Combinatorial cetuximab targeted polymeric nanocomplexes reduce PRC1 level and abrogate growth of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo with efficient radionuclide uptake.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most aggressive form of cancer with poor drug responses. Developing an effective drug treatment remains a major unmet clinical need for HCC. We report a comprehensive study of combinatorial Cetuximab (Cet) targeted polymeric poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) nanocomplexes delivery of Combretastatin A4 (CA4) and 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME) (Cet-PLGA-b-PEG-CA4 NP + Cet-PLGA-b-PEG-2ME NP) against metastatic HCC in SCID mice. 125I-Cet-PLGA-b-PEG NP showed potent accumulation and retention in HCC tumors with longer circulation time up to 48 h (18 ±â€¯1.0% ID/g, P < .0001). Combinatorial treatment with targeted polymeric nanocomplexes presented significant tumor growth inhibition (85%, P < .0001) than the free drug combinatorial counterpart, effectively inhibited orthotopic HCC and prevented lung metastasis. Combinatorial nanocomplexes treatment significantly blocked PRC1, a novel target of therapeutic response against HCC. Thus, the combinatorial cetuximab-targeted polymeric nanocomplexes possess superior antitumor activity against metastatic HCC and provide supports for the clinical translation ahead.

Effect of KiFAY on Performance, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, and Thyroid Hormones in Broilers.

A comparative study was performed to investigate the efficacy of KiFAY as a feed additive on performance parameters, thyroid, and pancreatic hormone levels in broilers. Ninety birds (Vencobb 400) were randomly divided into three groups viz., Control (no DL-methionine supplementation), Treatment1 (containing added DL-methionine) and Treatment 2 (containing KiFAY and without DL-methionine supplementation). The performance parameters (weekly body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed consumption ratio) were recorded and calculated during the whole study of 4 weeks. Analyses of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF 1), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were performed at the end of the study. The results show that birds on supplementation of KiFAY performed significantly (p<0.001) better than other treatments. The weekly body weight, body weight gain, feed in-take and feed consumption ratio improved in KiFAY treated birds. The study found an increase in insulin and IGF1 levels (p<0.001) in KiFAY compared with the other treatments. Serum T3, T4, and TSH levels in the Treatment 2 were higher than other treatments (p<0.001). The KiFAY supplementation was able to improve performance with associated responses at a hormonal level in broilers.