Multicompartment systems: A putative carrier for combined drug delivery and targeting

In this review, we discuss recent developments in multicompartment systems commonly referred to as vesosomes, as well as their method of preparation, surface modifications, and clinical potential. Vesosomal systems are able to entrap more than one drug moiety and can be customized for site-specific delivery. We focus in particular on the possible reticuloendothelial system (RES) – mediated accumulation of vesosomes, and their application in tumor targeting, as areas for further investigation.     

Liposome accumulation in irradiated tumors display important tumor and dose dependent differences

Radiation therapy may affect several important parameters in the tumor microenvironment and thereby influence the accumulation of liposomes by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR)-effect. Here we investigate the effect of single dose radiation therapy on liposome tumor accumulation by PET/CT imaging using radiolabeled liposomes. Head and neck cancer xenografts (FaDu) and syngenic colorectal (CT26) cancer models were investigated. Radiotherapy displayed opposite effects in the two models. FaDu tumors displayed increased mean accumulation of liposomes for radiation doses up to 10 Gy, whereas CT26 tumors displayed a tendency for decreased accumulation. Tumor hypoxia was found negatively correlated to microregional distribution of liposomes. However, liposome distribution in relation to hypoxia was improved at lower radiation doses. The study reveals that the heterogeneity in liposome tumor accumulation between tumors and different radiation protocols are important factors that need to be taken into consideration to achieve optimal effect of liposome based radio-sensitizer therapy.     

Fabrication of hybrid scaffold based on hydroxyapatite-biodegradable nanofibers incorporated with liposomal formulation of BMP-2 peptide for bone tissue engineering

In the present study, we fabricated an efficient, simple biomimetic scaffold to stimulate osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Electrospun poly L-lactic acid nanofibers were employed to mimic the nanofibrillar structure of bone proteins and coated with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to simulate bone minerals. Thereafter, we regulated the release pattern of BMP-2 peptide through covalent attachment of an optimized liposomal formulation to the scaffold. The fabricated platform provided a sustained release profile of BMP-2 peptide up to 21?days while supporting cellular attachment and proliferation without cytotoxicity. In-vitro results confirmed the superiority of the scaffold containing liposomes through enhancement of growth and differentiation of MSCs. Ectopic bone formation model exhibited significant localized initiation of bone formation of liposome incorporated scaffold. Consequently, these findings demonstrated that our designed platform with modified release properties of BMP-2 peptide considerably promoted osteogenic differentiation of MSCs making it a unique candidate for bone regeneration therapeutics.     

Co-delivery of a CD4 T cell helper epitope via covalent liposome attachment with a surface-arrayed B cell target antigen fosters higher affinity antibody responses

Liposomal vaccines incorporating adjuvant and CD4 T cell helper peptides enhance antibody responses against weakly immunogenic B cell epitopes such as found in the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of the HIV-1 gp41 subunit. While the inclusion of exogenous helper peptides in vaccine formulations facilitates stronger and more durable antibody responses, the helper peptide incorporation strategy per se may influence the overall magnitude and quality of B cell target antigen immunogenicity. Both variability in individual peptide encapsulation as well as the potential for liposome surface-associated helper peptides to misdirect the humoral response are potential parameters impacting outcome. In this study, we used MPER/liposome vaccines as a model system to examine how the mode of the potent LACK T helper peptide formulation modulates antibody responses against the MPER antigen. We directly compared liposome surface-arrayed palmitoyl LACK (pLACK) versus soluble LACK (sLACK) encapsulated in the liposomes and free in solution. Independent of LACK formulation methods, dendritic cell activation and LACK presentation were equivalent in vivo. The frequency of MPER-specific GC B cells promoted by sLACK was higher than that stimulated by pLACK formulation, a finding associated with a significantly greater frequency of LACK-specific GC B cells induced by pLACK. While there were no significant differences in the quantity of MPER-specific serological responses, the MPER-specific antibody titer trended higher with sLACK formulated vaccines at the lower dose of LACK. However, pLACK generated relatively greater MPER-specific antibody affinities than those induced by sLACK-formulated vaccines. Overall, the results suggest that liposomal surface-associated LACK enhances immunogenicity of LACK through better engagement of LACK-specific B cells. Of note, this is not detrimental to the induction of MPER-specific immune responses; rather, the elicitation of higher affinity anti-MPER antibodies benefits from augmented help delivered via covalent linkage of the pLACK CD4 T cell epitope in conjunction with MPER/liposome presentation.     

脂质体阿霉素对大鼠三叉神经形态与功能影响的实验研究

目的 :观察脂质体阿霉素对大鼠三叉神经形态与功能的影响。方法 :3 3g/L脂质体阿霉素直接注射于大鼠一侧眶下神经束 ,对侧以生理盐水对照。神经电生理检查给药后大鼠的二腹肌肌电的变化 ,光镜下观察实验侧三叉神经节细胞的形态学变化 ,透射电镜观察三叉神经节细胞的超微形态结构变化。结果 :神经电生理结果显示动物对针刺反应不敏感 ,并显示不同时间左右两侧潜伏期 (ms)及痛阈 (mA)的变化都有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;实验侧光镜下可见大量细胞皱缩 ,形态不规则 ,细胞周围出现空隙 ;电镜下可见胞质中出现不规则的电子致密物质 ,线粒体、高尔基体、粗面内质网、核膜、有髓神经纤维髓鞘和无髓神经纤维病理性改变。结论 :脂质体阿霉素注入神经干后 ,可以选择性破坏相应的节细胞 ,引起神经功能上的变化。     

sIL-1R基因重组质粒在山羊颞下颌关节内的表达

目的:观察脂质体携带的可溶性白介素-1受体(sIL-1RI)基因重组质粒注入山羊颞下颌关节(TMJ)上腔后,在TMJ髁突软骨及滑膜组织中的表达,以及在全身其他重要器官组织中的表达,为施行基因治疗TMJ骨关节病(OA)奠定基础。方法:将脂质体携带的sIL-1RI基因重组质粒分别注入6只山羊TMJ的关节上腔。注射后第2、4周,分别处死3只动物。抽取TMJ关节滑液,用ELISA法检测关节滑液中的蛋白表达量。采用q检验,对实验数据进行方差分析和均数间的两两比较。切取完整关节标本以及肝脏、心脏、肾脏和脑组织,免疫组化法检测重组质粒在这些脏器组织中的表达情况。结果:重组质粒pcDNA3/sIL-1RI在山羊TMJ的滑膜细胞、软骨细胞及软骨下组织均有表达。ELISA方法检测结果显示,实验组表达量明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。在山羊肝脏、心脏、肾脏和脑等全身重要组织器官中未见表达。结论:脂质体携带的重组质粒pcDNA3/sIL-1RI,可在山羊TMJ有效地表达,关节外组织未见表达,因此是安全、可行的。     

Effects of Liposome‐Encapsulated Hemoglobin on Learning Ability in Tokai High‐Avoider Rat After Total Brain Ischemia and Reperfusion

Liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin with low O₂‐affinity (l‐LEH) was shown to be protective in focal brain ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in rats and primates. We tested l‐LEH in the transient whole brain ischemia in the Tokai high‐avoider rat (THA), which has been selected, mated, and bred over 77 generations for a high and consistent learning ability determined by the Sidman avoidance test (SAT). Young/naïve (before SAT) and adult/parent (after SAT) THA rats underwent acute and complete four‐vessel occlusion in the chest for 3 or 5 min, administration of 2 mL/kg of l‐LEH, saline, or homologous washed red blood cells (RBCs), reperfusion, and resuscitation. One week later, all rats underwent SAT, open‐field behavioral observation, Morris water maze tests, and morphological study. Whereas young/naïve rats treated with l‐LEH retained a rapid and consistent learning curve as in nonischemic controls, THA rats treated with RBCs or saline had retarded learning response on SAT as well as reduced cellularity in the amygdala. Adult/parent rats with established memory on SAT maintained perfect achievement even after I/R. In contrast, l‐LEH‐treated rats showed no better performance on Morris water maze (function) or cellularity of the CA1 sector of the hippocampus (morphology) compared with the rats treated with RBCs. Although task performance on SAT and Morris water maze appeared antithetical, morphological observations corresponded to the respective functions, suggesting that l‐LEH was protective only for the amygdala on SAT tasks but not for the CA1 sector of the hippocampus on spatial orientation as in our previous studies on focal brain I/R, where the cortex was preserved better than basal ganglia.     

Liposome‐Encapsulated Hemoglobin Accelerates Bronchial Healing After Pneumonectomy in the Rat With or Without Preoperative Radiotherapy

Liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) has been reported to accelerate wound healing in the stomach and skin in an experimental setting. LEH was tested in bronchial anastomotic healing after radiation and pneumonectomy in the rat. Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 61) received preoperative radiation (20 Gy) to the chest and underwent left pneumonectomy with bronchial stump closure using the Sweet method 4 days later, when they were randomized to receive intravenous infusion of LEH with high O₂ affinity (P₅₀O₂ = 17 mm Hg, 10 mL/kg, n = 32) or saline (n = 29). Additional rats (n = 18) were treated in the same way without preoperative radiation. Bronchial anastomotic healing was evaluated 2 days after surgery by determining the bursting pressure and infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. Bronchial bursting pressure was elevated in the rats receiving LEH both in the unirradiated group (LEH 212 ± 78 vs. saline 135 ± 63 mm Hg, P < 0.05) and in rats with preoperative radiation (LEH 162 ± 48 vs. saline 116 ± 56 mm Hg, P < 0.01). Moreover, the percentage of rats with bursting pressure <100 mm Hg tended to be smaller in the unirradiated group (LEH 1/9 [11.1%] vs. saline 4/9 [44.4%], NS) and was significantly reduced in irradiated animals (LEH 3/32 [9.4%] vs. saline 11/29 [38%], P < 0.05). There were no morphological differences except for macrophage infiltration to the anastomotic area, which was significantly prominent in the LEH‐treated rats (P < 0.05) regardless of the presence or absence of preoperative irradiation (IR). The results suggest that LEH with high O₂ affinity may improve mechanical strength and morphological findings in bronchial anastomosis in rats regardless of the presence or absence of preoperative IR. The irradiated rats later treated with LEH had equivalent or better bronchial healing than that of saline‐treated naïve animals undergoing pneumonectomy alone.     

Pilot Study of Liposome-encapsulated OnabotulinumtoxinA for Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Single-center Study

Background

Intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) injection benefits overactive bladder (OAB) patients, but increased postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume and urinary tract infection (UTI) remain risks. Intravesical instillation of liposomal BoNT-A instead of injection could prevent such adverse events.

Objective

To evaluate instillation of liquid liposomal BoNT-A (Lipotoxin) for the treatment of OAB and to determine its mechanism of action.

Design, setting, and participants

A double-blind randomized parallel controlled pilot trial in 24 OAB patients at a single tertiary center.

Intervention

Patients were randomly assigned to intravesical instillation of Lipotoxin containing 80 mg liposomes and 200 U BoNT-A or normal saline (N/S). Patients were retreated with Lipotoxin 1 mo later if they failed the first treatment.

Outcome measurement and statistical analysis

Voiding diaries, OAB symptom scores, urodynamic studies, and adverse events were monitored. The primary end point was change of total urinary frequency per 3 d at 1 mo after treatment. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting for synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) and synaptosomal-associated protein, 25 kDa (SNAP25) were performed at baseline and 3 mo after treatment. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical analysis.

Results and limitations

At 1 mo after treatment, the change of urinary frequency per 3 d significantly improved in the Lipotoxin group (n = 12; median: −6.50; interquartile range [IQR]: −18.3 to −0.25; p = 0.008) but not in the N/S group. (n = 12.0; IQR: −7.75 to 8.0; p = 0.792). Urgency episodes also showed a significant decrease in the Lipotoxin group (−12.0; IQR: −20.3 to −2.75; p = 0.012) but not in the N/S group (−1.0; IQR: −11.0 to 2.5; p = 0.196). SV2A and SNAP25 were expressed in urothelial cells and suburothelial tissues. However, the protein expression did not significantly differ between responders and nonresponders at 3 mo after treatment.

Conclusions

Intravesical Lipotoxin instillation effectively reduced frequency episodes 1 mo after treatment in OAB patients without any increase in PVR or risk of UTI.

Patient summary

We demonstrated that intravesical Lipotoxin instillation reduced frequency episodes at 1 mo in overactive bladder patients. This procedure is safe, without an increase in postvoid residual or the risk of urinary tract infection.     

紫杉醇脂质体联合大剂量5-FU持续静脉滴注治疗进展期胃癌的临床疗效

目的评估紫杉醇脂质体联合大剂量5-氟尿嘧啶（5-Fu）持续静脉滴注治疗进展期胃癌的疗效和不良反应。方法选择我院普外科2009年5月至2012年8月期间收治的63例进展期胃癌患者,给予紫杉醇脂质体联合大剂量（2．5g／m^2）5-FU持续静脉滴注治疗。依据RECIST标准进行疗效评价,并观察该化疗方案的不良反应。结果无一例患者因严重化疗毒性反应不能耐受而终止治疗。63例患者中达到完全缓解5例（7．94％）,部分缓解31例（49．2％）,总体有效率为57．1％（36／63）。血液学毒性反应中Ⅲ／Ⅳ级白细胞减少、中性粒细胞减少分别为8例（12．7％）和10例（15．9％）,没有发生Ⅲ／Ⅳ级的贫血或血小板减少。非血液学毒性反应相对较轻,基本为Ⅰ／Ⅱ级反应。结论紫杉醇脂质体具有安全性高、耐受性好、靶向性高和长时疗效的特点。紫杉醇脂质体联合大剂量5-FU持续静脉滴注治疗进展期胃癌临床疗效确切、不良反应较轻、患者耐受性好。