Nanodiamond-based multifunctional platform for oral chemo-photothermal combinational therapy of orthotopic colon cancer.

Combination therapy system has become a promising strategy for achieving favorable antitumor efficacy. Herein, a novel oral drug delivery system with colon localization and tumor targeting functions was designed for orthotopic colon cancer chemotherapy and photothermal combinational therapy. The polydopamine coated nanodiamond (PND) was used as the photothermal carrier, through the coupling of sulfhydryl-polyethylene glycol-folate (SH-PEG-FA) on the surface of PND to achieve systematic colon tumor targeting, curcumin (CUR) was loaded as the model drug, and then coated with chitosan (CS) to achieve the long gastrointestinal tract retention and colon localization functions to obtain PND-PEG-FA/CUR@CS nanoparticles. It has high photothermal conversion efficiency and good photothermal stability and exhibited near-infrared (NIR) laser-responsive drug release behavior. Folate (FA) modification effectively promotes the intracellular uptake of nanoparticles by CT26 cells, and the combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (CT/PTT) can enhance cytotoxicity. Compared with free CUR group, nanoparticles prolonged the gastrointestinal tract retention time, accumulated more in colon tumor tissues, and exhibited good photothermal effect in vivo. More importantly, the CT/PTT group exhibited satisfactory tumor growth inhibition effects with good biocompatibility in vivo. In summary, this oral drug delivery system is an efficient platform for chemotherapy and photothermal combinational therapy of orthotopic colon cancer.

Smooth muscle cells affect differential nanoparticle accumulation in disturbed blood flow-induced murine atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the formation of plaques in the inner lining of arteries. Plaques form over a range of phenotypes, the most severe of which is vulnerable to rupture and causes most of the clinically significant events. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) to differentiate between two plaque phenotypes based on accumulation kinetics in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. This model uses a perivascular cuff to induce two regions of disturbed wall shear stress (WSS) on the inner lining of the instrumented artery, low (upstream) and multidirectional (downstream), which, in turn, cause the development of an unstable and stable plaque phenotype, respectively. To evaluate the influence of each WSS condition, in addition to the final plaque phenotype, in determining NP uptake, mice were injected with NPs at intermediate and fully developed stages of plaque growth. The kinetics of artery wall uptake were assessed in vivo using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. At the intermediate stage, there was no difference in NP uptake between the two WSS conditions, although both were different from the control arteries. At the fully-developed stage, however, NP uptake was reduced in plaques induced by low WSS, but not multidirectional WSS. Histological evaluation of plaques induced by low WSS revealed a significant inverse correlation between the presence of smooth muscle cells and NP accumulation, particularly at the plaque-lumen interface, which did not exist with other constituents (lipid and collagen) and was not present in plaques induced by multidirectional WSS. These findings demonstrate that NP accumulation can be used to differentiate between unstable and stable murine atherosclerosis, but accumulation kinetics are not directly influenced by the WSS condition. This tool could be used as a diagnostic to evaluate the efficacy of experimental therapeutics for atherosclerosis.

Preparation and Evaluation of Novel Folate Isonitrile 99mTc Complexes as Potential Tumor Imaging Agents to Target Folate Receptors.

In order to seek novel technetium-99m folate receptor-targeting agents, two folate derivatives (CN5FA and CNPFA) were synthesized and radiolabeled to obtain [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA complexes, which exhibited high radiochemical purity (>95%) without purification, hydrophilicity, and good stability in vitro. The KB cell competitive binding experiments indicated that [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specificity to folate receptor. Biodistribution studies in KB tumor-bearing mice illustrated that [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specific tumor uptake. Compared with [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA, the tumor/muscle ratios of [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA were higher, resulting in a better SPECT/CT imaging background. According to the results, the two 99mTc complexes have potential as tumor imaging agents to target folate receptors.

A Novel Folic Acid Receptor-Targeted Drug Delivery System Based on Curcumin-Loaded ß-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment.

PURPOSE: A novel folate receptor-targeted ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) drug delivery vehicle was constructed to improve the bioavailability, biosafety, and drug loading capacity of curcumin. Controlled release and targeted delivery was achieved by modifying the nanoparticles with folic acid (FA). METHODS: Folate-conjugated ß-CD-polycaprolactone block copolymers were synthesized and characterized. Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (FA-Cur-NPs) were structured by self-assembly. The physicochemical properties, stability, release behavior and tumor-targeting ability of the fabricated nanoparticles were studied. RESULTS: The average particle size and drug loading of FA-Cur-NPs was 151.8 nm and 20.27%, respectively. Moreover, the FA-Cur-NPs exhibited good stability in vitro for 72 h. The drug release profiles showed that curcumin from FA-Cur-NPs was released significantly faster in a pH 6.4 phosphate buffered solution (PBS) than in pH 7.4, indicating that curcumin can be enriched around the tumor site compared with normal cells. Additionally, the internalization of FA-Cur-NPs was aided by FA receptor-mediated endocytosis, and its cytotoxicity was proportional to the cellular uptake efficiency. Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed that FA-Cur-NPs exhibited marked accumulation in the tumor site and excellent antitumor activity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that FA-Cur-NPs are a promising approach for improving cancer therapy through active targeting and controllable release.

Novel Synthetic Strategies Enable the Efficient Development of Folate Conjugates for Cancer Radiotheranostics.

The folate receptor (FR) is an interesting target for radiotheranostics due to its overexpression in several tumor types. The progress in developing novel folate radioconjugates is, however, slow due to the synthetic challenges that folate chemistry presents. The goal of this study was, thus, to establish versatile solid-phase synthetic strategies for a convenient preparation of novel folate conjugates. Two approaches were established based on an orthogonal fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protection strategy to enable a modular buildup of an albumin-binding DOTA conjugate (known as OxFol-1) using folic acid (oxidized folate version) as a targeting agent. The main difference between the two approaches was the sequence of conjugating the single structural units. The approach that introduced the folate entity as the last unit appeared particularly useful for the preparation of conjugates based on 6R- or 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF; a reduced folate version) as targeting entity. Three types of folate conjugates were synthesized either with a p-iodophenyl-based albumin binder (OxFol-1, 6R-RedFol-1, and 6S-RedFol-1) or without an albumin-binding entity (OxFol-14, 6R-RedFol-14, and 6S-RedFol-14). All six conjugates were obtained with high chemical purity (>98%) after 9-13 synthesis steps and a single final HPLC purification. Radiolabeling with lutetium-177 was feasible at high molar activity, and the resulting radioconjugates were stable over at least 24 h. Biodistribution and SPECT/CT imaging studies confirmed the favorable effect of an albumin-binding entity to increase the tumor uptake and reduce kidney retention of folate radioconjugates. The increased tumor-to-kidney ratios obtained with [177Lu]Lu-6R-RedFol-1 and [177Lu]Lu-6S-RedFol-1 as compared to [177Lu]Lu-OxFol-1 indicated that 5-MTHF is the preferred FR-targeting agent for albumin-binding radioconjugates. This was, however, not the case for folate radioconjugates without an albumin binder. Thanks to the established synthesis strategy, the preparation of further folate radioconjugates will be facilitated, potentially enabling the optimization of the tissue distribution characteristics even more.

Paclitaxel-loaded and folic acid-modified PLGA nanomedicine with glutathione response for the treatment of lung cancer.

Targeted delivery and smart response of nanomedicine hold great promise for improving the therapeutic efficacy and alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy agents in cancer treatment. However, availability of only a few studies that discuss organic nanomedicines with these properties limits the development prospects of nanomedicines. In the present study, folic acid (FA)-targeted delivery and glutathione (GSH) smart responsive nanomedicine were rationally designed for paclitaxel (PTX) delivery for the treatment of lung cancer. Compared with other stimuli-responsive nanomedicines, this nanocarrier was not only sensitive to biologically relevant GSH for on-demand drug release but also biodegradable into biocompatible products after fulfilling its delivery task. The nanomedicine first entered tumor cells via FA and its receptor-mediated endocytosis. After the lysosomal escape, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanomedicine was triggered by a higher level of GSH and released its cargo into the tumor microenvironment. In vitro and in vivo results revealed that the PLGA nanomedicine not only inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of lung cancer cells significantly but also possessed less toxic side effects when compared with free PTX. Therefore, the proposed drug delivery system demonstrates the potential of a multifunctional nano-platform to enhance bioavailability and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy agents.

Characterisation and utilisation of nano-reduced starch from underutilised cereals for delivery of folic acid through human GI tract.

Ball milling offers green approach for size reduction of starch granules to nano scale size. In this research work, the starch from two underutilised cereal varieties viz. foxtail starch (FS) and sorghum starch (SS) were milled to achieve the desired nanometric range with mean particle diameter of 467.98 and 271.12 nm for nano foxtail (FSN) and nano sorghum starch (SSN), which were highly stable as revealed by zeta potential analysis. Functional attributes like solubility, swelling index, apparent amylose content, emulsifying and pasting properties were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly revealed damaged starch granules produed by the process of milling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) displayed decrease in crystallinity upon milling to 16.08% (SSN) and 18.56% (FSN) and disappearance of some peaks. Attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) also revealed reduced crystallinity as confirmed by the decreased absorbance ratio of 1047/1022 cm-1 in nano starch particles. Rheological analysis displayed shear thinning behaviour of nano starch samples as evaluated using Herschel-bulkely model and Power law. The nano starch samples exhibited comparatively low thermal gelatinisation temperatures as compared to native counter particles. Moreover, the nano-encapsulated starch samples offered more resistance to in-vitro digestion and showed control release of folic acid at target sites.

Folic Acid-Peptide Conjugates Combine Selective Cancer Cell Internalization with Thymidylate Synthase Dimer Interface Targeting.

Drug-target interaction, cellular internalization, and target engagement should be addressed to design a lead with high chances of success in further optimization stages. Accordingly, we have designed conjugates of folic acid with anticancer peptides able to bind human thymidylate synthase (hTS) and enter cancer cells through folate receptor α (FRα) highly expressed by several cancer cells. Mechanistic analyses and molecular modeling simulations have shown that these conjugates bind the hTS monomer-monomer interface with affinities over 20 times larger than the enzyme active site. When tested on several cancer cell models, these conjugates exhibited FRα selectivity at nanomolar concentrations. A similar selectivity was observed when the conjugates were delivered in synergistic or additive combinations with anticancer agents. At variance with 5-fluorouracil and other anticancer drugs that target the hTS catalytic pocket, these conjugates do not induce overexpression of this protein and can thus help combating drug resistance associated with high hTS levels.

Bioaccessibility of folate in faba bean, oat, rye and wheat matrices.

Cereals and legumes are rich in folate. However, due to the instability of folate, processing and digestion can induce significant folate loss. In this paper, folate bioaccessibility of faba bean, oat, rye and wheat flours and pastes was studied using a static in vitro digestion model. Folate bioaccessibility depended on food matrices, varying from 42% to 67% in flours and from 40% to 123% in pastes. Digestion was associated with the interconversion of formyl folates, as well as the increase of oxidised vitamers and decrease of reduced vitamers. Especially in faba bean, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate showed surprisingly good stability both in digestion and heat treatment, resulting in high bioaccessibility. The physiological concentration of ascorbic acid did not stabilise folate in digestion; however, a higher level helped to maintain reduced vitamers. Heat treatment (10-min paste making) could improve folate bioaccessibility by liberating folate from the food matrices and by altering folate vitamer distribution.

Effects of Simulated Weightlessness on Metabolizing Enzymes and Pharmacokinetics of Folic Acid in SD Rats.

Folic acid (FA) affect human physiology and drug metabolism. Up to now, the effect of microgravity on the pharmacokinetics of FA remains unclear. The pharmacokinetics of FA in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats are laying a foundation for safe medicine administration of astronauts. Proteins expression of such FA metabolic enzymes as Methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), Cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) and Methionine synthase (MS) in a variety of organs was analyzed with Western-Blot, and mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR. The plasma concentration-time profile of FA in normal or tail-suspended SD rats was acquired by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after oral administration of FA. Area under curve (AUC) and Cmax of FA in SD rats decreased significantly with extending period of tail-suspension. In terms of expressed level of metabolic enzymes over four suspension terms, as well as the level of the corresponding mRNAs, the following regularities were found: an obvious sharp decline of MTHFR tissue in kidney, a time-dependent increase of CBS in liver tissue and duodenum tissues, the resemblance of MS fluctuation to that of CBS in tested tissues. A four-week simulated microgravity of SD rats exhibits an unequivocal diminish of bioavailability of FA, and simulated microgravity shows a varying effect on the expression of FA-metabolizing enzyme in a variety of tissues.

Ocoxin as a complement to first line treatments in cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most frequent treatment for patients suffering from malignant progression of cancer. Even though new treatments are now being implemented, administration of these chemotherapeutic agents remains as the first line option in many tumor types. However, the secondary effects of these compounds represent one of the main reasons cancer patients lose life quality during disease progression. Recent data suggests that Ocoxin, a plant extract and natural compound based nutritional complement rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory mediators exerts a positive effect in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This mixture attenuates the chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related side effects such as radiation-induced skin burns and mucositis, chemotherapy-related diarrhea, hepatic toxicity and blood-infection. Moreover, it has been proven to be effective as anticancer agent in different tumor models both in vitro and in vivo, potentiating the cytotoxic effect of several chemotherapy compounds such as Lapatinib, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel, Sorafenib and Irinotecan. The aim of this review is to put some light on the potential of this nutritional mixture as an anticancer agent and complement for the standard chemotherapy routine.

A chromatographic approach to development of 5-aminosalicylate/folic acid fixed-dose combinations for treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Medication adherence is an important factor in inflammatory bowel disease therapy, which includes regular supplementation of malabsorbed vitamins. Absorption of folic acid is limited due to the damaging of the gastrointestinal tract, which can increase the chances to develop megaloblastic anaemia and colorectal cancer. In this work, 5-aminosalicylates (mesalazine, balsalazide, sulfasalazine and olsalazine) and folic acid were characterized regarding their pharmacokinetic related properties (hydrophobicity, phospholipid and plasma protein binding) using the biomimetic chromatographic approach. Despite the high binding percentage of 5-aminosalicylates for human serum albumin (> 61.44%), results have shown that folic acid binding to human serum albumin protein is far greater (69.40%) compared to α1-acid-glycoprotein (3.45%). Frontal analysis and zonal elution studies were conducted to provide an insight into the binding of folic acid to human serum albumin and potential competition with 5-aminosalicylates. The analytical method for the simultaneous determination of assay in proposed fixed-dose combinations was developed and validated according to ICH Q2 (R1) and FDA method validation guidelines. Separation of all compounds was achieved within 16 min with satisfactory resolution (Rs > 3.67) using the XBridge Phenyl column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm). High linearity (r > 0.9997) and precision (RSD < 2.29%) was obtained, whilst all recoveries were within the regulatory defined range by British (100.0 ± 5.0%) and United States Pharmacopeia (100.0 ± 10.0%).

Pharmacokinetics of Sodium and Calcium Salts of (6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid Compared to Folic Acid and Indirect Comparison of the Two Salts.

(6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid ((6S)-5-Methyl-THF) salts and folic acid may differ in their abilities to raise plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF levels. We compared the area under the curve (AUC), Cmax, and Tmax of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF after intakes of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na salt (Arcofolin®) and folic acid. Moreover, we compared the AUCs after intakes of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na and the calcium salt, (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Ca, that were tested against folic acid in two independent studies. The study was randomized, double blind, and cross over. Twenty-four adults (12 men and 12 women) received a single oral dose of 436 µg (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na and an equimolar dose of folic acid (400 µg) on two kinetic days with two weeks washout period in between. The plasma concentrations of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF were measured at 9 time points between 0 and 8 h. We found that the AUC0-8 h of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF (mean (SD) = 126.0 (33.6) vs. 56.0 (25.3) nmol/L*h) and Cmax (36.8 (10.8) vs. 11.1 (4.1) nmol/L) were higher after administration of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na than after the administration of folic acid (p < 0.001 for both). These differences were present in men and women. Only administration of folic acid resulted in a transient increase in plasma unmetabolized folic acid (2.5 (2.0) nmol/L after 0.5 h and 4.7 (2.9) nmol/L after 1 h). Intake of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na was safe. The ratios of the AUC0-8 h for (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na and (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Ca to the corresponding folic acid reference group and the delta of these AUC0-8 h did not differ between the studies. In conclusion, a single oral dose of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na caused higher AUC0-8 h and Cmax of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF compared to folic acid. The Na- and Ca- salts of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF are not likely to differ in their pharmacokinetics. Further studies may investigate whether supplementation of the compounds for a longer time will lead to differences in circulating or intracellular/tissue folate concentrations.

Improved Therapeutic Efficacy of Topotecan Against A549 Lung Cancer Cells with Folate-targeted Topotecan Liposomes.

BACKGROUND: Among all cancers, lung cancer has high mortality among patients in most of the countries in the world. Targeted delivery of anticancer drugs can significantly reduce the side effects and dramatically improve the effects of the treatment. Folate, a suitable ligand, can be modified to the surface of tumor-selective drug delivery systems because it can selectively bind to the folate receptor, which is highly expressed on the surface of lung tumor cells. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to construct a kind of folate-targeted topotecan liposomes for investigating their efficacy and mechanism of action in the treatment of lung cancer in preclinical models. METHODS: We conjugated topotecan liposomes with folate, and the liposomes were characterized by particle size, entrapment efficiency, cytotoxicity to A549 cells and in vitro release profile. Technical evaluations were performed on lung cancer A549 cells and xenografted A549 cancer cells in female nude mice, and the pharmacokinetics of the drug were evaluated in female SD rats. RESULTS: The folate-targeted topotecan liposomes were proven to show effectiveness in targeting lung tumors. The anti-tumor effects of these liposomes were demonstrated by the decreased tumor volume and improved therapeutic efficacy. The folate-targeted topotecan liposomes also lengthened the topotecan blood circulation time. CONCLUSION: The folate-targeted topotecan liposomes are effective drug delivery systems and can be easily modified with folate, enabling the targeted liposomes to deliver topotecan to lung cancer cells and kill them, which could be used as potential carriers for lung chemotherapy.

Doxorubicin-loaded folate-mediated pH-responsive micelle based on Bletilla striata polysaccharide: Release mechanism, cellular uptake mechanism, distribution, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor effects.

This study evaluated the potential of folate (FA)-mediated and stearic acid (SA) modified Bletilla striata polysaccharide (FA-BSP-SA) copolymer as the vehicle for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to tumor tissues and enhanced antitumor efficacy. The critical aggregation concentration, morphology, particle size, and zeta potential of micelles were increased with the reduction of pH values. The complex between doxorubicin (Dox) hydrochloride and sodium cholate via electrostatic interaction was fabricated and then directly encapsulated into FA-BSP-SA micelles. Dox in micelles existed in the status of amorphism. The Dox/FA-BSP-SA micelles demonstrated pH-responsive release behavior under the combination of diffusion and erosion mechanism. They could clearly strengthen the cellular uptake of Dox and inhibit the proliferation and the migration of tumor cells compared with the Dox/BSP-SA micelles and the free Dox. The Dox/FA-BSP-SA micelles were further delivered to lysosomes, mainly due to clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The FA-BSP-SA micelles distinctly improved the absolute bioavailability of Dox compared with the free Dox and the Dox/BSP-SA micelles (p < 0.01) and prolong the mean residence time. The Dox/FA-BSP-SA micelles significantly increased the drug enrichment in the tumor sites and enhanced the antitumor effects in vivo. Taken together, the FA-BSP-SA micelle could be exploited as a potential platform for targeting anticancer drug delivery.

Serum folate and cytokines in heterozygous ß-thalassemia.

INTRODUCTION: Folate deficiency is commonly reported in ß-thalassemia. Individuals heterozygous for ß-thalassemia may have higher folate requirements than normal individuals. OBJECTIVES: To document the concentration of serum total folate and its forms in ß-thalassemia heterozygote users (ß-TmU) and nonusers (ß-TmN) of 5 mg folic acid/d; to determine whether folic acid (FA) consumption from fortified foods allows beta-Tm patients, who do not take FA supplements, to meet their dietary folate requirements; and to investigate the association between higher serum unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) and inflammatory cytokine concentrations. METHODS: Serum total folate and forms were measured in 42 ß-Tm (13 ß-TmU and 29 ß-TmN) and 84 healthy controls. The mononuclear leucocyte mRNA expression of relevant genes and their products and hematological profiles were determined. RESULTS: ß-TmU had higher serum total folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, UMFA, and tetrahydrofolate (THF) compared with ß-TmN. The ß-TmN had lower serum total folate and THF than controls. Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) was lower in ß-TmU compared with both ß-TmN and controls, while ß-TmN had higher tHcy than controls. ß-TmU had higher IL-8 than their controls while ß-TmN had higher IL-6 and IL-8 than their controls. ß-TmU have higher levels of serum total folate, 5- methyltetrahydrofolate, UMFA, and THF than controls. There was no association between UMFA concentrations and cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Mandatory flour fortification with FA in Brazil may be insufficient for ß-TmN, since they have higher tHcy and lower serum total folate than controls. Furthermore, ß-TmN have higher IL-6 levels than ß-TmU. UMFA was not associated with inflammatory cytokine levels.

Pharmacokinetic Properties of 68Ga-labelled Folic Acid Conjugates: Improvement Using HEHE Tag.

The folate receptor (FR) is a promising cell membrane-associated target for molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy of cancer (FR-α) and potentially also inflammatory diseases (FR-ß) through use of folic acid-based radioconjugate. FR is often overexpressed by cells of epithelial tumors, including tumors of ovary, cervix, endometrium, lungs, kidneys, etc. In healthy tissues, FR can be found in small numbers by the epithelial cells, mainly in the kidneys. Extremely high undesired accumulation of the folate radioconjugates in the renal tissue is a main drawback of FR-targeting concept. In the course of this work, we aimed to reduce the undesirable accumulation of folate radioconjugates in the kidneys by introducing a histidine/glutamic acid tag into their structure. Two folic acid based compounds were synthesized: NODAGA-1,4-butanediamine-folic acid (FA-I, as control) and NODAGA-[Lys-(HE)2]-folic acid (FA-II) which contains a (His-Glu)2 fragment. In vitro studies with FR (+) cells (KB and others) showed that both compounds have specificity for FR. Introduction of (HE)2-tag does not affect FR binding ability of the conjugates. In vivo biodistribution studies with normal laboratory animals, as well as with KB tumor bearing animals, were carried out. The results showed that introduction of the (HE)2 tag into the structure of folate radioconjugates can significantly reduce the accumulation of these compounds in non-target tissues and important organs (the accumulation in the kidneys is reduced 2-4 times), leaving the accumulation in tumor at least at the same level, and even increasing it.

Novel nano-pomegranates based on astragalus polysaccharides for targeting ERα-positive breast cancer and multidrug resistance.

Chemotherapy is an important method for treating breast cancer. However, multidrug resistance is one of the major challenges in breast cancer chemotherapy. There is an urgent need to develop novel, effective antitumor strategies that will perfect existing therapeutic regimens. In this study, the double-targeted nanocarrier, Quercetin-3'3-dithiodipropionic acid-Astragalus polysaccharides-Folic acid (QDAF), was successfully synthesized and self-assembled into a neoteric nano-targeted delivery strategy, named nano-pomegranates, and which were utilized to effectively inhibit multidrug resistance in estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast tumor. The outstanding abilities of nano-pomegranates to release the drug in a reducing environment was determined by in vitro release assay. The cellular studies in MCF-7 cells were examined that nano-pomegranates have remarkable efficiencies of enhancing cellular uptake, inhibition and necrosis and apoptosis. In vivo antitumor experiments showed that nano-pomegranates have better anti-tumor effects and lower systemic toxicity than free Cur. In conclusion, nano-pomegranates have great potential in anti-breast cancer treatment.

UiO-66 metal organic framework nanoparticles loaded carboxymethyl chitosan/poly ethylene oxide/polyurethane core-shell nanofibers for controlled release of doxorubicin and folic acid.

Doxorubicin (DOX) and folic acid (FA) were incorporated into the UiO-66 metal organic framework (MOF) and following were loaded into the carboxymethyl chitosan/poly ethylene oxide (PEO)/polyurethane core-shell nanofibers for controlled release of DOX and FA toward MCF-7 cells death. The synthesized nanocarriers were characterized using TEM, XRD, and SEM analysis. The drug loading efficiency and release profiles of DOX/MOF and FA/MOF from synthesized nanofibers have been investigated. The fitting of kinetic data by the pharmacokinetic models demonstrated the non-Fickian diffusion from nanofibers and Fickian diffusion from core-shell fibers. The cytotoxicity of synthesized nanofibers toward MCF-7 cancer cells was evaluated using DAPI staining, MTT assay and flow cytometry tests to investigate the simultaneous use of DOX and FA in the nanofibrous matrix for MCF-7 cells death in vitro. The maximum cell death using DOX-FA loaded-core-shell fibers produced by coaxial electrospinning method under 0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 mLh-1 shell flow rates were found to be 82 ± 0.7, 83 ± 0.5 and 87 ± 0.5% after 168, 240 and 240 h, respectively. The cytotoxicity results indicated that the co-delivery of DOX and FA into the core-shell fibers could be widely used for various cancers treatment.

Fatty acid and lipid metabolism in liver of pregnant mice and their offspring is influenced by unbalanced folates/vitamin B12 diets.

Micronutrients (folates and vitamin B12) and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are linked through the one carbon cycle. We studied the effects of pre and postnatal high FA/low B12 diets (HFLB12) on hepatic fatty acid metabolism. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were divided in two groups: control (2 mg folic acid: FA/25 µg vitamin B12/Kg food) and HFLB12 diets (8 mg FA/5 µg vitamin B12/Kg food). Offspring continued on the same diets until 60 days old. We determined hepatic fatty acid profile in dams and offspring and the expression of PPARα, Cpt-1, Acox-1 and Fas and the enzymatic activity of desaturases, all involved in lipid metabolism. In liver of dams, the HFHB12 diet decreased total fatty acids and desaturase activities; in offspring, effects were opposite, being more noticeable in females. Prenatal and postnatal unbalanced folic acid/B12 diets play a crucial role in regulating genes and enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in liver of dams and their offspring in adulthood.