCLC and 65 NSCLC). An hTERT level above RQ = 1.2 was considered "detectable" according to a previous receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve. Sequential measurements were obtained in 33 patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively from patients' charts. Data on response to systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) were collected by the treating physicians. Results: hTERT was detected in 53% (40/76) of patients with lung cancer (89% of SCLC and 46% of NSLCC). The mean hTERT levels were 3.7 in all 76 patients, 5.87 in SCLC patients, and 3.62 in NSCLC patients. In total, 25 of 43 patients with sequential measurements had detectable levels of hTERT. The sequential exosomal hTERT mRNA levels reflected the clinical course in 23 of them. Decreases in hTERT levels were detected in 17 and 5 patients with partial and complete response, respectively. Eleven patients with a progressive disease had an increase in the level of exosomal hTERT, and seven with stable disease presented increases in its exosomal levels. Another patient who progressed on the first line of treatment and had a partial response to the second line of treatment exhibited an increase in exosomal hTERT mRNA levels during the progression and a decrease during the response. Conclusions: Exosomal hTERT mRNA levels are elevated in over half of patients with lung cancer. The potential association between hTERT levels and response to therapy suggests its utility as a promising cancer biomarker for response to therapy. This issue should be further explored in future studies.

Neuroprotective Effect of Artichoke-Based Nanoformulation in Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model: Focus on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Amyloidogenic Pathways

The vast socio-economic impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has prompted the search for new neuroprotective agents with good tolerability and safety profile. With its outstanding role as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, alongside its anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, the artichoke can be implemented in a multi-targeted approach in AD therapy. Moreover, artichoke agricultural wastes can represent according to the current United Nations Sustainable Development goals an opportunity to produce medicinally valuable phenolic-rich extracts. In this context, the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS phytochemical characterization of artichoke bracts extract revealed the presence of mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids and apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol O-glycosides with remarkable total phenolics and flavonoids contents. A broad antioxidant spectrum was established in vitro. Artichoke-loaded, chitosan-coated, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared and characterized for their size, zeta potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, release, and ex vivo permeation and showed suitable colloidal characteristics, a controlled release profile, and promising ex vivo permeation, indicating possibly better physicochemical and biopharmaceutical parameters than free artichoke extract. The anti-Alzheimer potential of the extract and prepared SLNs was assessed in vivo in streptozotocin-induced sporadic Alzheimer mice. A great improvement in cognitive functions and spatial memory recovery, in addition to a marked reduction of the inflammatory biomarker TNF-α, β-amyloid, and tau protein levels, were observed. Significant neuroprotective efficacy in dentate Gyrus sub-regions was achieved in mice treated with free artichoke extract and to a significantly higher extent with artichoke-loaded SLNs. The results clarify the strong potential of artichoke bracts extract as a botanical anti-AD drug and will contribute to altering the future medicinal outlook of artichoke bracts previously regarded as agro-industrial waste.

Signaling Pathway Inhibitors, miRNA, and Nanocarrier-Based Pharmacotherapeutics for the Treatment of Lung Cancer: A Review

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is responsible for a large number of deaths worldwide. The pathogenic mechanism of lung cancer is complex and multifactorial in origin. Thus, various signaling pathways as targets for therapy are being examined, and many new drugs are in the pipeline. However, both conventional and target-based drugs have been reported to present significant adverse effects, and both types of drugs can affect the clinical outcome in addition to patient quality of life. Recently, miRNA has been identified as a promising target for lung cancer treatment. Therefore, miRNA mimics, oncomiRs, or miRNA suppressors have been developed and studied for possible anticancer effects. However, these miRNAs also suffer from the limitations of low stability, biodegradation, thermal instability, and other issues. Thus, nanocarrier-based drug delivery for the chemotherapeutic drug delivery in addition to miRNA-based systems have been developed so that existing limitations can be resolved, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes can be achieved. Thus, this review discusses lung cancer's molecular mechanism, currently approved drugs, and their adverse effects. We also discuss miRNA biosynthesis and pathogenetic role, highlight pre-clinical and clinical evidence for use of miRNA in cancer therapy, and discussed limitations of this therapy. Furthermore, nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs and miRNAs are described in detail. In brief, the present review describes the mechanism and up-to-date possible therapeutic approaches for lung cancer treatment and emphasizes future prospects to bring these novel approaches from bench to bedside.

Folic acid decorated chitosan-coated solid lipid nanoparticles for the oral treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Systemic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has been accompanied with several side effects. This study attempts to reduce leflunomide systemic side effects besides increasing its joint healing outcomes via formulation of layer-by-layer coated, leflunomide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). Methods: SLNs were coated with chitosan (CS) followed by folic acid (FA). FA-CS-SLNs were about 284.9 nm and carried negative surface charge. Results & conclusion: FA-CS-SLNs showed sustained release profile for 168 h. Results of oral administration of FA-CS-SLNs in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis revealed improved joint healing and reduced hepatotoxicity compared with leflunomide suspension. This may be attributed to the ability of FA-CS-SLNs to actively target FA receptors that are overexpressed in inflamed rheumatic joints in addition to innate joint healing properties of CS.

Targeted Nanotherapeutics for Respiratory Diseases: Cancer, Fibrosis, and Coronavirus

Systemic delivery of therapeutics for treatment of lung diseases has several limitations including poor organ distribution of delivered payload with relatively low accumulation of active substances in the lungs and severe adverse side effects. In contrast, nanocarrier based therapeutics provide a broad range of opportunities due to their ability to encapsulate substances with different aqueous solubility, transport distinct types of cargo, target therapeutics specifically to the deceased organ, cell, or cellular organelle limiting adverse side effects and increasing the efficacy of therapy. Moreover, many nanotherapeutics can be delivered by inhalation locally to the lungs avoiding systemic circulation. In addition, nanoscale based delivery systems can be multifunctional, simultaneously carrying out several tasks including diagnostics, treatment and suppression of cellular resistance to the treatment. Nanoscale delivery systems improve the clinical efficacy of conventional therapeutics allowing new approaches for the treatment of respiratory diseases which are difficult to treat or possess intrinsic or acquired resistance to treatment. The present review summarizes recent advances in the development of nanocarrier based therapeutics for local and targeted delivery of drugs, nucleic acids and imaging agents for diagnostics and treatment of various diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and coronavirus.

Drug nanodelivery systems based on natural polysaccharides against different diseases

Drug nanodelivery systems (DNDSs) are fascinated cargos to achieve outstanding therapeutic results of various drugs or natural bioactive compounds owing to their unique structures. The efficiency of several pharmaceutical drugs or natural bioactive ingredients is restricted because of their week bioavailability, poor bioaccessibility and pharmacokinetics after orally pathways. In order to handle such constraints, usage of native/natural polysaccharides (NPLS) in fabrication of DNDSs has gained more popularity in the arena of nanotechnology for controlled drug delivery to enhance safety, biocompatibility, better retention time, bioavailability, lower toxicity and enhanced permeability. The main commonly used NPLS in nanoencapsulation systems include chitosan, pectin, alginates, cellulose, starches, and gums recognized as potential materials for fabrication of cargos. Herein, this review is centered on different polysaccharide-based nanocarriers including nanoemulsions, nanohydrogels, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles and nanofibers, which have already served as encouraging candidates for entrapment of therapeutic drugs as well as for their sustained controlled release. Furthermore, the current article explicitly offers comprehensive details regarding application of NPLS-based nanocarriers encapsulating several drugs intended for the handling of numerous disorders, including diabetes, cancer, HIV, malaria, cardiovascular and respiratory as well as skin diseases.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects

The complexity of some diseases—as well as the inherent toxicity of certain drugs—has led to an increasing interest in the development and optimization of drug-delivery systems. Polymeric nanoparticles stand out as a key tool to improve drug bioavailability or specific delivery at the site of action. The versatility of polymers makes them potentially ideal for fulfilling the requirements of each particular drug-delivery system. In this review, a summary of the state-of-the-art panorama of polymeric nanoparticles as drug-delivery systems has been conducted, focusing mainly on those applications in which the corresponding disease involves an important morbidity, a considerable reduction in the life quality of patients—or even a high mortality. A revision of the use of polymeric nanoparticles for ocular drug delivery, for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as nutraceutical delivery, was carried out, and a short discussion about future prospects of these systems is included.

Enhancing cellular morphological changes and ablation of cancer cells via the interaction of drug co-loaded magnetic nanosystems in weak rotating magnetic fields

Tetrandrine and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle co-loaded PLGA nanosystems produce rotational movement and promote tetrandrine release, causing a dual apoptotic effect to tumors.

Oligonucleotide therapy: An emerging focus area for drug delivery in chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases

Oligonucleotide-based therapies are advanced novel interventions used in the management of various respiratory diseases such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These agents primarily act by gene silencing or RNA interference. Better methodologies and techniques are the need of the hour that can deliver these agents to tissues and cells in a target specific manner by which their maximum potential can be reached in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases. Nanoparticles play an important role in the target-specific delivery of drugs. In addition, oligonucleotides also are extensively used for gene transfer in the form of polymeric, liposomal and inorganic carrier materials. Therefore, the current review focuses on various novel dosage forms like nanoparticles, liposomes that can be used efficiently for the delivery of various oligonucleotides such as siRNA and miRNA. We also discuss the future perspectives and targets for oligonucleotides in the management of respiratory diseases.

Nanostructured lipid carriers versus solid lipid nanoparticles for the potential treatment of pulmonary hypertension via nebulization

With the non-selective vasodilating action, short half-life and first-pass metabolism of sildenafil (SC), local application in the lung for pulmonary arterial hypertension is of high demand. Although several nanosystems have been lately investigated, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) give promises of potential safety, biodegradability and controlled drug release. In the current study, NLCs comprising either precirol, stearic acid or beeswax as solid lipid in presence of oleic acid as liquid lipid and PVA or poloxamer as emulsifier were prepared. Optimized NLCs (200-268 nm in size) were appraised versus SLNs both in vitro and in vivo. Precirol/PVA-based SLNs and NLCs ensued high entrapment efficiencies (EE > 95%) and controlled release behaviour over 6 h even though NLCs showed higher release profile. Stability studies at 4 °C indicated potential colloidal and entrapment stability over 3 months. Interestingly, NLCs demonstrated efficient nebulization, low interaction with mucin and higher viability of A549 cells (3-fold increase in IC₅₀ relative to SLNs) providing good aptitudes for pulmonary application. In vivo administration of free SC in rats revealed localized intra-alveolar bleeding, presumably related to excessive vasodilatation. Meanwhile, the nanoencapsulated drug confirmed normal lung parenchyma with minimal incidence of bleeding. Inspiring results highlight the potential of sildenafil-laden nanostructured lipid carriers as pulmonary drug delivery system.

Nebulized solid lipid nanoparticles for the potential treatment of pulmonary hypertension via targeted delivery of phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitor

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors - among which sildenafil citrate (SC) - play a primary role in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Yet, SC can be only administered orally or parenterally with lot of risks. Targeted delivery of SC to the lungs via inhalation/nebulization is mandatory. In this study, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with SC were prepared and characterized in terms of colloidal, morphological and thermal properties. The amount of drug loaded and its release behavior were estimated as a function of formulation variables. The potential of lipid nanocarriers to retain their properties following nebulization and autoclaving was investigated. In addition, toxicity aspects of plain and loaded SLNs on A549 cells were studied with respect to concentration. Spherical SLNs in the size range (100-250nm) were obtained. Particles ensured high encapsulation efficiency (88-100%) and sustained release of the payload over 24h. Cell-based viability experiments revealed a concentration-dependant toxicity for both plain and loaded SLNs recording an IC₅₀ of 516 and 384μg/mL, respectively. Nebulization with jet nebulizer and sterilization via autoclaving affected neither the colloidal stability of SLNs nor the drug entrapment, proving their potential as pulmonary delivery system. Interaction of SLNs with mucin was a function of the emulsifier coating layer. Results yet seeking clinical evidence - might give promises of new therapy for PH of higher safety, better performance and higher patient compliance.

Improved antitumor activity of epirubicin-loaded CXCR4-targeted polymeric nanoparticles in liver cancers

A liver-targeted drug delivery system (CX-EPNP) composed of PLGA/TPGS was prepared and characterized. The surface of nanoparticle was conjugated with LFC131 peptide to increase the specific interaction of carrier with CXCR4 overexpressing liver cancers to enhance the Epirubicin (EPI) delivery to tumors. The particles were nanosized with size than 150 nm and portrayed a sustained release kinetics suggesting its suitability for cancer targeting. The in vitro cell uptake results showed that the introduction of LFC131 to the nanoparticles could increase significantly the affinity to human hepatic carcinoma cells (HepG2) with approximately a 3-fold improvement in cellular uptake than non-targeted one. A specific receptor-mediated uptake was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, CX-EPNP showed remarkable cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells, and could effectively inhibit tumor growth. The more significant EPI accumulation from CX-EPNP in the cancer cells gave rise to the enhanced EPI cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis. The CX-EPNP distributed mostly in the xenograft tumor after intravenous administration to mice and adequately remained in the blood for at least 24h. It seemed that CX-EPNP upon intravenous injection avoided rapid recognition by Kupffer cells and adequately remained in the blood. These findings suggest that CX-EPNP could effectively inhibit the growth of liver tumors in situ and could potentially reduce the systemic side effects. However, extensive investigation is still needed to assess the possible applications of the CX-EPNP in humans.

Improved antitumor activity and reduced cardiotoxicity of epirubicin using hepatocyte-targeted nanoparticles combined with tocotrienols against hepatocellular carcinoma in mice

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Epirubicin (EPI), an anthracycline derivative, is one of the main line treatments for HCC. However, serious side effects including cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure limit its long term administration. Our main goal is to develop a delivery strategy that ensures improved efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agent together with reduced cardiotoxicity. In this context, EPI was loaded in chitosan-PLGA nanoparticles linked with asialofetuin (EPI-NPs) selectively targeting hepatocytes. In an attempt to reduce cardiotoxicity, targeted EPI-NPs were coadministered with tocotrienols. EPI-NPs significantly enhanced the antiproliferative effect compared to free EPI as studied on Hep G2 cell line. Nanoencapsulated EPI injected in HCC mouse model revealed higher p53-mediated apoptosis and reduced angiogenesis in the tumor. Combined therapy of EPI-NPs with tocotrienols further enhanced apoptosis and reduced VEGF level in a dose dependent manner. Assessment of cardiotoxicity indicated that EPI-NPs diminished the high level of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as oxidative stress-induced cardiotoxicity as manifested by reduced level of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO). EPI-NPs additionally restored the diminished level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the heart. Interestingly, tocotrienols provided both antitumor activity and higher protection against oxidative stress and inflammation induced by EPI in the heart. This hepatocyte-targeted biodegradable nanoparticle/tocotrienol combined therapy represents intriguing therapeutic strategy for EPI providing not only superior efficacy but also higher safety levels.

Crossing biological barriers for advanced drug delivery

This special issue compiles invited and contributed papers of the 9th International Conference and Workshop "Biological Barriers", 29 February-9 March 2012 at Saarland University, Saarbrücken Germany.