HPMA copolymer-bound doxorubicin induces apoptosis in human ovarian carcinoma cells by a Fas-independent pathway

The mechanism of cell death in A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells induced by free doxorubicin (DOX) and N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-bound DOX [P-(GFLG)-DOX] was investigated. In particular, the involvement of the Fas receptor system in drug-induced apoptosis was evaluated. P-(GFLG)-DOX was shown to effect apoptosis-induced tumor cell death as manifested by positive Annexin V-FITC staining, cleavage of procaspase 3 and its physiological substrate, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and cleavage of procaspase 8. Using the fluorochrome-labeled caspase inhibitor assay, it was found that both free DOX and P-(GFLG)-DOX activated caspases 3 and 9, but both forms of DOX did not have an effect on the activity of caspase 8, when compared to untreated cells. It was shown that free DOX and P-(GFLG)-DOX upregulated Fas receptor expression at the cell membrane in a time-dependent manner. Triggering the drug-induced Fas receptor with an exogeneous soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) resulted in an increase in the extent of apoptotic cell death, indicating that the Fas signaling pathway remained functionally active. Also, antagonistic anti-Fas ZB4 antibody blocked the increase in the level of apoptosis following the application of sFasL, but did not interfere with drug-induced apoptosis. The study of the functional activity of the Fas receptor and of the activation of the most proximal effector of the caspase cascade, caspase 8, indicated that the Fas receptor pathway was not decisive in the induction of cell death by free DOX and P-(GFLG)-DOX in A2780 cells. This study suggests further investigation of the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway in A2780 cell apoptotic death, induced by free and HPMA copolymer-bound DOX.     

Cytotoxicity and apoptotic gene expression in an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier following exposure to poly(butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles

Background Poly(butylcyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and coated with polysorbate 80 (PS80) have shown efficacy in the treatment of rat glioblastoma. However, cytotoxicity of this treatment remains unclear.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate cytotoxicity and apoptotic gene expression using a proven in vitro co-culture model of the blood–brain barrier.

Methods The co-cultures were exposed to uncoated PBCA NPs, PBCA-PS80 NPs or PBCA-PS80-DOX NPs at varying concentrations and evaluated using a resazurin-based cytotoxicity assay and an 84-gene apoptosis RT-PCR array.

Results The cytotoxicity assays showed PBCA-PS80-DOX NPs exhibited a decrease in metabolic function at lower concentrations than uncoated PBCA NPs and PBCA-PS80 NPs. The apoptosis arrays showed differential expression of 18 genes in PBCA-PS80-DOX treated cells compared to the untreated control.

Discussion As expected, the cytotoxicity assays demonstrated enhanced dose-dependent toxicity in the DOX loaded NPs. The differentially expressed apoptotic genes participate in both the tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 and mitochondria-associated apoptotic pathways implicated in current DOX chemotherapeutic toxicity.

Conclusion The following data suggest that the cytotoxic effect may be attributed to DOX and not the NPs themselves, further supporting the use of PBCA-PS80 NPs as an effective drug delivery vehicle for treating central nervous system conditions.     

Doxepin and its metabolites in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in depressed patients

Little information exists on the concentrations of antidepressants and their metabolites in CSF. We measured plasma and CSF levels of trans-doxepin (trans-DOX) and DOX metabolites in 12 depressed patients treated with DOX (250 mg/day) for 6 days. Spinal taps and blood samples were taken on day 7, 10 h after drug administration. Trans-DOX, cis-desmethyldoxepin (cis-DM-DOX), trans-desmethyldoxepin (trans-DM-DOX) and di-desmethyldoxepin (DDM-DOX) were analyzed in CSF and plasma samples by HPLC with column-switching. Although DOX was given as a mixture of 85% trans-DOX and 15% of the pharmacologically more active cis-DOX, we found similar amounts of cis-DM-DOX and trans-DM-DOX in plasma (59.8 ± 45.1 versus 72.0 ± 60.0 ng/ml; NS), suggesting that isomerization of DOX had taken place. Trans-DOX and DOX metabolites could be detected in CSF of most patients. Relatively low CSF concentrations of the active metabolite cis-DM-DOX were measured. Clinical efficacy, as assessed by HAMD scores, was not significantly related to plasma or CSF concentrations of trans-DOX or its metabolites. Trans-DOX and DOX metabolites were distributed differently between plasma and CSF. It is concluded that isomerization of DOX is not only relevant for neuronal uptake inhibition, but also for the transport of the metabolites. Received: 13 May 1996/Final version: 16 December 1996     

Comparison of the Anticancer Effect of Free and HPMA Copolymer-Bound Adriamycin in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells

Purpose. To study peculiarities and the mechanism of the anticancer effect of free and HPMA copolymer-bound ADR in sensitive and resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells. Methods. Sensitive A2780 and ADR resistant A2780/AD cells were exposed to different doses of drugs during 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours. Cell viability, drug accumulation, apoptosis, cellular metabolism, lipid peroxidation, DNA content and gene expression were studied. Results. HPMA copolymer-bound ADR (P(GFLG)-ADR) possessed a comparable cytotoxicity to free ADR when comparison was based on intracellular concentrations. While free ADR up-regulated genes encoding ATP driven efflux pumps (MDR1, MRP), P(GFLG)-ADR overcame existing pumps and down regulated the MRP gene. Free ADR also activated cell metabolism and expression of genes responsible for detoxification and DNA repair. P(GFLG)-ADR down-regulated HSP-70, GSr-, BUDP, Topo-II, , and TK-1 genes. Apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were significantly higher after exposure to P(GFLG)-ADR, as reflected by simultaneous activation of p53, c-fos in A2780 cells) or c-jun (A2780/AD) signaling pathways and inhibition of the bcl-2 gene. Differences between free ADR and P(GFLG)-ADR increased with the time of incubation and drug concentration. Conclusions. P(GFLG)-ADR overcame drug efflux pumps, more significantly induced apoptosis and lipid peroxidation, inhibited DNA repair, replication, and biosynthesis when compared to free ADR.     

高渗透长滞留效应理论在肿瘤靶向药物传递系统设计中的应用进展

目的综述高渗透长滞留效应(enhanced permeability and retention effect,简称EPR效应)的发现历史、影响因素及其在大分子药物肿瘤传递中的广泛应用。方法查阅近年来国内外相关文献50篇,对其进行归纳、总结和分析。结果大分子理化性质、肿瘤血管结构及血管调节因子对EPR效应有重要影响,临床上使用硝酸甘油、血管紧张肽转化酶抑制剂等外源性物质来提升EPR效应,以加强微粒给药系统的肿瘤靶向效果。结论 EPR效应作为大分子抗癌药物设计的"金标准",为肿瘤靶向药物传递系统设计的研究与开发提供了重要参考。     

Antitumor activity of new liposomal prodrug of mitomycin C in multidrug resistant solid tumor: Insights of the mechanism of action

The antitumor activity of a novel thiolytically cleavable lipid-based prodrug of mitomycin C (MMC) delivered by STEALTH® liposomes (SL) was studied in drug resistant human ovarian carcinoma A2780/AD model and compared with free MMC and both free and SL forms of an established anticancer drug—doxorubicin (DOX). It was found that SL-prodrug (SL-pMMC) possessed enhanced antitumor activity when compared with the parent MMC, free DOX, and SL-DOX. An observance of the high antitumor efficiency of SL-pMMC was a result of its preferential accumulation in the tumor by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, suppression of multidrug resistance (MDR) associated with P-glycoprotein and MRP drug efflux pumps, activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis signaling pathways and suppression of antiapoptotic cellular defense by increasing the BAX/BCL2 ratio. Consequently, the described SL-pMMC formulations can be considered good candidates for the chemotherapy of multidrug resistant tumors.     

Stabilization of Chimeric BR96-Doxorubicin Immunoconjugate

Chimeric BR96-doxorubicin conjugate (BR96-DOX) is an immunoconjugate designed to specifically target and kill certain tumor cells. The linker between the chimeric BR96 antibody and DOX is an acid-labile hydrazone group which was designed to undergo lysosomal hydrolysis to release DOX in vivo. Stability studies indicated that acid-catalyzed hydrazone hydrolysis was the major degradation route in vitro. Even under optimal conditions of pH and temperature, the stability of BR96-DOX in solution was not acceptable for long-term storage. Lyophilization of BR96-DOX in the presence of added sugars, such as lactose or sucrose, and subsequent storage of the lyophile under refrigeration significantly improved the stability. Therefore lyophilization appears to be a viable approach for achieving long-term stabilization of BR96-DOX.     

Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin via Sterically Stabilized Immunoliposomes: Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution in Tumor-bearing Mice

Purpose. To evaluate benefits in tumor localization, availability, and noncancerous organ distribution of doxorubicin (DOX) delivered via small (120 nm) sterically stabilized immunoliposomes targeted against a tumor-associated antigen in fibrosarcoma-bearing mice. Methods. DOX-loaded liposomes were prepared with (i) specific monoclonal IgG₃ antibody (32/2, D-SSIL-32/2); (ii) non-specific IgG₃ (D-SSIL-IgG); or (iii) no IgG (D-SSL) on their surface. Equal DOX amounts were injected intravenously via each type of liposome into BALB/c mice carrying experimental lung metastases of a polyoma virus-induced fibrosarcoma (A9 etc 220) expressing a polyoma virus-induced tumor-associated antigen (PAA) on their surface. Metastases occurred mainly in lung. Mice were treated at 3 stages of tumor development (micrometastases, medium-size metastases, and large, necrotic metastases). Performance evaluation was based on time-dependent quantification of DOX and DOX metabolites (DOX-M) in lung tumor, noncancerous organs, and plasma. Results. (i) DOX delivered via both SSIL retained the prolonged circulation time typical of DOX delivered via D-SSL. (ii) DOX accumulation in noncancerous organs was similar for all preparations. Low levels of DOX-M were obtained for all three preparations in all organs except liver, suggesting a similar processing, (iii) Preparations differed in behavior in lung tumor depending on tumor size and microanatomy. Only at the micrometastases stage were the specifically targeted D-SSIL-32/2 superior to D-SSL and D-SSIL-IgG, delivering 2–4 times more drug into the tumor, (iv) DOX-M level in all three tumor stages was in the following order: D-SSIL-32/2 >> D-SSL >> D-SSIL-IgG, suggesting that DOX delivered as D-SSIL-32/2 is most available to tumor cells. Conclusions. The advantage of specific targeting of sterically stabilized liposomes is expressed mainly in increasing availability of DOX to tumor cells in a way which is dependent on tumor microanatomy. The impact of this advantage to therapeutic efficacy remains to be determined.     

冰片和叶酸共修饰的阿霉素聚酰胺-胺复合物在动物体内的研究

目的 研究用冰片（borneol,BO）和叶酸（folic acid,FA）共修饰阿霉素（doxorubicin,DOX）聚酰胺-胺型树状[poly（amido amine）,PAMAM]大分子（FA-BO-PAMAM/DOX）,增加药物在脑胶质瘤部位递送。方法 第5代PAMAM树状大分子分别与BO和FA通过共价结合得FA-BO-PAMAM。以FA-BO-PAMAM为纳米载体,制备了FA-BO-PAMAM/DOX,通过尾静脉注射该复合物,考察荷瘤大鼠体内的药动学行为及组织分布情况。结果 BO-PAMAM/DOX和FA-BO-PAMAM/DOX组的大鼠血浆半衰期（plasma half-life,t_1/2）和平均滞留时间（mean retention time,MRT）均较原药组显著延长（P<0.01）;血药浓度-时间曲线下面积（area under the plasma concentration-time curve,AUC）较原药组显著增大（P<0.01）。与DOX相比,BO-PAMAM/DOX和FA-BO-PAMAM/DOX在肿瘤组织中的药物含量明显增加,而在心脏中的药物含量明显降低。结论 采用合成的药物载体FA-BO-PAMAM包载DOX后,可显著改变DOX的部分药动学参数,使药物在血浆中能维持较长时间。另外FA-BO-PAMAM/DOX具有较好的肿瘤靶向治疗效果和较小的心脏不良反应,对提高DOX的治疗指数具有较好的临床价值。     

Preparation of chondroitin sulfate-adipic acid dihydrazide-doxorubicin conjugate and its antitumour characteristics against LLC cells

Macromolecule–antitumour drug conjugates can reach tumour sites specifically via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. It is desirable to release the drug efficiently from the conjugate at acidic pH in the tumour tissue or in the endosomes of cancer cells. In this study, we attempted to produce a carrier system with a labile chemical bond at acidic pH. Adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH)-chondroitin sulfate (CS) (termed CS-ACH) was synthesised by a two-step method, with the introduction of formyl groups followed by reductive amination using ADH. Doxorubicin (DOX) was conjugated to CS-ACH by simple mixing at acidic pH. The conjugate, designated CS-ACH-DOX, showed gradual drug release pH dependently at 37?°C; after incubation for seven days, more than 60% of DOX was released at pH 4, whereas less than 20% was released at pH 7. CS-ACH-DOX showed in vitro cytotoxicity against Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells, which was less effective than that of DOX itself. However, CS-ACH-DOX inhibited tumour growth more than DOX in LLC tumour-bearing mice. These results suggested that CS-ACH-DOX might accumulate in tumours via the EPR effect and release DOX effectively at acidic pH. CS-ACH-DOX was considered to act as a drug delivery system with tumour targeting.     

Pluronic P85 Increases Permeability of a Broad Spectrum of Drugs in Polarized BBMEC and Caco-2 Cell Monolayers

Purpose. Previous studies demonstrated that inhibition of P glycoprotein (P-gp) by Pluronic P85 (P85) block copolymer increases apical (AP) to basolateral (BL) transport of rhodamine 123 (R123) in the polarized monolayers of bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMEC) and Caco-2 cells. The present work examines the effects of P85 on the transport of fluorescein (Flu), doxorubicin (Dox), etoposide (Et), taxol (Tax), 3-azido-3-deoxythymidine (AZT), valproic acid (VPA) and loperamide (Lo) using BBMEC and Caco-2 monolayers as in vitro models of the blood brain barrier and intestinal epithelium respectively. Methods. Drug permeability studies were performed on the confluent BBMEC and Caco-2 cell monolayers mounted in Side-Bi-Side diffusion cells. Results. Exposure of the cells to P85 significantly enhanced AP to BL permeability coefficients of Flu, Tax, Dox and AZT in both cell models. Further, P85 enhanced AP to BL transport of Et, VPA and Lo in Caco-2 monolayers. No changes in the permeability coefficients of the paracellular marker mannitol were observed in the presence of the copolymer. Conclusions. P85 increases AP to BL permeability in BBMEC and Caco-2 monolayers with respect to a broad panel of structurally diverse compounds, that were previously shown to be affected by P-gp and/ or multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) efflux systems. Broad specificity of the block copolymer effects with respect to drugs and efflux systems appears to be a valuable property in view of developing pharmaceutical formulations to increase drug accumulation in selected organs and overcome both acquired and intrinsic drug resistance that limits the effectiveness of many chemotherapeutic agents.     

Glucose transporter and folic acid receptor-mediated Pluronic P105 polymeric micelles loaded with doxorubicin for brain tumor treating

Abstract

In this study, glucose transporter and folic acid (FA) receptor-mediated Pluronic P105 polymeric micelles loaded with DOX (GF-DOX) were prepared for enhancing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) transportation and improving the drug accumulation in the glioma cells. The pH-triggered DOX release of GF-DOX indicating a comparatively fast drug release at weak acidic condition and stable state of the carrier at physiological environment. The transport of GF-DOX across the in vitro BBB model showed that GF-DOX exhibited higher BBB transportation ability with the transporting ratio of 21.47% in 4?h. The carrier was internalized into C6 glioma cells upon crossing the BBB model for the combined effect of the brain targeting by transportation of glucose transporter and active tumor cell targeting by FA receptor-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, minimized weight changes and high suppression ratio of tumor growth were observed after intravenous injection of GF-DOX. In conclusion, the glucose transporter and FA dual-targeting micelles would provide a safe and effective strategy for new modalities to treat brain tumor.     

Immunoliposomal delivery of doxorubicin can overcome multidrug resistance mechanisms in EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells

Immunoliposomes (ILs) can be constructed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to provide efficient intracellular drug delivery in tumor cells. We hypothesized that this approach might be able to overcome drug resistance mechanisms, which remain an important obstacle to better outcomes in cancer therapy. ILs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo against EGFR-overexpressing pairs of human cancer cells (HT-29 and MDA-MB-231) that either lack or feature the multidrug resistance (mdr) phenotype. In multidrug-resistant cell lines, ILs loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) produced 19–216-fold greater cytotoxicity than free DOX, whereas in nonresistant cells, immunoliposomal cytotoxicity of DOX was comparable with that of the free drug. In intracellular distribution studies, free DOX was efficiently pumped out of the multidrug-resistant tumor cells, whereas immunoliposomal DOX leads to 3.5–8 times higher accumulation of DOX in the cytoplasm and 3.5–4.9 times in the nuclei compared with the free drug. Finally, in vivo studies in the MDA-MB-231 Vb100 xenograft model confirmed the ability of anti-EGFR ILs-DOX to efficiently target multidrug-resistant cells and showed impressive antitumor effects, clearly superior to all other treatments. In conclusion, ILs provide efficient and targeted drug delivery to EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells and are capable of completely reversing the multidrug-resistant phenotype of human cancer cells.     

Novel star HPMA-based polymer conjugates for passive targeting to solid tumors

Novel star polymer-doxorubicin conjugates designed for passive tumor targeting have been developed and their potential for treatment of cancer has been investigated. In the present study the synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, drug release, bio-distribution and preliminary data of in vivo efficacy of the conjugates are described. In the water-soluble conjugates the core of a molecule formed by poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers was grafted with semitelechelic N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers bearing doxorubicin (Dox) attached by hydrazone bonds enabling intracellular pH-controlled hydrolytic drug release, or by GFLG sequence susceptible to enzymatic degradation. The controlled synthesis utilizing semitelechelic copolymer precursors facilitated preparation of polymer conjugates in a broad range of molecular weights (1.1–3.0·10⁵ g/mol). In contrast to free drug or linear conjugates the star polymer-Dox conjugates exhibited prolonged blood circulation and enhanced tumor accumulation in tumor-bearing mice indicating important role of the EPR effect. The star polymer-Dox conjugates showed significantly higher anti-tumor activity in vivo than Dox·HCl or its linear or graft polymer conjugates, if treated with a single dose 15 or 5?mg Dox eq./kg. Method of tumor initialization (acute or chronic experimental tumor models) significantly influenced effectiveness of the treatment with much lower success in treatment of mice bearing chronic tumors.     

载阿霉素透明质酸聚合物纳米粒的构建及其体外性质研究

目的 合成透明质酸（HA）接枝单油酸甘油酯（GMO）两亲性聚合物HGO,并研究其所制备载阿霉素（DOX）纳米粒的理化性质及体外抗肿瘤效果。方法 HA与GMO通过酯化反应制得载体聚合物HGO,通过核磁共振波谱法及红外光谱法对其进行结构表征;采用芘荧光探针法测定聚合物临界聚集浓度（CAC）。采用透析法制备聚合物HGO载阿霉素（DOX@HGO）纳米粒,并对其进行粒径分布、Zeta电位及微观形态的表征;通过检测其在不同离子强度、不同pH条件下的粒径变化考察纳米粒的体外稳定性;考察DOX@HGO纳米粒在不同pH条件下的体外释放行为;CCK-8法考察DOX@HGO纳米粒对MDA-MB-231细胞的体外抑瘤效果;并通过荧光显微镜研究MDA-MB-231细胞对DOX溶液、DOX@HGO纳米粒的摄取能力,以及HA预处理对DOX@HGO纳米粒摄取的影响。结果 成功制得两亲性聚合物HGO,聚合物HGO中GMO的取代度为15.8%,CAC为0.023 mg·mL^-1。DOX@HGO纳米粒呈规则的球形,平均粒径为（130.800±1.709）nm,平均电位为（-32.600±0.153）mV,包封率和载药量分别为（98.65±0.74）%和（33.03±0.17）%,在不同离子强度下、模拟胃肠液中表现出良好的稳定性;DOX@HGO纳米粒的体外释放表现出pH依赖性。体外抗肿瘤活性实验表明,DOX@HGO纳米粒对MDA-MB-231细胞的生长具有较好的抑制作用;与DOX溶液比较,DOX@HGO纳米粒显著增加肿瘤细胞对于DOX的摄取（P＜0.05） ,HA预处理显著减少肿瘤细胞对DOX@HGO的摄取（P＜0.05）。结论 所构建的DOX@HGO纳米粒具有良好的理化性质,并且具有一定的pH敏感性及靶向抗肿瘤细胞的能力,是具有应用潜力的药物载体。     

Effects of Pluronic P85 Unimers and Micelles on Drug Permeability in Polarized BBMEC and Caco-2 Cells

Purpose. Using polarized bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMEC) monolayers as in vitro model of the blood brain barrier and Caco-2 monolayers as a model of the intestinal epithelium, the present work investigates the effects of Pluronic P85 block copolymer (P85) on the transport of the P-gycoprotein (P-gp)- dependent probe, rhodamine 123 (R123). Methods. The permeability and cell efflux studies are performed with the confluent cell monolayers using Side-Bi-Side diffusion cells. Results. At concentrations below the critical micelle concentration, P85 inhibits P-gp efflux systems of the BBMEC and Caco-2 cell monolayers resulting in an increase in the apical to basolateral permeability of R123. In contrast, at high concentrations of P85 the drug incorporates into the micelles, enters the cells and is then recycled back out to the apical side resulting in decrease in Rl 23 transport across the cell monolayers. Apical to basolateral permeability of micelle-incorporated R123 in BBMEC monolayers was increased by prior conjugation of P85 with insulin, suggesting that modified micelles undergo receptor-mediated transcytosis. Conclusions. Pluronic block copolymers can increase membrane transport and transcellular permeability in brain microvessel endothelial cells and intestinal epithelium cells. This suggests that these block copolymers may be useful in designing formulations to increase brain and oral absorption of select drugs.     

Folate-decorated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate) nanoparticles for targeting delivery: optimization and in vivo antitumor activity

Abstract

Context: Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded folate-targeted poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate) [P(HB-HO)] nanoparticles [DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs] have potential application in clinical treatments for cervical cancer due to specific affinity of folate and folate receptor in HeLa cells.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop an optimized formulation for DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs, and investigate the targeting and efficacies of the nanoparticles.

Materials and methods: DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs were prepared by W₁/O/W₂ solvent extraction/evaporation method, and an orthogonal experimental design [L₉ (3⁴)] was applied to establish the optimum conditions. The physico–chemical characteristics, microscopic observation and in vivo antitumor study of the nanoparticles were evaluated.

Results: The optimum formulation was obtained with DOX 10% (w/v), FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) 6.5% (w/v), PVA 3%(w/v) and oil phase/internal water phase volume ratio of 3/1. The size distribution, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the optimized nanoparticles were 150–350?nm, 29.6?±?2.9% and 83.5?±?5.7%, respectively. In vitro release study demonstrated that 80% of the drug could release from the nanoparticles within 11 days. Furthermore, in vitro microscopic observation and in vivo antitumor study showed that DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs could inhibit HeLa cells effectively, and the tumor inhibition rate (TIR) in vivo was 76.91%.

Discussion and conclusions: DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs have been successfully developed and optimized. In vitro drug release study suggested a sustained release profile. Moreover, DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs could effectively inhibit HeLa cells with satisfying targeting, and reduce side effects and toxicity to normal tissues. DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs were superior in terms of inhibiting HeLa tumor over non-targeted formulations therapy.     

Comparison of Human Duodenum and Caco-2 Gene Expression Profiles for 12,000 Gene Sequences Tags and Correlation with Permeability of 26 Drugs

Purpose. To compare gene expression profiles and drug permeability differences in Caco-2 cell culture and human duodenum. Methods. Gene expression profiles in Caco-2 cells and human duodenum were determined by GeneChip^® analysis. In vivo drug permeability measurements were obtained through single-pass intestinal perfusion in human subjects, and correlated with in vitro Caco-2 transport permeability. Results. GeneChip^® analysis determined that 37, 47, and 44 percent of the 12,559 gene sequences were expressed in 4-day and16-day Caco-2 cells and human duodenum, respectively. Comparing human duodenum with Caco-2 cells, more than 1000 sequences were determined to have at least a 5-fold difference in expression. There were 26, 38, and 44 percent of the 443 transporters, channels, and metabolizing enzymes detected in 4-day, 16-day Caco-2 cells, and human duodenum, respectively. More than 70 transporters and metabolizing enzymes exhibited at least a 3-fold difference. The overall coefficient of variability of the 10 human duodenal samples for all expressed sequences was 31% (range 3% to 294%) while that of the expressed transporters and metabolizing enzymes was 33% (range 3% to 87%). The in vivo / in vitro drug permeability measurements correlated well for passively absorbed drugs (R² = 85%). The permeability correlation for carrier-mediated drugs showed 3- 35-fold higher in human above the correlation of passively absorbed drugs. The 2- 595-fold differences in gene expression levels between the Caco-2 cells and human duodenum correlated with the observed 3- 35-fold difference in permeability correlation between carrier-mediated drugs and passively absorbed drugs. Conclusions. Significant differences in gene expression levels in Caco-2 cells and human duodenum were observed. The observed differences of gene expression levels were consistent with observed differences in carrier mediated drug permeabilities. Gene expression profiling is a valuable new tool for investigating in vitro and in vivo permeability correlation.     

In Vitro/In Vivo Comparison of Drug Release and Polymer Erosion from Biodegradable P(FAD-SA) Polyanhydrides—A Noninvasive Approach by the Combined Use of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare drug release and polymer erosion from biodegradable P(FAD-SA) polyanhydrides in vitro and in vivoin real time and with minimal disturbance of the investigated system. Methods. P(FAD-SA) 20:80 and P(FAD-SA) 50:50 polymer tablets were loaded with the spin probe 3-carboxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrollidine-1-oxyl (PCA) and implanted subcutaneously in the neck of rats or placed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer. 1.1 GHz EPR spectroscopy experiments and 7T MRI studies (Tl and T2 weighted) were performed. Results. A front of water penetration was visible by MRI in vitro in the case of P(FAD-SA) 20:80, but not for P(FAD-SA) 50:50. For both polymers, the thickness of the tablets decreased with time and a insoluble, easy deformable residue remained. Important processes such as edema, deformation of the implant, encapsulation and bioresorption were observable by MRIin vivo. P(FAD-SA) 50:50 was almost entirely absorbed by day 44, whereas an encapsulated residue was found for P(FAD-SA) 20:80 after 65 days. The EPR studies gave direct evidence of a water penetration induced changes of the microenvironment inside the tablet. EPR signals were still detectable in P(FAD-SA) 20:80 implants after 65 days, while the nitroxide was released in vitro within 16 days. Conclusions. Important parameters and processes such as edema, deformation of the tablet, micro viscosity inside the tablet and encapsulation can be monitored in real time by the combined use of the noninvasive techniques MRI and EPR leading to better understanding of the differences between the in vitroandin vivo situation.     

Cytotoxic enhancement of hexapeptide-conjugated micelles in EGFR high-expressed cancer cells

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop the hexapeptide-conjugated active targeting micelles for delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) to EGFR high-expressed cancer cells.

Methods: A hexapeptide, which mimicked the EGFR, was applied as a targeting ligand. The active targeting micelles were prepared using the synthesized poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)–PEG copolymer conjugated with the hexapeptide. The micelles were used for encapsulating DOX and/or PTX, and the cellular uptake, in vitro drug release and cellular viability of drug-loaded peptide-conjugated and peptide-free micelles were investigated.

Results: The particle size of drug-loaded peptide-conjugated and peptide-free micelles was < 150 nm with narrow size distribution. The uptake of peptide-conjugated micelles was more efficient in EGFR high-expressed MDA-MB-468 and SKOV3 cells than in EGFR low-expressed HepG2 cells. The in vitro release of DOX and PTX was faster in pH 4.0 (500 U lipase) than in pH 7.4 release medium. The cytotoxicity in terms of IC₅₀ of DOX/PTX-loaded peptide-conjugated micelles was 4.8-folds lower than that of peptide-free micelles and 18.2-folds lower than DOX/PTX drug solution in SOKV3 cells.

Conclusion: The peptide-conjugated micelles acted as a nanocarrier to increase intracellular accumulation of anticancer drugs in EGFR high-expressed SKOV3 cancer cells to enhance cell cytotoxicity.