Multifunctional Nanoparticles Codelivering Doxorubicin and Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Preloaded with Indocyanine Green for Enhanced Chemo-Photothermal Cancer Therapy.

Background: Multifunctional stimuli-responsive nanoparticles with photothermal-chemotherapy provided a powerful tool for improving the accuracy and efficiency in the treatment of malignant tumors. Methods: Herein, photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded amorphous calcium-carbonate (ICG@) nanoparticle was prepared by a gas diffusion reaction. Doxorubicin (DOX) and ICG@ were simultaneously encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-ss-chondroitin sulfate A (PSC) nanoparticles by a film hydration method. The obtained PSC/ICG@+DOX hybrid nanoparticles were characterized and evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and MTT assay in 4T1 cells. In vivo antitumor activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated in 4T1-bearing Balb/c mice. Results: PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles were nearly spherical in shape by TEM observation, and the diameter was 407 nm determined by DLS. Owing to calcium carbonate and disulfide bond linked copolymer, PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles exhibited pH and reduction-sensitive drug release. Further, PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles showed an effective photothermal effect under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, and improved cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in breast cancer 4T1 cells. Importantly, PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles demonstrated the most effective suppression of tumor growth in orthotopic 4T1-bearing mice among the treatment groups. In contrast with single chemotherapy or photothermal therapy, chemo-photothermal treatment by PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles synergistically inhibited the growth of 4T1 cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles with active targeting and stimuli-sensitivity would be a promising strategy to enhance chemo-photothermal cancer therapy.

Chemical profiling of Dioscorea septemloba by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

The rhizomes of Dioscorea septemloba (DS) is one of traditional Chinese medicine, which can be used for treatments of urethral and renal infections, as well as rheumatism. Nevertheless, detailed information on DS chemical compositions is still scarce. Therefore, the present work is aimed at investigating the phytochemical components of DS using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in negative ion mode. The proposed method provided tentative identification of 32 components, 6 of which were determined to be new. The present study highlighted the importance of DS as a promising source of medicinal ingredients and provides valuable information on the new potential components in DS.

[The change of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) level in type 2 diabetic pedigrees and the response of AIP to Acarbose or Glimepiride in therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus].

The alterations in atherogenic index of plasma (AlP) in type 2 diabetic patients and their normoglycemic first-degree relatives (NFDR) were investigated, and the effects of Acarbose or Glimepiride on AIP in 99 type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated. Triglycerride (TG), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were analyzed, and Log (TG/HDL-C) was calculated as AIP in 62 type 2 diabetic patients and their 67 NFDR from 29 type 2 diabetic pedigrees and in 45 healthy controls without family histories of diabetes. Also analyzed were the same parameters in 99 type 2 diabetic patients before and after therapy with Acarbose or Glimepiride. The results revealed that diabetic patients and their NFDR had significantly higher AIP than did the controls, whereas no significant differences were seen between diabetic patients and their NFDR. Positive correlation of AIP between type 2 diabetic patients and their offspring were observed (r = 0.241, P < 0.05). After 8 weeks therapy with Acarbose, the AIP of type 2 diabetic patients was decreased significantly, and no differences were observed for AIP levels in Glimepiride group although the AIP was lower when compared with the untreated level. As a significant inverse correlation of small dense low density lipoprotein (sdLDL) with AIP was confirmed, our data suggest that diabetic patients and their NFDR from type 2 diabetic pedigrees had significantly higher AIP than did controls; AIP could be decreased by therapy with Acarbose in type 2 diabetic patients; Glimepiride may bring potential benefit to type 2 diabetic patients by influencing sdLDL.