LGR5 as a Therapeutic Target of Antibody-Functionalized Biomimetic Magnetoliposomes for Colon Cancer Therapy.

Purpose: The lack of specificity of conventional chemotherapy is one of the main difficulties to be solved in cancer therapy. Biomimetic magnetoliposomes are successful chemotherapy controlled-release systems, hyperthermia, and active targeting agents by functionalization of their surface with monoclonal antibodies. The membrane receptor Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) stands out as colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarker and appears to be related to treatment resistance and the development of metastasis. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of LGR5-targeted biomimetic magnetoliposomes loaded with oxaliplatin (OXA) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the selective treatment of CRC and their possible application in hyperthermia. Methods: Synthesis, characterization and determination of heating capacity of magnetoliposomes transporting OXA or 5-FU (with and without LGR5 functionalization) were conducted. In vitro antitumoral activity was assayed in multiple colorectal cell lines at different times of exposition. In addition to this, cell internalization was studied by Prussian Blue staining, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. In vivo acute toxicity of magnetoliposomes was performed to evaluate iron-related toxicity. Results: OXA and 5-FU loaded magnetoliposomes functionalized with LGR5 antibody showed higher cellular uptake than non-targeted nanoformulation with a reduction of the percentage of proliferation in colon cancer cell lines up to 3.2-fold of the IC50 value compared to that of free drug. The differences between non-targeted and targeted nanoformulations were more evident after short exposure times (4 and 8 hours). Interestingly, assays in the MC38 transduced cells with reduced LGR5 expression (MC38-L(-)), showed lower cell internalization of LGR5-targeted magnetoliposomes compared to non-transduced MC38 cell line. In addition, magnetoliposomes showed an in vitro favorable heating response under magnetic excitation and great iron-related biocompatibility data in vivo. Conclusion: Drug-loaded magnetoliposomes functionalized with anti-LGR5 antibodies could be a promising CRC treatment strategy for LGR5+ targeted chemotherapy, magnetic hyperthermia, and both in combination.

Active Biomolecules from Vegetable Extracts with Antitumoral Activity against Pancreas Cancer: A Systematic Review (2011-2021).

The emergence of resistance to pancreatic cancer (PC) current treatment requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this context, bioactive molecules from plant extracts have shown excellent properties to improve classical therapy against this type of tumor. This systematic review aims to collect all the in vitro studies related to the antiproliferative activity of isolated plant molecules that support their applicability in PC. A total of 620 articles published in the last 10 years were identified, although only 28 were finally included to meet the inclusion criteria. Our results reflect the most important biomolecules from natural compounds that induce cell death in PC and their essential mechanism of cell death, including apoptosis, pathways activated by the KRAS mutation and cycle cell arrest, among others. These in vitro studies provide an excellent molecule guide showing applications against PC and that should be tested in vivo and in clinical trials to determine their usefulness to reduce PC incidence and to improve the prognosis of these patients. However, natural compounds are isolated in small amounts, which prevents comprehensive drug screening, being necessary the role of organic synthesis for the total synthesis of natural compounds or for the synthesis of their simplified and bioactive analogs.

Antitumor Effect of the Ethanolic Extract from Seeds of Euphorbia lathyris in Colorectal Cancer.

The seeds of Euphorbia lathyris have been used in traditional medicine to treat various medical conditions. However, neither all of their active biocompounds nor the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects have been described. A new ethanolic extract of defatted flour from mature seeds of Euphorbia lathyris showed a high total polyphenol content and significant antioxidant activity. Chromatographic analysis showed that esculetin, euphorbetin, gaultherin, and kaempferol-3-rutinoside were the most abundant polyphenolic bioactive compounds. Antiproliferative assays showed a high and selective antitumor activity against colon cancer cell lines (T84 and HCT-15). In addition, a significant antiproliferative activity against glioblastoma multiforme cells was also demonstrated. Its mechanism of action to induce cell death was mediated by the overexpression of caspases 9, 3, and 8, and by activation of autophagy. Interestingly, a reduction in the migration capacity of colon cancer cells and a significant antiangiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells were also demonstrated. Finally, the extract significantly reduced the subpopulations of cancer stem cells. This extract could be the basis to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of colon cancer, although further experiments will be necessary to determine its in vivo effects.

Latest in Vitro and in Vivo Assay, Clinical Trials and Patents in Cancer Treatment using Curcumin: A Literature Review.

Curcumin, the main active compound of the curcuma root, shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties which have been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical trials. Its antitumor activity is mediated by its ability to act directly on the tumor cell, activating apoptosis pathways and indirectly inhibiting the process of inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, it has a preventive activity such as radio and/or chemosensitizer. These effects have been evident in in vitro assays but have also been corroborated in patient trials either through the isolated use of curcumin or through its association with other agents. Moreover, curcumin has demonstrated a low induction of side effects. Numerous patents have been developed in connection with the administration and use of curcumin against different types of cancer. All this justifies the interest for the development of new laboratory studies and especially of clinical trials to validate this compound as a dietary supplement in both the healthy and the oncological population. The present review aims to address the most recent in vitro investigations and the latest clinical trials and patents related to the curcumin agent to provide an up-to-date overview of the latest advances in relation to its antitumor effect.

Nano-engineering of biomedical prednisolone liposomes: evaluation of the cytotoxic effect on human colon carcinoma cell lines.

OBJECTIVES: Liposomes have attracted the attention of researchers due to their potential to act as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. The present investigation aimed to develop liposomes loaded with prednisolone base and the evaluation of the antiproliferative effect on human colon carcinoma cell lines. METHODS: Liposomes were elaborated by following a reproducible thin film hydration technique. The physicochemical characterization of liposomes included photon correlation spectroscopy, microscopy analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheological behaviour and electrophoresis. On the basis of these data and drug loading values, the best formulation was selected. Stability and drug release properties were also tested. KEY FINDINGS: Resulting liposomes exhibited optimal physicochemical and stability properties, an excellent haemocompatibility and direct antiproliferative effect on human colon carcinoma T-84 cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows direct antitumour effect of prednisolone liposomal formulation, which opens the door for liposomal glucocorticoids as novel antitumour agents.

Nano-engineering of 5-fluorouracil-loaded magnetoliposomes for combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy against colon cancer.

The present investigation aimed to develop magnetoliposome nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil by following a reproducible thin film hydration technique. The physicochemical characterization (including electron microscopy analysis, dynamic light scattering, infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry, electrophoresis, and surface thermodynamics) suggested that superparamagnetic magnetite nuclei were successfully embedded into a multilamellar lipid vesicle. Magnetic responsiveness of these nanocomposites was quantitatively analyzed by determining the hysteresis cycle and qualitatively confirmed by microscopic visualizations. A high frequency alternating electromagnetic field was further used to define their heating properties. The absence of cytotoxicity in human colon fibroblast CCD-18 and in human colon carcinoma T-84 cell lines and excellent hemocompatibility of these core/shell particles were demonstrated. Additionally, 5-fluorouracil incorporation was investigated by two procedures: (i) entrapment into the nanoparticulate matrix and (ii) surface deposition onto already formed magnetoliposome particles. The former method reported greater drug loading values and a sustained release profile. Interestingly, 5-fluorouracil release was also triggered by the heating properties of the nanoparticles (hyperthermia-triggered drug release). Hence, we put forward that magnetoliposome particles hold important properties, that is, magnetically targeted delivery, hyperthermia inducing capability, high 5-fluorouracil loading capability, and hyperthermia-triggered burst drug release, suggestive of their potential for a combined antitumor therapy against colon cancer.