Unnam S, Panduragaiah VM, Sidramappa MA, Muddana Eswara BR. Gemcitabine-loaded Folic Acid Tagged Liposomes: Improved Pharmacokinetic and Biodistribution Profile.
Curr Drug Deliv 2019;
16:111-122. [PMID:
30360740 DOI:
10.2174/1567201815666181024112252]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Gemcitabine (GEM) is found effective in the treatment of many solid tumors. However, its use is restricted due to its small circulation half-life, fast metabolism and low capacity for selective tumor uptake. Folate receptors (FRs) have been recognized as cellular surface markers, which can be used for cancer targeting. PEGylated liposomes decorated with folic acid have been investigated for several anticancer agents not only to extend plasma half-life but also for tumor targeting via folic acid receptors which overexpressed on tumor cell surface.
OBJECTIVE
Therefore, the objective of the present study was to prepare GEM-loaded folic acid tagged liposomes to improve the pharmacokinetics and tumor distribution of GEM.
METHODS
The blank folate-targeted liposomes composed of HSPC/DSPE-mPEG2000/DSPE-mPEG-Folic acid were prepared first by thin film hydration technique. GEM was then loaded into liposomes by remote loading technique. The optimized liposomal formulations were evaluated in vitro for GEM release using dialysis technique, HeLa cell uptake using FACS technique, and cytotoxicity using MTT dye reduction assay. The comparative in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution characteristics of radiolabeled (99mTc-labeled) plain GEM solution, and all liposomal formulations (conventional:CLs; stealth: SLs; folate targeted: FTLs) were evaluated in mice model.
RESULTS
GEM-loaded FTLs showed sustained release profile, efficient uptake by HeLa cells and greater cytotoxicity. Further, FTLs displayed significantly improved pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution profile of loaded GEM.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the developed GEM-loaded folic acid receptor-targeted liposomal formulation could be a promising and potential alternative formulation for further development.
Collapse