On the preparation of transferrin modified artesunate nanoliposomes and their glioma-targeting treatment in-vitro and in-vivo.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To prepare transferrin modified artesunate nanoliposomes (Tf-ART-LPs) and study their glioma U87 cells-targeting treatment in-vitro and in-vivo. METHODS: Ammonium sulfate transmembrane gradient method was used to prepare Tf-ART-LPs, whose size and stability was detected by a Nanosizer. Besides, the encapsulation efficiency and release rate of artesunate (ART) were tested by a ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Further, isothiocyanate (FITC) was used to label nanoliposomes and the cell-targeting property of Tf-ART-LP in-vitro was observed under a fluorescence microscope. In addition, CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of single nanoliposomes and Tf-ART-LPs on the viability of glioma U87 cells. At last, a subcutaneously implanted tumor model in nude mouse was established for studying the in-vivo anti-tumor effect of Tf-ART-LPs by caudal vein injection. The tumor volume and mice weight were monitored and pathological sections of their major organs were analyzed. RESULTS: Tf-ART-LPs were spherical with an average diameter of 94.2 nm. They showed no aggregation after being stored in a refrigerator for 14 days at 4°C. The encapsulation efficiency and highest releasing rate (48 hours after being placed in normal saline under 37°C) of ART was 85.9% and 58.7±2.9%, respectively. The uptake rate of U87 cells was 59.8±3.8% for Tf-ART-LPs and only 18.7±4.5% for ART-LPs. While single liposomes almost showed no toxicity, Tf-ART-LP had a concentration-dependent killing effect on U87 cells. Within 32 days of treatment, the growth of U87 cells was well inhibited by Tf-ART-LPs without significant toxicity. CONCLUSION: In this study, transferrin modified artesunate liposomes we prepared have a good targeting property to glioma U87 cells and good effect on glioma both in-vitro and in-vivo.