In vitro and cell uptake studies for targeting of ligand anchored nanoparticles for colon tumors

Hyaluronic acid (HA) coupled chitosan nanoparticles (HACTNP) bearing 5-flurouracil (5FU) were prepared, by ionotropic gelation method, for the effective delivery of drug to the colon tumors. HACTNP appeared to be spherical in shape and mean size was found to be around 150+/-3.4nm with low polydispersity index. The in vitro drug release was investigated using USP dissolution test (paddle type) apparatus in different simulated GIT fluids. The biocompatibility of NPs formulations were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay using HT-29 cell lines and cell uptake was assessed by fluorescent microscopy. Cellular uptake of HACTNP was determined by incorporating calcein as a fluorescent marker. The cellular uptake of fluorescent HACTNP was clearly evidenced by fluorescence microscopy. HACTNP nanoparticles showed significant higher uptake by cancer cells as compared to uncoupled nanoparticles and the uptake of HA coupled CTNPs by HT-29 colon cancer cells were observed to be 7.9 times more as compared to uncoupled CTNPs at the end of 4h. The cytotoxicity of 5FU incorporated in HACTNP was higher compared to the conventional 5FU solution, even at the lower concentrations. 5FU in HACTNP was about 2.60-folds more effective than free 5FU on HT-29 cells.     

Cytotoxic butanolides from the stem bark of Formosan Lindera communis.

Two new butanolides, lincomolide A (1), lincomolide B (2), along with seven known compounds, isolinderanolide E, sepesteonol, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-beta-glucoside, tetradecane, nonanoic acid and decanol, were isolated from the chloroform-soluble portion of the stem bark of Lindera communis. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against P-388, KB16 and A549, and 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against P-388 cancer cell lines. Moreover, 1 showed marginal activity against HT-29, and 2 against KB16, A549 and HT-29 cancer cell lines. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectral analyses.     

Improvement of meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin-like photosensitizer selectivity with folate-based targeted delivery. synthesis and in vivo delivery studies

The cell membrane folate receptor (FR) is a molecular target for tumor-selective drug delivery, including delivery of photosensitizers for anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). Tumor selectivity of meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin ( m-THPC), a photosensitizer used in PDT clinical trials, demonstrates a low tumor-to-normal epithelial uptake ratio. We report on the synthesis and on the photophysical properties of a m-THPC-like photosensitizer 1 conjugated to folic acid (compound 8). A comparative study of the accumulation of photosensitizers 1 and 8 is described. Nude mice were xenografted with FR-alpha-positive KB or HT-29 cells lacking FR-alpha as a negative control. Using optical fiber fluorimetry, we demonstrated that conjugate 8 exhibited enhanced accumulation in KB tumors compared to 1 4 h after injection. No significant difference between KB and HT-29 tumors was observed in case of compound 1. Tumor-to-normal tissue ratio exhibited a very interesting selectivity for conjugate 8 (5:1) in KB tumors 4 h postinjection.     

二烯丙基二硫对人结肠癌HT-29细胞G_1期的阻滞作用

目的探讨二烯丙基二硫(DADS)对人结肠癌HT-29细胞G1期的阻滞作用及分子机制。方法采用MTT、细胞计数法、流式细胞术和免疫细胞化学方法分析DADS对体外培养的HT-29细胞增殖抑制作用、细胞周期分布及细胞周期相关蛋白表达的影响。结果MTT法显示,60、120μmol.L-1DADS作用HT-29细胞24 h后,生长抑制率分别达23.1%、45.6%。细胞计数法表明,常规培养HT-29细胞群体倍增时间为22.58 h,60μmol.L-1DADS作用HT-29细胞后,其细胞群体倍增时间延长到31.20 h。流式细胞仪分析结果显示,60μmol.L-1DADS阻滞HT-29细胞在G1期,与对照组相比,可使G1期细胞增加约2倍,而120μmol.L-1DADS显著地将细胞阻滞在G2/M期。免疫细胞化学分析表明在G1期阻滞同时有p21W af1蛋白表达上调,Cyc lin E、C-myc蛋白表达下降。结论低剂量DADS对HT-29细胞的抑制增殖作用可能与G1期阻滞有关,DADS对HT-29细胞G1期阻滞的分子机制可能与调节p21W af1、Cyc lin E、C-myc表达相关。     

Fatty acid conjugates of 2'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine as prodrugs for the selective delivery of 5-fluorouracil to tumor cells.

We have prepared a novel class of prodrugs by coupling 2'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5dFU) to oleic (18:1) and docosahexaenoic (22:6) acids, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the drug and its conjugates (5dFU-18:1 and 5dFU-22:6) has been assayed in vitro upon HT-29, a colon carcinoma cell line of human origin. After short term (2-hr) treatments with the drugs, both fatty acid conjugates of 5dFU showed cytotoxic activity in a dose-dependent way, while 5dFU alone was devoid of toxic effects within the whole range of concentrations (10-200 microM) tested. Following long term (24- or 48-hr) incubations only a fraction of the HT-29 cell population was sensitive to 5dFU, the rest of the population being resistant even at the highest concentration tested (200 microM). In contrast, 5dFU-oleic acid and, particularly, 5dFU-docosahexaenoic acids appeared toxic for the whole population of HT-29 cells under the same experimental conditions. The considerable gain in cell toxicity and, to a lesser extent, in selectivity resulted from the conjugation since the toxic effect of the drug alone was not modified when equimolar mixtures of 5dFU and fatty acids were assayed. These results confirm a previous study on the cytotoxicity of fatty acid derivatives of chlorambucil toward malignant lymphoblastoid cells and reinforce the potential use of fatty acid conjugates as efficient anti-tumor prodrugs.     

Cytotoxic cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivatives from the stem bark of Aglaia formosana

A new cytotoxic cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivative, aglaiformosanin (1) and three known cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivatives (2 - 4) were isolated from the stem bark of Aglaia formosana. Compounds 1 - 4 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against the P-388, KB, HT-29, HL-60, and A549 cell lines. The structure of compound 1 was determined by spectroscopic analysis.     

Two new xanthones from the roots of Cratoxylum cochinchinense and their cytotoxicity

Two new xanthones namely cratochinone A (1) and cratochinone B (2), along with 16 known xanthones, were isolated from the roots of Cratoxylum cochinchinense. Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods, especially 1D and 2D NMR as well as comparison with those reported in the literature for known xanthones. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines (KB, HeLa S-3, HT-29, MCF-7 and Hep G2 cell lines). Compounds 2, 5, and 7 showed significant cytotoxic effects against all cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.91–9.93 μM, while 10 exhibited cytotoxicity against the KB, HeLa S-3, and HT-29 cells with IC₅₀ values of 7.39, 6.07, and 8.11 μM, respectively. Compound 12 exhibited cytotoxicity against both KB and HeLa S-3 cells with IC₅₀ values of 7.28 and 9.84 μM.

     

Reduction of doxorubicin resistance in P-glycoprotein overexpressing cells by hybrid cell-penetrating and drug-binding peptide

Drug efflux by the membrane transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a key role in multidrug resistance (MDR). In order to bypass P-gp, thus overcoming MDR, a hybrid peptide comprising a cell penetrating peptide (Tat) and a drug binding motif (DBM) has been developed to noncovalently bind and deliver doxorubicin (Dox) into MDR cells. The uptake of Dox into the leukemia cell line K562 and its P-gp overexpressing subline KD30 increased in the presence of DBM-Tat peptide. Confocal microscopy indicated that DBM-Tat associated Dox was directed to a perinuclear area of KD30 cells, while this was not observed in parent K562 cells. When KD30 cells were pretreated with the endosomotropic agent chloroquine (CLQ), peptide associated Dox redistributed into the cytosol, indicating that endocytosis was the predominant uptake route. Altered drug uptake kinetics observed by cellular accumulation assay also supported an endocytic uptake. In the presence of CLQ, DBM-Tat was able to enhance the cytotoxicity of Dox by 68.4% at 5?µM peptide concentration in KD30 cells but there were only minor effects on Dox cytotoxicity in K562 cells even in the presence of CLQ. Thus, combining Dox with DBM-Tat reduces P-gp mediated drug efflux, without a requirement for drug modification or inhibiting P-gp function.     

Relationship between DT-diaphorase-mediated metabolism of a series of aziridinylbenzoquinones and DNA damage and cytotoxicity.

A series of 2,5-bis-substituted 3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4-benzoquinones have been tested for their ability to be reduced by the two-electron NAD(P)H:(quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase [DT-diaphorase (DTD); EC 1.6.99.2]. Symmetrically alkyl-substituted carbamoyl ester analogs of 2,5-ethyl(carboethoxyamino)3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4- benzoquinone [AZQ], 3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DZQ), and its 2,5-dimethyl derivative (MeDZQ) were tested. The rate of reduction by DTD was DZQ greater than MeDZQ greater than n-butyl- (D5) greater than sec-butyl- (D7) greater than n-propyl- (D3) greater than methyl- (D1) greater than ethyl- (AZQ) greater than i-butyl- (D6) greater than i-propyl- (D4) substituted derivatives. The hydroxyethylamino analog (BZQ) was not a substrate for DTD. The order of toxicity to HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells (at 1-log cell kill) was MeDZQ greater than DZQ greater than BZQ greater than D1 greater than D5 greater than AZQ greater than D7 greater than D3 greater than D6 greater than D4. Dicumarol, a known inhibitor of DTD, was capable of inhibiting the cytotoxicity of DZQ, MeDZQ, AZQ, D3, D4, D5, D6, and D7, with little inhibition of D1 cytotoxicity. Alkaline elution assays suggested that DZQ induced DNA strand breaks, whereas MeDZQ induced DNA interstrand crosslinks in HT-29 cells. The formation of both classes of lesions was inhibited by dicumarol. DZQ and MeDZQ were 5-6-fold less cytotoxic to the DTD-deficient BE cell line, whereas BZQ was more cytotoxic to this cell line than the HT-29 cell line. BZQ was capable of inducing dicumarol-insensitive DNA interstrand crosslinks in both cell lines. In summary, these data show a trend between the rate of reduction by DTD of an analog and its ability to induce cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells, and they support a role for DTD in the bioreductive activation of AZQ and its analogs.     

Cellular responses induced by silver nanoparticles: In vitro studies

A systematic study on the in vitro interactions of 7-20nm spherical silver nanoparticles (SNP) with HT-1080 and A431 cells was undertaken as a part of an on-going program in our laboratory to develop a topical antimicrobial agent for the treatment of burn wound infections. Upon exposure to SNP (up to 6.25mug/mL), morphology of both the cell types remained unaltered. However, at higher concentrations (6.25-50mug/mL) cells became less polyhedral, more fusiform, shrunken and rounded. IC(50) values for HT-1080 and A431 as revealed by XTT assay were 10.6 and 11.6mug/mL, respectively. When the cells were challenged with approximately 1/2 IC(50) concentration of SNP (6.25mug/mL), clear signs of oxidative stress, i.e. decreased GSH ( approximately 2.5-folds in HT-1080, approximately 2-folds in A431) and SOD ( approximately 1.6-folds in HT-1080, 3-folds in A431) as well as increased lipid peroxidation ( approximately 2.5-folds in HT-1080, approximately 2-folds in A431) were seen. Changes in the levels of catalase and GPx in A431 cells were statistically insignificant in both cell types. DNA fragmentation in SNP-exposed cells suggested apoptosis. When the apoptotic thresholds of SNP were monitored with caspase-3 assay the concentrations required for the onset of apoptosis were found to be much lower (0.78mug/mL in HT-1080, 1.56mug/mL in A431) than the necrotic concentration (12.5mug/mL in both cell types). These results can be used to define a safe range of SNP for the intended application as a topical antimicrobial agent after appropriate in vivo studies.     

Antitumor effect of a newly synthesized celecoxib derivative encapsulated in liposome

A new cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (code: PCX-3) was synthesized as a sodium salt form of celecoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and tested for its anticancer activity using human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) in vitro. Anti-proliferative effect of HT-29 cells by PCX-3 in DPPC/Chol liposomes was more effective than the free PCX-3 by 2-folds (IC₃₀ = 125 μM vs. 227.5 μM). The same liposomal formulation of PCX-3 also showed a 2-fold increased effect than the free one both in DNA fragmentation and caspase activity of HT-29 cells at 19-743 μM and 37–371 μM ranges, respectively, suggesting apoptosis-based anti-proliferative effect. Down regulation of prostaglandin E₂ level of HT-29 cells by the treatment of liposomal PCX-3 was more profound than its free form at 0.001–0.002 μM range. These data suggest that the liposomal formulation of this newly synthesized PCX-3 could be re-visited as a new anticancer or chemo-preventive agent in the future.     

Biological properties of ulvan, a new source of green seaweed sulfated polysaccharides, on cultured normal and cancerous colonic epithelial cells.

Ulvans (from Ulva lactuca) constitute a dietary fiber structurally similar to the mammalian glycosaminoglycans but with unexplored biological or cytotoxic activities. From native low-viscosity preparations containing 33.5 molar % and 18.4 molar % of sulfate residues and uronic acid residues, respectively, we derived desulfated, reduced and desulfated-reduced polysaccharides with respectively 5.2, 2.9, and 4.5-4.9 molar % of sulfate residues and uronic acid residues. The effects of these preparations were examined on the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of normal or tumoral colonic epithelial cells cultured in conventional (0.3-0.8 x 10(6) cells/ml) or rotating bioreactor (3-8 x 10(6) cells/ml) culture conditions. In conventional culture conditions, ulvan modified the adhesion phase and the proliferation of normal colonic cells and undifferentiated HT-29 cells according to their molecular weights and to the relative molar proportion of sulfate residues. From the native polysaccharides, we have screened sulfated ulvans (MW < 5,000) which inhibited the Caco-2 cell proliferation/differentiation program by inducing a low cell reactivity to Ulex europeaus-1 lectins in defined (p < 0.001) or serum-supplemented media (p < 0.01) but were inactive on normal colonocytes. In conclusion, this dietary fiber could be a source of oligosaccharides with a bioactivity, a cytotoxicity or a cytostaticity targeted to normal or cancerous epithelial cells.     

Optimization of post-insertion method to conjugate Doxil with anti-CD133 monoclonal antibodies: Investigating the specific binding and cytotoxicity to colorectal cancer cells in vitro

In this paper, Doxil coupled with anti-CD133 monoclonal antibodies made by either routine or optimized post-insertion technique, were compared with respect to their size, drug leakage, release pattern and the number of antibodies conjugated per single liposome. The results demonstrated that the number of antibodies conjugated per liposome in the optimized post-insertion technique was almost two times more than those in the routine post-insertion method. However, the drug release and leakage pattern was almost similar between the two methods. Furthermore, anti-tumor activity and therapeutic efficacy of the preferred CD133–targeted Doxil with Doxil was compared in terms of their in vitro binding, uptake, internalization and cytotoxicity against HT-29 (CD133+) and CHO (CD133-) cells. Flow cytometry analyses and confocal laser scanning microscopy results exhibited a significantly higher cellular uptake, binding and internalization of CD133-targeted Doxil in CD⁺133 cells relative to Doxil. Cytotoxicity results revealed a lower in vitro inhibitory concentration for CD133–targeted Doxil compared to Doxil. However, CHO (CD133^-) cells displayed a similar uptake and in vitro cytotoxicity for both CD133-Doxil and non-targeted Doxil. Therefore, the results of this study can exhibit that specific recognition and binding of antibodies with CD133 receptors on HT-29 cells can result in enhanced cellular uptake, internalization and cytotoxicity. The research suggests further investigation for in vivo studies and may offer proof-of-principle for an active targeting concept.     

Anionic liposomal delivery system for DNA transfection

The present study investigates the use of novel anionic lipoplexes composed of physiological components for plasmid DNA delivery into mammalian cells in vitro. Liposomes were prepared from mixtures of endogenously occurring anionic and zwitterionic lipids, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] (sodium salt) (DOPG) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), respectively, at a molar ratio of 17:83 (DOPG:DOPE). Anionic lipoplexes were formed by complexation between anionic liposomes and plasmid DNA molecules encoding green fluorescence protein (GFP) using Ca2+ ions. Transfection and toxicity were evaluated in CHO-K1 cells using flow cytometry and propidium iodide staining, respectively. Controls included Ca2+-DNA complexes (without lipids), anionic liposomes (no Ca2+), and a cationic liposomal formulation. Efficient delivery of plasmid DNA and subsequent GFP expression was achieved using anionic lipoplexes. Transfection efficiency increased with Ca2+ concentration up to 14 mM Ca2+, where transfection efficiency was 7-fold higher than in untreated cells, with minimum toxicity. Further increase in Ca2+ decreased transfection. Transfection efficiency of anionic lipoplexes was similar to that of cationic liposomes (lipofectAmine), whereas their toxicity was significantly lower. Ca2+-DNA complexes exhibited minimal and irregular transfection with relatively high cytotoxicity. A model was developed to explain the basis of anionic lipoplex uptake and transfection efficacy. Effective transfection is explained on the formation of nonbilayer hexagonal lipid phases. Efficient and relatively safe DNA transfection using anionic lipoplexes makes them an appealing alternative to be explored for gene delivery.     

The functional investigation of a human adenocarcinoma cell line, stably transfected with the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor.

1. The human adenocarcinoma cell line, HT-29, has been stably transfected with the cDNA sequence for the rat neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor, and three Y1 clones (Y1-4, Y1-7 and Y1-16) have been isolated which express high levels of specific [125I]-PYY binding. We have studied the functional responses or lack of responses to peptide YY (PYY) and its analogues in the three transfected clones and HT-29 wild type (wt) cells. 2. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) produced long-lasting increases in short-circuit current (SCC) in both HT-29 wt cells and the Y1 clones. VIP EC50 values were 8.4-11.7 nM in all four cases. The elevation in SCC after a maximal concentration of VIP (30 nM) was significantly greater in Y1-7 cells than in either HT-29 wt epithelia or the other Y1 cell lines. 3. PYY (100 nM) and human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP; 1 microM) were ineffective in HT-29 wt cells under either basal or stimulated conditions. In contrast, basolateral additions of PYY reduced both basal and VIP-stimulated SCC in all three Y1 clones. After VIP, the PYY EC50 values (in nM) were 18.6 in Y1-4, 8.0 in Y1-7 and 52.5 in Y1-16 hPP (1 microM) produced only small and transient responses in each transfected cell type. 4. The Y1 receptor agonist, [Leu31, Pro34] NPY (1 microM) was also effective in the three Y1 cell lines. In the Y1-7 clone the EC50 value for the effect of this peptide was 149 nM, 18.6 fold less potent than PYY. 5. PYY and the Y1-selective non-peptide antagonist, BIBP 3226 displaced [125I]-PYY binding from Y1-7 cell membranes with Ki values of 2.0 and 3.1 nM respectively. In the Y1-7 clone, BIBP 3226 fully inhibited the reductions in VIP-stimulated SCC induced by 30 nM PYY, with an IC50 of 27.2 nM and 30 nM BIBP 3226 caused a parallel rightward shift on the PYY concentration-response curve, with an approximate pKB of 8.0. 6. HT-29 clones stably expressing the Y1 receptor therefore show responses to PYY and its analogues that are characteristic of that subtype, and the Y1-7 clone in particular will be useful in the assessment of novel Y1-specific drugs. This approach will also allow the functional study of NPY Yi receptors with selected mutations.     

Mechanisms underlying resistance to streptozotocin in Mer+ and Mer- human tumor lines

Streptozotocin (STZ) is a monofunctional nitrosourea employed in the treatment of patients with islet cell tumors. To analyze the role of DNA repair mechanisms in causing resistance to STZ, we evaluated the cytotoxicity by this agent in three human tumor lines that differ with respect to their abilities to repair N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) damaged virus (the Mer phenotype). HT-29, A2182, and BE human tumor lines are high, intermediate and low, respectively, with regard to features that define the Mer phenotype. Our results demonstrated that the order of resistance to STZ is HT-29 greater than A2182 greater than BE. The degree of inhibition of DNA synthesis by STZ was in the following order: BE greater than A2182 greater than HT-29. O6-Alkyltransferase activity was increased markedly in HT-29 cells compared to A2182 cells which, in turn, had significantly increased levels compared to the BE line. Other potential factors such as 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase activity, the induction by STZ of single-stranded DNA breaks, and the kinetics of repair of these breaks do not clearly underlie differences in cytotoxicity among the three tumor lines. However, increased topoisomerase II activity, as well as enhanced sensitivity to agents that interact with topoisomerase II, was present in A2182 cells compared to BE cells. These findings demonstrate that while O6-alkyltransferase contributes to resistance to STZ in some Mer+ tumor lines, other mechanisms may also contribute to resistance to this agent.     

Cross-linked polyethylenimine-hexametaphosphate nanoparticles to deliver nucleic acids therapeutics

Branched polyethylenimine (PEI; 25 kDa) as a nonviral vector exhibits high transfection efficiency and is a potential candidate for efficient gene delivery. However, the cytotoxicity of PEI limits its application in vivo. PEI was ionically interacted with hexametaphosphate, a compact molecule with high anionic charge density, to obtain nanoparticles (PEI-HMP). Nanoparticles were assessed for their efficacy in protecting complexed DNA against nucleases. The intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles was monitored by confocal microscopy. The cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of PEI-HMP nanoparticles were evaluated in vitro. In vitro transfection efficiency of PEI-HMP (7.7%) was ～1.3- to 6.4-folds higher than that of the commercial reagents GenePORTER 2^TM, Fugene^TM, and Superfect^TM. Also, PEI-HMP (7.7%) delivered green fluorescent protein (GFP)-specific small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) in culture cells leading to >80% suppression in GFP gene expression. PEI-HMP nanoparticles protected complexed DNA against DNase for at least 2 hours. A time-course uptake of PEI-HMP (7.7%) nanoparticles showed the internalization of nanoparticles inside the cell nucleus in 2 hours. Thus, PEI-HMP nanoparticles efficiently transfect cells with negligible cytotoxicity and show great promise as nonviral vectors for gene delivery.From the Clinical EditorBranched polyethylenimine (PEI) as a non-viral vector exhibits high transfection efficiency for gene delivery, but its cytotoxicity limits its applications. PEI hexametaphosphate nanoparticles (PEI-HMP) demonstrated a 1.3-6.4 folds higher transfection rate compared to commercial reagents. Overall, PEI-HMP nanoparticles efficiently transfect cells with negligible cytotoxicity and show great promise as non-viral vectors for gene delivery.     

Synergistic effects of cell-penetrating peptide Tat and fusogenic peptide HA2-enhanced cellular internalization and gene transduction of organosilica nanoparticles

The nonviral gene delivery system is an attractive alternative to cancer therapy. A new kind of gelatin-silica nanoparticles (GSNPs) was developed through a two-step sol-gel procedure. To improve the transfection efficacy, GSNPs modified with different fusion peptides (Tat, HA2, R8, Tat/HA2, and Tat/R8) were prepared for particle size, zeta potential, cellular uptake, hemolysis activity at physiological pH (7.0) or acidic pH (5.0), and condensation of plasmid DNA. The results suggest that the sizes and zeta potentials of GS-peptide conjugates were 147 - 161 nm and 19 - 33 mV, respectively; GS-peptide conjugates exhibited low cytotoxicity; the plasmid DNA was readily entrapped at a GS-peptide/pDNA weight ratio of 50 - 200. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the synergistic effects of cell-penetrating peptide Tat and fusogenic peptide HA2 could promote the efficient cellular internalization, endosome escape, and nucleus targeting, hence delivering the therapeutic nucleic acid efficiently.     

Superior cytotoxicity and DNA cross-link induction by oxaliplatin versus cisplatin at lower cellular uptake in colorectal cancer cell lines

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents are considered among the most potent anticancer drugs used in the treatment of human tumors. Cisplatin is efficient in the treatment of testicular, ovarian, bladder, and head and neck carcinomas, although its use is limited by severe nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity and resistance. Oxaliplatin has consistently exerted antitumor activity in colon, ovarian, and lung cancers and shown less toxicity than its analogue. Given that most of the literature data are contradictory with respect to the cytotoxicity of these drugs and DNA adduct formation, the present study aimed to determine some of the potential underlying mechanisms in view of their cellular uptakes. We evaluated the cytotoxicity, DNA cross-link formation, and cellular uptake of cisplatin and oxaliplatin in Colo320, HT-29, and Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. Our results showed higher cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin in Colo320 (P<0.05) and HT-29 cell lines and of cisplatin in Caco-2 (P<0.05). Oxaliplatin induced more DNA cross-links than cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner in Colo320 cells (P<0.0001); in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells, the induction of DNA damage was not dose dependent. Multiple accumulation of cisplatin versus oxaliplatin occurred in all the cell types, doses, and time points we tested. Oxaliplatin showed more potent biological activities versus cisplatin in terms of a significantly lower cellular uptake. In addition to their analogous mechanisms of action, these drugs might activate different signal transduction pathways, ultimately leading to apoptotic DNA fragmentation and cell death. DNA damage, although perhaps the most important, represents only one aspect of the multiple effects of platinum drugs.