The place of polymer prodrugs in cancer therapy

The administration of current cancer chemotherapy agents is associated with significant toxicity and makes these agents ideal candidates for more selective drug targeting. Polymer prodrug therapy is a strategy that provides a means of targeting cytotoxic agents to specific organs or tumour tissues. The principle structure of a polymer prodrug consists of a water soluble polymeric carrier or backbone, linked to the chemotherapeutic drug of choice. The modification of a specific anticancer drug in this way can theoretically allow specific tumour targeting, thus protecting normal cells and allowing higher doses of the drug to be administered whilst reducing the potential toxicity profile.     

正电化修饰的HPMA聚合物-阿霉素接合物的制备表征及对肿瘤细胞摄取的影响

目的:制备2种正电化修饰的N-(2-羟丙基)甲基丙烯酰胺(HPMA)聚合物-阿霉素接合物并表征,分别考察2种接合物的正电基团含量对肿瘤细胞摄取的影响。方法:制备侧链带伯胺基的HPMA聚合物-阿霉素接合物(pHPMA-DOX-APMA)和侧链带胍基的HPMA聚合物-阿霉素接合物(pHPMA-DOX-GPMA),对其药剂学性质如正电基团含量,载药量,Zeta电位和分子量进行表征,进一步考察不同正电基团含量的接合物对MCF-7细胞摄取和毒性的影响。结果:通过自由基聚合反应,2种接合物成功合成。其中pHPMA-DOX-APMA伯胺基含量为0.44~1.57 mmol·g^-1,载药量为7.15%~9.25%;pHPMA-DOX-GPMA胍基含量为0.11~0.54 mmol·g^-1,载药量为7.55%~9.07%;相对分子质量分别为33~38 kDa和32~37 kDa。通过BCA法和MTT法研究分别发现在pHPMA-DOX-APMA中的伯胺基团含量为1.570 mmol·g^-1及pHPMA-DOX-GPMA中的胍基含量为0.260 mmol·g^-1时,肿瘤细胞对阿霉素的摄取量显著增加,二者的IC₅₀与pHPMA-DOX相比显著降低(P<0.05)。结论:成功制备了2种正电化修饰的HPMA聚合物-阿霉素接合物;适当的正电化修饰对阿霉素的肿瘤细胞摄取有促进作用。     

Biorecognition of HPMA Copolymer-Adriamycin Conjugates by Lymphocytes Mediated by Synthetic Receptor Binding Epitopes

Purpose. The EDPGFFNVE nonapeptide (NP) was recognized as the CD21 (CR2) binding epitope of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gp350/ 220 envelope glycoprotein which mediates the virus attachment to human B lymphocytes (Nemerow et al., Cell 56:369-377, 1989). Here we evaluated the targeting potential of a synthetic receptor binding epitope (NP) covalently attached to a water-soluble polymeric drug carrier. In particular, the biorecognition of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) metha-crylamide (HPMA) copolymer-NP conjugates by B- and T-cells and the cytotoxicity of HPMA copolymer-NP-adriamycin (ADR) conjugates toward B-cells, T-cells, and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were evaluated. Methods. HPMA copolymer-NP and optionally ADR conjugates varying in the NP density and mode of NP attachment were incubated with Raji B-cells (human Burkitt's lymphoma), CCRF-CEM T-cells (acute human lymphoblastic leukemia), and CCRF-HSB-2 T-cells (human lymphoblastic leukemia). The kinetics of binding was studied, the Langmuir adsorption isotherms analyzed, binding constants calculated, and IC₅₀ doses determined. Results. Flow cytometry studies revealed that binding was homogeneous to both cell types. The apparent binding constants to T-cells were about two times higher when compared to B-cells. The binding and cytotoxicity increased with increased amount of epitopes per polymer chain. Attachment of the NP via a GFLG spacer resulted in increased biorecognition when compared with conjugates containing NP bound via a GG spacer. HPMA copolymer-NP-ADR conjugates possessed specific cytotoxicity to T- and B-malignant cells. Concentrations, which were lethal to the latter, were not toxic for PBL. Conclusions. The data obtained seem to indicate the potential of the HPMA copolymer-NP conjugates as polymer anticancer drug carriers targetable to immunocompetent cells.     

Biodegradable star HPMA polymer conjugates of doxorubicin for passive tumor targeting

New biodegradable star polymer–doxorubicin (Dox) conjugates designed for passive tumor targeting were investigated and the present study described their synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, drug release and biodegradation. In the conjugates the core formed by poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers was grafted with semitelechelic N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers bearing doxorubicin attached by hydrazone bonds, which enabled intracellular pH-controlled drug release, or by a GFLG sequence, which was susceptible to enzymatic degradation. The controlled synthesis utilizing semitelechelic copolymer precursors facilitated preparation of biodegradable polymer conjugates in a broad range of molecular weights (110–295 kDa) while still maintaining low polydispersity (～1.7). The polymer grafts were attached to the dendrimers either through stable amide bonds or enzymatically or reductively degradable spacers, which enabled intracellular degradation of the high molecular weight polymer carrier to products that were able to be excreted from the body by glomerular filtration. Biodegradability tests showed that the rate of degradation was much faster for reductively degradable conjugates (completed within 4 h) than the degradation of conjugates linked via an enzymatically degradable oligopeptide GFLG sequence (within 72 h). This finding was likely due to the difference in steric hindrance for the small molecule glutathione and the enzyme cathepsin B. As for drug release, the conjugates were fairly stable in buffer at pH 7.4 (model of blood stream) but released doxorubicin either under mild acidic conditions or in the presence of lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B, both of which modeled the tumor cell microenvironment.     

Starlike vs. Classic Macromolecular Prodrugs: Two Different Antibody-Targeted HPMA Copolymers of Doxorubicin Studied in Vitro and in Vivo as Potential Anticancer Drugs

Purpose. Two different monoclonal antibody-targeted HPMA copolymer-doxorubicin conjugates, classic and starlike, were synthesized to be used for site-specific cancer therapy. The anti-mouse Thy-1.2 (IgG3) and two anti-human CD71/A (IgG1) and CD71/B (IgG2a) monoclonal antibodies were used as targeting structures. Methods. Their binding and cytotoxic activity in vitro, body distribution, and anticancer activity in vivo were evaluated. Results. The results of flow cytometric analysis showed comparable binding of classic and starlike conjugates to the target cells. The in vitro cytotoxic effect was 10-fold higher if cancer cells were exposed to the starlike conjugate compared to the classic one. Biodistribution studies showed that the starlike conjugate remained in a relatively high concentration in blood, whereas the classic conjugate was found in a 6.5-times lower amount. In contrast to the low antitumor activity of free doxorubicin and nontargeted HPMA copolymer-doxorubicin conjugate, both anti-Thy-1.2 targeted conjugates (classic and starlike) cured all mice bearing T-cell lymphoma EL4. On the other hand, starlike conjugates containing anti-CD71/A or anti-CD71/B monoclonals as targeting structures were more effective against human colorectal cancer SW 620 than the classic one. Conclusions. We have shown that the starlike conjugates are more effective systems for targeted drug delivery and cancer treatment than classic conjugates.     

Self-association properties of HPMA copolymers containing an amphipathic heptapeptide

Receptor-binding peptides are suitable targeting moieties for macromolecular therapeutics. Binding several targeting peptides to one macromolecule may improve biorecognition due to the multivalency effect. On the other hand, the resulting amphipathic structure of such conjugates may result in the association of side-chains with a concomitant decrease in the accessibility of the side-chain-bound ligands. Using the one-bead one-compound combinatorial method, we have recently identified a heptapeptide (YILIHRN; HP) ligand for the CD21 receptor (Biomacromolecules 7, 3037, 2006). Here, we evaluated the relationship between structure and self-association of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-HP conjugates using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to evaluate their conformation in solution. In addition to HP, HPMA copolymers containing side-chains terminating in tryptophan (energy donor) and dansyl (energy acceptor) were synthesized, and solutions were evaluated using an excitation wavelength of 295 nm (ratio of emission intensity 510 nm/370 nm indicated energy transfer efficiency). It was found that higher HP content correlated with higher FRET efficiency, indicating the formation of compact coils. Modification of the HPMA copolymer backbone by the incorporation of acrylic acid (AA) comonomer units resulted in decreased FRET efficiency, presumably due to the expansion of the polymer coils as a result of electrostatic repulsion. The dependence of FRET efficiency on pH was in agreement with the ionization profile of the AA residues.

To determine the effect of HP content on enzymatic drug release kinetics, HPMA copolymer-HP conjugates containing GFLG side-chains terminating with doxorubicin (DOX) were incubated with papain and the release of free DOX monitored. When HP content increased above a particular threshold, the rate of DOX release decreased as a result of self-association of HPMA copolymer-GFLG-DOX-HP conjugates. The FRET data correlated well with hydrodynamic volumes determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), with molecular weights determined by light scattering, and with the kinetics of drug release.     

Binding and Cytotoxicity of HPMA Copolymer Conjugates to Lymphocytes Mediated by Receptor-Binding Epitopes

Purpose. Studies on the recognition of epitopes presented on a template peptide showed the potential of nonapeptide-related sequences to act as biorecognition sites for the B-cell CD21 receptor. This study was intended to evaluate the capability of three epitope sequences to mediate specific cell binding and to enhance the cytotoxicity of HPMA copolymer conjugates. Methods. HPMA copolymer conjugates were synthesized containing three different epitopes at various contents and either a fluorescent marker or doxorubicin (DOX). The binding and cytotoxicity of the conjugates to CD21⁺ Raji B cells and CD21^– HSB-2 T cells were evaluated. Results. The epitope-containing conjugates were found to bind to Raji cells at different apparent affinities depending on epitope structure and content. The conjugates generally possessed higher affinities for Raji cells than for HSB-2 cells. Targeted HPMA copolymer-DOX conjugates exhibited higher cytotoxicities than the nontargeted conjugate, likely indicative of enhanced internalization by receptor-mediated endocytosis. HSB-2 cells were more sensitive to both free and polymer-bound DOX than Raji cells; however, the enhancement of cytotoxicity of the conjugates by incorporation of epitopes was more pronounced for Raji cells. Conclusions. The results verified the concept of using receptor-binding epitopes as targeting moieties in HPMA copolymer conjugates for the delivery of anticancer drugs to lymphoma cells.     

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.     

Comparison of active and passive targeting of doxorubicin for somatostatin receptor 2 positive tumor models by octreotide-modified HPMA copolymer-doxorubicin conjugates

Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), specifically over-expressed on many tumor cells, is a potential receipt for active targeting in cancer therapy. In the present study, octreotide (Oct), which had high affinity to SSTR2, was attached to N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) polymeric system to enhance the antitumor efficiency of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Two kinds of cell lines (HepG2 and A549), which overexpress SSTR2, were chosen as cell models. Compared with non-modified conjugates, Oct-modified conjugates exhibited superior cytotoxicity and intracellular uptake on both HepG2 and A549 cell lines. This might be due to the mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Subsequently, the in vivo biodistribution and antitumor activity evaluations showed that Oct modification significantly improved the tumor accumulation and antitumor efficacy of HPMA copolymer conjugates in SSTR2 over-expressed Kunming mice bearing H₂₂ tumor xenografts. In summary, Oct-modified HPMA polymer-DOX conjugates might be a promising system for the treatment of SSTR2 over-expressed cancers.     

Peptide-directed HPMA copolymer-doxorubicin conjugates as targeted therapeutics for colorectal cancer

Synthetic oligopeptides have emerged as a promising class of targeting ligands, providing a variety of choices for the construction of conjugates for desired ligand functionality. To explore the potential of short peptides as ligands for targeted delivery of macromolecular therapeutics for colorectal cancer (CRC), fluorescently labelled HPMA copolymers—bearing either G3-C12 or GE11 for targeting galectin-3 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), respectively—were synthesised and the mechanisms of their internalisation and subcellular fate in CRC cells were studied. The targetability of the G3-C12 bearing copolymers towards galectin-3 was further compared to that of galactose-containing copolymers. The resulting G3-C12-bearing conjugate actively and selectively targets CRC tumour cells over-expressing galectin-3 and exhibits superior targetability to galectin-3 when compared to the galactose-bearing copolymer. GE11 copolymer conjugate binds specifically and efficiently to EGFR over-expressing cells, thus mediating internalisation to a significantly higher extent relative the copolymer conjugated to a scrambled sequence peptide. We further incorporated doxorubicin (DOX) into GE11 bearing copolymer via an acid-labile hydrazone bond. The GE11-DOX copolymer conjugate demonstrated higher cytotoxicity toward EGFR over-expressing cells relative to the control non-targeted DOX conjugate. Altogether, our results show a proof of principle for the selective delivery of DOX to the target CRC cells.     

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.     

Overcoming the stromal barrier for targeted delivery of HPMA copolymers to pancreatic tumors

Delivery of macromolecules to pancreatic cancer is inhibited by a dense extracellular matrix composed of hyaluronic acid, smooth muscle actin and collagen fibers. Hyaluronic acid causes a high intratumoral fluidic pressure which prevents diffusion and penetration into the pancreatic tumor. This study involves the breaking down of hyaluronic acid by treating CAPAN-1 xenograft tumors in athymic nu/nu mice with targeted N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers radiolabeled with ¹¹¹In for single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging. Two targeting strategies were investigated including α_vβ₃ integrin and HER2 receptors. HPMA copolymers were targeted to these receptors by conjugating short peptide ligands cRGDfK and KCCYSL to the side chains of the copolymer. Results demonstrate that tumor targeting can be achieved in vivo after treatment with hyaluronidase. This approach shows promise for enhanced delivery of polymer–peptide conjugates to solid tumors.     

HPMA copolymer–aminoglutethimide conjugates inhibit aromatase in MCF-7 cell lines

N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer–doxorubicin (Dox) has already shown clinical activity in breast cancer patients. Moreover, we have recently found that an HPMA conjugate containing a combination of both Dox and the aromatase inhibitor aminoglutethimide (AGM) shows significantly increased anti-tumour activity in vitro. To better understand the mechanism of action of HPMA copolymer–AGM conjugates several models were used here to investigate their effect on cell growth and aromatase inhibition. Cytotoxicity of HPMA copolymer conjugates containing AGM, Dox and also the combination AGM–Dox was determined by MTT assay in MCF-7 and MCF-7ca cells. Androstenedione (5 × 10^{? 8} M) stimulates the growth of MCF-7ca cells. Both free AGM and polymer-bound AGM (0.2–0.4 mg/ml) were shown to block this mitogenic activity. When MCF-7ca cells were incubated [³H]androstenedione both AGM and HPMA copolymer–GFLG–AGM (0.2 mg/ml AGM-equiv.) showed the ability to inhibit aromatase. Although, free AGM was able to inhibit isolated human placental microsomal aromatase in a concentration dependent manner, polymer-bound AGM was not, suggesting that drug release is essential for activity of the conjugate. HPMA copolymer conjugates containing aromatase inhibitors have potential for the treatment of hormone-dependant cancers, and it would be particularly interesting to explore further as potential therapies in post-menopausal women as components of combination therapy.     

Improving the efficacy of combined modality anticancer therapy using HPMA copolymer-based nanomedicine formulations

Copolymers based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) are prototypic and well-characterized polymeric drug carriers that have been broadly implemented in the delivery of anticancer agents. HPMA copolymers circulate for prolonged periods of time, and by means of the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, they localize to tumors both effectively and selectively. Because of their beneficial biodistribution, and because of the fact that they are able to improve the balance between the efficacy and the toxicity of chemotherapy, it is reasonable to assume that HPMA copolymers combine well with other treatment modalities. In the present review, efforts in this regard are summarized, and HPMA copolymers are shown to be able to beneficially interact with surgery, with radiotherapy, with hyperthermia, with photodynamic therapy, with chemotherapy and with each other. Together, the insights provided and the evidence obtained strongly suggest that HPMA copolymer-based nanomedicine formulations hold significant potential for improving the efficacy of combined modality anticancer therapy.     

Simulation of the Delivery of Doxorubicin to Hepatoma

Purpose. To develop a two-dimensional simulation platform for the transport of doxorubicin to the hepatoma. To examine the temporal and spatial variation of doxorubicin concentration and its penetration into the tumor and the surrounding normal tissues. Methods. Simulations are carried out with Fluent/UNS using the finite volume method to obtain the interstitial fluid pressure, velocity, and concentration profiles. Results. Interstitial fluid pressure in the tumor and core reaches a steady state value in about 800 s, corresponding well with the assumed time scale for interstitial matrix fluid percolation (1000 s). There is a strong correlation between the drug concentration in the interstitial space of tumor and blood plasma for time >> 1 h. Concentration of doxorubicin is highest in the viable zone of the tumor at early times and in the necrotic core at later times, and lowest in the surrounding normal tissues. Diffusion is the dominant form of transport for doxorubicin. Conclusions. Varying the volume of solution injected, while keeping the dosage the same, does not cause significant changes in the amount and distribution of drug in the tumor. A higher vascular exchange area leads to higher concentrations of drug in the tumor. Lymphatic drainage in the tumor causes negligible reductions in the mean concentrations in all three different zones. Cellular metabolism and DNA binding kinetics decrease the mean concentrations of drug by about 15 to 40%, as compared to the baseline case.     

Functionalized Micellar Systems for Cancer Targeted Drug Delivery

Abstract Polymer micelles are rapidly becoming a powerful nanomedicine platform for cancer therapeutic applications due to their small size (10–100 nm), in vivo stability, ability to solubilize water insoluble anticancer drugs, and prolonged blood circulation times. Recent data from clinical trials with three micelle formulations have highlighted these and other pharmacokinetic advantages with reduced systemic toxicity and patient morbidity compared to conventional drug formulation. While the initial anti-tumor efficacy of these systems seems promising, a strong research impetus has been placed on micelle functionalization in order to achieve tumor targeting and site-specific drug release, with the hope of reaching a more pronounced tumor response. Hence, the purpose of this review is to draw attention to the new developments of multi-functional polymer micelles for cancer therapy with special focus on tumor targeting and controlled drug release strategies.     

基于前药构建混合胶束实现紫杉醇/阿霉素共递送

为了达到靶向递送,实现肿瘤的联合治疗,制备两亲性紫杉醇-聚乙二醇前药以及小分子阿霉素前药,两者共同构成混合胶束实现共递送.合成还原敏感性的聚乙二醇-紫杉醇前体药物(mPEG-SS-PTX)和靶向性叶酸修饰的聚乙二醇-紫杉醇前体药物(FA-PEG-SS-PTX).同时合成pH敏感阿霉素-乌头酸酐(CAD)小分子前药,采用...     

Peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates specifically degraded by matrix metalloproteinases expressed from tumor

Specific peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates were developed for targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expressed from tumors. The peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates were designed to be cleaved by MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in order that doxorubicin or the active form that acts as an anticancer agent was released free from the peptide fragment at the tumor site. Three types of peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates were synthesized using the peptides: GPLG (Gly‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly), GPLGV (Gly‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly‐Val), and GPLGPAG (Gly‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly‐Pro‐Ala‐Gly). The synthesized peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates were characterized for their degradation behavior and bioactivity in vitro, and their antitumoral activity was assessed using the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model, which expresses MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. After incubation with active MMP‐2 for 24 h, GPLG‐doxorubicin was barely degraded, whereas GPLGV‐doxorubicin and GPLGPAG‐doxorubicin were considerably degraded by active MMP‐2. Consequently, all peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates had significantly low cytotoxicity compared to doxorubicin, but tumor growth suppression was exhibited only by GPLGV‐doxorubicin and GPLGPAG‐doxorubicin. The tumor growth suppression by the two conjugates was higher compared to control, although it did not exceed the suppression level shown by doxorubicin. The low toxicity exhibited by peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates resulted in only slight body weight loss in mice, whereas doxorubicin greatly reduced body weight and induced severe side effects. Therefore, we propose MMPs‐specific peptide‐doxorubicin conjugates in targeting anti‐cancer drug delivery that could reduce systemic toxicities. Drug Dev. Res. 67:438–447, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Acute Renal Toxicity of Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)-Loaded Cyanoacrylate Nanoparticles

Acute doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticle (DXNP) renal toxicity was explored in both normal rats and rats with experimental glomerulo-nephritis. In normal rats, 2/6 rats given free doxorubicin (DX) (5 mg / kg) died within one week, whereas all control animals and all rats having received free NP or DXNP survived. A 3 times higher proteinuria appeared in animals treated with DXNP than in those treated with DX. Free NP did not provoke any proteinuria. Two hr post-injection, DXNP was 2.7 times more concentrated in kidneys than free DX (p<0.025). In rats with immune experimental glomerulonephritis, 5/6 rats given DX died within 7 days, in contrast to animals treated by DXNP, NP, or untreated, which all survived. Proteinuria appeared in all series, but was 2-5 times more intense (p>0.001) and prolonged after doxorubicin treatment (400-700 mg / day), without significant difference between DXNP and DX. Rats treated by unloaded NP behaved as controls. These results demonstrate that, in these experimental conditions, DXNP killed less animals than free DX, despite of an enhanced renal toxicity of the former. Both effects (better survival and nephrosis) are most probably related to an enhanced capture of DXNP by cells of the mono-nuclear phagocyte system, including mesangial cells.