Doxorubicin Research Articles

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of free and total doxorubicin in human plasma and its clinical application for a novel doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection in Chinese patients with breast cancer

AbstractA novel doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection was prepared to reduce toxicity and side effects, as well as extend plasma half-life in the treatment of breast cancer. In this study, a rapid and sensitive bioanalytical method was developed and validated to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of total and free doxorubicin in plasma of 3 Chinese patients after intravenous infusion of this injection. Plasma samples were prepared by protein precipitation for the determination of total doxorubicin, while solid phase extraction was used to determine free doxorubicin. After plasma sample pre-treatment, total and free concentrations were quantified individually using a validated LC-MS/MS method. The calibration curves were found to be linear in the range of 0.20–500.0 ng mL−1 for total doxorubicin and in the range of 1.00–1,000 ng mL−1 for free doxorubicin. The free concentrations in plasma were only one sixth to one quarter of the total levels. Liposomal doxorubicin had a longer apparent half-life (>50 h) than the non-targeted drug (<10 h) reported in the reference. and a lower volume of distribution. This novel injectable formulation steadily released free doxorubicin from liposomes over a long period of time to reduce cardiac toxicity and side effects, while ensuring a clinical curative effect.

Combined Chemo- and Photothermal Therapies of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Polydopamine/Au Hollow Nanospheres Loaded with Doxorubicin.

The chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by its cardiotoxicity, posing challenges in its application for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aims to explore the efficacy of polydopamine/Au nanoparticles loaded with DOX for chemotherapy and photothermal therapy in NSCLC to achieve enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity. Hollow polydopamine (HPDA)/Au@DOX was synthesized via polydopamine chemical binding sacrificial template method. Morphology was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, particle size and potential were determined using dynamic light scattering, and photothermal conversion efficiency was assessed using near-infrared (NIR) thermal imaging. Drug loading rate and in vitro drug release were investigated. In vitro, anti-tumor experiments were conducted using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and live/dead cell staining to evaluate the cytotoxicity of HPDA/Au@DOX on A549 cells. Uptake of HPDA/Au@DOX by A549 cells was detected using the intrinsic fluorescence of DOX. The in vivo anti-metastasis and anti-tumor effects of HPDA/Au@DOX were explored in mouse lung metastasis and subcutaneous tumor models, respectively. HPDA/Au@DOX with a particle size of (164.26±3.25) nm, a drug loading rate of 36.31%, and an encapsulation efficiency of 90.78% was successfully prepared. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, HPDA/Au@DOX accelerated DOX release and enhanced uptake by A549 cells. In vitro photothermal performance assessment showed excellent photothermal conversion capability and stability of HPDA/Au@DOX under NIR laser irradiation. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the photothermal-chemotherapy combination group (HPDA/Au@DOX+NIR) exhibited stronger anti-metastatic and anti-tumor activities compared to the monotherapy group (DOX). HPDA/Au@DOX nanosystem demonstrated excellent photothermal effect, inhibiting the growth and metastasis of A549 cells. This nanosystem achieves the combined effect of chemotherapy and photothermal, making it promising for NSCLC treatment.

Copper-based metal–organic framework co-loaded doxorubicin and curcumin for anti-cancer with synergistic apoptosis and ferroptosis therapy

The combination of chemotherapy and ferroptosis therapy can greatly improve the efficiency of tumor treatment. However, ferroptosis-based therapy is limited by the unsatisfactory Fenton activity and insufficient H2O2 supply in tumor cells. In this work, a nano-drug delivery system Cur@DOX@MOF-199 NPs was constructed to combine ferroptosis and apoptosis by loading curcumin (Cur) and doxorubicin (DOX) based on the copper-based organic framework MOF-199. Cur@DOX@MOF-199 NPs decompose quickly by glutathione (GSH), releasing Cu2+, DOX and Cur. Cu2+ can deplete GSH while also being reduced to Cu+; DOX can induce apoptosis and simultaneously boost H2O2 production. Moreover, Cur enhanced the expression of intracellular heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), for decomposing heme and releasing Fe2+, which further combined with Cu+ to catalyze H2O2 for hydroxyl radical (OH) generation, leading to the accumulation of lipid peroxide and ferroptosis. As a result, Cur@DOX@MOF-199 NPs exhibited significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy in MCF-7 tumor-bearing mouse model, suggesting this nano formulation is an excellent synergetic pathway for apoptosis and ferroptosis.

O74 EPOXYEICOSATRIENOIC ACIDS ANALOGUE (EET-A) FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED HEART FAILURE WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Background and Objective: Doxorubicin (DOXO) is still commonly used anthracycline for the treatment of many types of cancers, but its application is burdened with a high risk of cardiotoxicity. The exact mechanisms of DOXO cardiotoxicity are still under investigation. Currently it is believed that the formation of topoisomerase II beta complex with DOXO, together with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to cardiotoxicity. However, many additional mechanisms can weaken the heart and contribute to HFrEF development. Few years ago, new hypothesis emerged linking the DOXO-cardiotoxicity with the diminished expression of CYP2J2, an isoform of cytochrome P450, which is responsible for epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) formation. EETs were shown to exhibit vasodilation, decrease inflammation and to promote sodium excretion. Cardiac CYP2J2 overexpression decreased the cardiac injury in DOXO-treated mice. Hence, we decided to test the effectiveness of the EETs analogue (EET-A) in a model of DOXO-induced HFrEF with nephrotic syndrome. Methods: DOXO was administered to male Ren-2 transgenic rats (TGR) via five intravenous injections (cumulative dose 10 mg/kg of body weight). The long-term survival (20 weeks) of rats treated with EET-A (10 mg/kg of body weight administered in drinking water) was compared to ACE inhibitor (ACEi). Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, urine and blood were collected for analysis. Results: The treatment with EET-A did not improve survival and cardiac function measured by echocardiography, however there was a clear renoprotective effect observed. Albuminuria was significantly lower in the EET-A treated group, when compared to ACEi. Plasma albumin did not change after 4-week treatment with EET-A, whereas in both placebo and ACEi a significant decrease was recorded. Conclusions: Despite the lack of improvement of survival, the beneficial effect of EET-A on the kidneys supports its potential for nephrotic syndrome treatment. Supported by MH CZ - DRO (“Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine - IKEM, IN 00023001”)

Highly efficient and selective anticancer approach through acrolein-triggered cycloaddition chemistry in patient-derived xenografts: Mechanistic and preclinical investigation

The efficacy of anticancer treatments in the clinical setting can be improved by decreasing off-target effects. Chemistry-based methods are emerging as a promising strategy to overcome this limitation. We previously developed a prodrug strategy using mitomycin C (MMC) activated at the tumor site by the [3 + 2] cycloaddition of endogenous acrolein, which is overexpressed in various cancers. Herein, we report the results of mechanistic and preclinical studies using a prodrug of doxorubicin (DOX), which is used in the treatment of several cancers, but its dosage is restricted by off-target effects. First, we developed robust chemistry methods for the synthesis of large amounts of prodrug for animal experiments. The DOX prodrug showed high anticancer efficacy without off-target effects even at high doses. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, biodistribution, and serum protein binding studies supported the in vivo anticancer efficacy of DOX derivatization with the hydrophobic 2,6-diisopropyl azidobenzylcarbamate protecting group. This enhanced albumin binding, thereby increasing circulatory residence (serum stability). The stabilized prodrug could only be activated at the tumor site by reacting with endogenous acrolein to gradually release the required amounts of drug. Inhibiting overproduction of the drug and its circulation back into the blood minimized off-target effects. Nonspecific organ accumulation was not observed, supporting the safety of the prodrug in vivo. DOX and MMC prodrugs showed selective anticancer efficacy against patient-derived samples from lung, colorectal, gastric, and breast cancers. The proposed in vivo chemical strategy should be tested in clinical trials in the future.

Doxorubicin-induced Immunogenic Cell Death Impairs Tumor Progression and Distant Metastasis in a 4T1 Breast Cancer Tumor Model.

Cancer is an individual disease and its formation and development are specific to each host. Conventional treatments are ineffective in complex cases, such as metastasis, and have severe adverse side effects. New strategies are needed to address the problem, and the use of immunogenic cell death (ICD) as a trigger or booster of the immune system through the exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns, along with tumor antigens, by cancerous cells is presented as an immunization approach in this work. For this purpose, 4T1 cells were exposed to doxorubicin (DOX) for 24 hours and then, these cells undergoing ICD were subcutaneously administered to mice. The ICD induction by DOX on 4T1 was assessed by flow cytometry and image analysis. This immunization process was performed three times and after the last administration, the immunized mice were challenged with a subcutaneous xenograft of live cancer cells. The results demonstrate that the mice immunized with cells undergoing ICD after exposure to DOX presented no primary tumor or indications of distant metastatic lesion development. In summary, our findings indicate that the immunization process utilizing ICD is indeed efficacious in managing this aggressive form of pre-clinical breast cancer.

Astaxanthin attenuates doxorubicin-induced liver injury via suppression of ferroptosis in rats

Hepatotoxicity is an significant side effect of doxorubicin (DOX), while astaxanthin (ASX) has the anti-liver injury biological functions. In this study, we utilized in vivo and in vitro methods to investigate the protective effect of ASX against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity and elucidate its potential mechanism. Our researchers measured liver injury indicators and the expression of ferroptosis-related protein (transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), ferroportin 1 (FPN1), ferritin light chain (FTL), ferritin heavy chain-1 (FTH1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)) in rats and HepG2 cells. We found that ASX could effectively reduce ferroptosis level and relieve a range of DOX-caused manifestations of liver injury, including inflammation and oxidative damage. ASX may play the same role as ferroptosis inhibitor, Fer-1 and DFP, in this process. The findings demonstrated that the intervention with ASX ameliorated the DOX-induced liver injury by mitigating the DOX-induced ferroptosis through inhibiting iron accumulation.

In situ tumor cell engineering reverses immune escape to enhance immunotherapy effect

The underlying cause of low response rates to existing immunotherapies is that tumor cells dominate tumor immune escape through surface antigen deficiency and inducing tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME). Here, we proposed an in situ tumor cell engineering strategy to disrupt tumor immune escape at the root by restoring tumor cell MHC-I/tumor-specific antigen complex (MHC-I/TSA) expression to promote T-cell recognition and by silencing tumor cell CD55 to increase the ICOSL+ B-cell proportion and reverse the TIME. A doxorubicin (DOX) and dual-gene plasmid (MAC pDNA, encoding both MHC-I/ASMTNMELM and CD55-shRNA) coloaded drug delivery system (LCPN@ACD) with tumor targeting and charge/size dual–conversion properties was prepared. LCPN@ACD-induced ICD promoted DC maturation and enhanced T-cell activation and infiltration. LCPN@ACD enabled effective expression of MHC-I/TSA on tumor cells, increasing the ability of tumor cell recognition and killing. LCPN@ACD downregulated tumor cell CD55 expression, increased the proportion of ICOSL+ B cells and CTLs, and reversed the TIME, thus greatly improving the efficacy of αPD-1 and CAR-T therapies. The application of this in situ tumor cell engineering strategy eliminated the source of tumor immune escape, providing new ideas for solving the challenges of clinical immunotherapy.

AMPD3 promotes doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy through HSP90α-mediated ferroptosis

AMPD3 promotes doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy through HSP90α-mediated ferroptosis

Amino-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework as Fluorescence Probe for Cell Imaging and Doxorubicin Detection.

In this study, an NH2-Cu-MOF was synthesized using the one-pot method and employed as a fluorescence probe for doxorubicin (DOX) detection. The synthesized NH2-Cu-MOF exhibited remarkable fluorescence recognition capabilities for detecting DOX. Within the concentration range of 1-100 µmol/L, a linear relationship was observed between the fluorescence intensity of the NH2-Cu-MOF and the DOX concentration. Furthermore, the synthesized NH2-Cu-MOF was effectively utilized for highly selective fluorescence quenching recognition and quantitative detection of DOX in the presence of multiple metal ions and other antibiotics. Despite interference from multiple metal ions and antibiotics, DOX was identified and quantified by highly selective fluorescence quenching with a detection limit of 2.1654 µmol/L. These findings underscore the potential of NH2-Cu-MOF as a class of "on-off" fluorescent probes for the rapid detection of DOX.

Mitigating Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity through Quercetin Intervention: An Experimental Study in Rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug, but its use is limited by dose-dependent heart toxicity. Quercetin is a natural antioxidant frequently studied for its beneficial properties. Moreover, a wide range of dietary supplements are available for human use. This in vivo study aimed to explore the potential cardioprotective effects of quercetin in chronic DOX treatment. A total of 32 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, DOX, DOX/Q-50, and DOX/Q-100, treated with saline, 2.5 mg/kg body-weight DOX, 2.5 mg/kg body-weight DOX + 50 mg quercetin, and 2.5 mg/kg body-weight DOX + 100 mg quercetin, respectively, for two weeks. Rats were monitored using cardiac ultrasound (US) and markers for cardiac injury. Oxidative damage and ultrastructural changes in the heart were investigated. Chronic DOX treatment led to a decline in cardiac function and elevated values of NT pro-BNP, troponin I, and CK-MB. Quercetin treatment slightly improved certain US parameters, and normalized serum NT pro-BNP levels. Furthermore, DOX-induced SOD1 depletion with consequent Nrf2 activation and DNA damage as shown by an increase in γH2AX and 8HOdG. Quercetin treatment alleviated these alterations. Oral administration of quercetin alleviated serum markers associated with DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, it exhibited a favorable impact on the cardiac US parameters. This suggests that quercetin may have potential cardioprotective properties.

Simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic applications of magnetic PLGA nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin in rabbit.

In this study, DOX (Doxorubicin) and Fe3O4 magnetic nanocrystals (SPIONs (Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals)) were encapsulated in the PLGA-PEG: poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles for theranostic purposes. The final prepared formulation which is called NPs (Nanoparticles) exhibited a particle size with a mean diameter of ~ 209nm and a sufficient saturation magnetization value of 1.65 emu/g. The NPs showed faster DOX release at pH 5.5 compared to pH 7.4. Also, the cytotoxicity effect of NPs increased compared to Free-DOX alone in C6 glioma cancer cells. For in vivo investigations, the 2.2 Kg rabbits were injected with NPs formulations via a central articular anterior vein in their ears. Furthermore, the images of rabbit organs were depicted via MR (Magnetic resonance) and fluorescent imaging techniques. A negative contrast (dark signal) was observed in T2 (Relaxation Time) weighted MR images of IV (Intravenously)-injected rabbits with NPs compared to the control ones. The organ's florescent images of NPs-injected rabbits showed a high density of red color related to the accumulation of DOX in liver and kidney organs. These data showed that the NPs have no cytotoxicity effect on the heart. Also, the results of histopathological tests of different organs showed that the groups receiving NPs and Free-DOX were almost similar and no significant difference was seen, except for the cardiac tissue in which the pathological effects of NPs were significantly less than the Free-DOX. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies were also conducted at the sera and whole bloods of IV-injected rabbits with NPs and Free-DOX. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that NPs could enhance the DOX retention in the serum compared to the Free-DOX. Altogether, we aimed to produce a powerful delivery nanosystem for its potential in dual therapeutic and diagnostic applications which are called theranostic agents.

Neuroprotective role of n-acetylcysteine (NAC): countering doxorubicin neurotoxicity via TH, Nurr1, and iNOS expression

Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for cancer, but it can cause cognitive disorders broadly referred to as “chemobrain.” One of the most commonly used chemotherapeutics, doxorubicin (DOX), has been associated with the potential for brain damage and cognitive dysfunction. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been identified as a potential brain protector with antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of NAC against DOX-induced brain damage. Female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, DOX, or NAC prophylaxis. Brain samples were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, with a particular focus on regions that are crucial for cognition and memory. The DOX group exhibited significant histopathological changes, including neuronal shrinkage, degeneration, and necrosis in the striatum, hippocampal region, and cerebral cortex. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, with an increase in inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) immunopositivity. Administration of NAC effectively reduced iNOS immunopositivity, neuronal damage, degeneration, and necrosis in the prophylaxis group. Among the brain regions examined, the prophylaxis group demonstrated the most effective protection in the hippocampal region. Therefore, NAC has the potential to protect against or alleviate DOX-induced cognitive impairments.

A comprehensive study on doxorubicin-loaded aspartic acid-coated magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro anticancer investigations

Magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MNPs) hold significant potential across various scientific fields due to their notable properties. For biomedical applications, MNPs must be biocompatible, stable, and possess high magnetic potential. Aspartic acid (ASP) as a coating agent not only provides biocompatibility, stability, and high magnetic potential but also offers the potential for absorbing various drugs for targeted delivery due to its carboxyl and amino functional groups. So, in this study, we synthesized ASP-coated MNPs (ASP-MNPs) through a one-step co-precipitation method and loaded doxorubicin (DOX) onto these nanoparticles to create DOX-ASP-MNPs for targeted drug delivery. Characterization of the nanoparticle confirmed the crystal structure, spherical morphology, and improved size distribution of ASP-MNPs (8.53 ± 2.56 nm) compared to uncoated MNPs (7.05 ± 1.89 nm), as analyzed by XRD, FESEM, and TEM. FT-IR and zeta potential assessments (ZP = −6.3 mV for MNPs, ZP = −31.1 mV for ASP-MNPs) verified successful ASP binding, DOX loading, and nanoparticle stability. VSM analysis indicated a slight decrease in saturation magnetism after coating (51.1 emu/g) compared to MNPs (57.4 emu/g). In vitro release studies demonstrated a higher release rate (83 %) of DOX-ASP-MNPs at pH 5.2, indicating their suitability for cancerous cells. Cytotoxicity assays on A-549 cancer cell lines showed a dose-dependent response. DAPI staining revealed that free DOX caused more DNA damage. Cellular uptake studies indicated a time-dependent uptake of DOX-ASP-MNPs, higher at 3 h compared to 1 h, though lower than free DOX uptake due to different uptake pathways. Apoptosis assays over 72 h showed similar apoptotic rates for DOX-ASP-MNPs and free DOX. These findings suggest that ASP-MNPs possess enhanced physicochemical properties and effective drug delivery capabilities, making them a promising candidate for different biomedical applications, particularly targeted cancer therapy.

In vivo cardioprotective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles against doxorubicin-induced myocardial infarction by enhancing the antioxidant system and nitric oxide production

BackgroundMyocardial infarction (MI) is the result of reduced or stopped blood supply to a section of the myocardium. Regardless of its potential effectiveness in the treatment of several types of cancers, doxorubicin (DOX) capabilities are restricted because of its widespread cardiotoxic impact. AimIn this study, the protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles against doxorubicin-induced myocardial infarction in rats is examined. MethodsZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and UV-Vis spectral analysis. A total cumulative dose of DOX (18 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) was injected once daily on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 (i.p.) to induce MI in rats. 24 rats were divided into 4 groups; control, MI, and MI treated with two doses of ZnO NPs (45 and 22.5 mg/kg). ResultsThe treatment with ZnO NPs restored ST-segment near normal, ameliorated the changes in cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total proteins, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, and catalase.The histological investigation revealed that ZnO NPs treated group showed marked improvement in the examined cardiac muscle and liver in numerous sections.The lower dose of ZnO NPs (22.5 mg/kg) was significantly more effective than the higher dose (45 mg/kg). ConclusionThe effect of ZnO NPs against doxorubicin-induced myocardial infarction in rats was assessed and the results revealed a successful cardioprotective potency through enhancing the antioxidant system and stimulating nitric oxide production in myocardial infarcted rats. This work implies that ZnO NPs could serve as promising agents for treating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

PH and redox dually responsive micelles loaded with anti-cancer drug and OA-Bi2S3 nanodots for chemo-photothermal synergistic treatment of cancers

In order to achieve the effective therapy of cancer through targeting and synergistic strategy, methyl-capped poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(caprolactone) block copolymers modified with imine and disulfide bonds (mPEG-imine-SS-PCL) was designed and synthesized, which encapsulated the therapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DOX) and oleic acid-coated bismuth sulfide nanodots (OA-Bi2S3), into the hydrophobic core to form composite micelles by self-assembly in aqueous solution. The imine and disulfide bonds in the composite micelles structure remain stable in the normal physiological environment, but can be broken in the weakly acidic and reducing tumor micro-environment, causing disruption of the micelle structure and release of the therapeutic agent for chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy.

Investigation of the profile of dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizome to determine the cardioprotective activity in the rat model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy

The search and creation of new cardioprotective drugs, especially of plant origin, with a prolonged effect and a minimum of side effects, is an urgent task to improve the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases, prevent the risk of developing complications, and increase the duration and quality of life of patients. Iris hungarica, from the Iridaceae family, has a long history of medicinal use in many countries of the world and is also recognized as a rich source of BAC. The aim. Study of the cardioprotective effect of dry extracts of leaves and rhizomes of Iris hungarica on the rat model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on 40 white outbred female rats, which were injected intraperitoneally with a solution of doxorubicin hydrochloride at a dose of 1 mg/kg, at the rate of 0.5 mL per 100 g of the animal's body weight, according to the scheme 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The cardiotoxic effect and protective properties of potassium orotate, dry extracts of leaves and rhizomes of steppe iris were evaluated by animal survival, determination of the relative heart mass ratio, functional state of the myocardium (ECG parameters) and biochemical parameters in blood serum and heart homogenate. Results and discussion. The analysis of indicators of the functional state of the conducting system of the heart shows that the 15-day use in the treatment of animals with doxorubicin cardiomyopathy of the dry extract of the leaves and rhizomes of Iris hungarica at a dose of 150 mg/kg demonstrates a cardioprotective effect at the initial stage. In the model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy, the dry extracts of the leaves and rhizomes of steppe iris at a dose of 150 mg/kg showed a normalizing effect on biochemical parameters in blood serum and in heart homogenate and were not inferior to the action of the comparison drug potassium orotate at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The dry extract of the rhizomes of steppe iris revealed the most pronounced effect on metabolism in cardiomyocytes. The cardioprotective activity of the dry extract of the rhizomes of the Iris hungarica is defined as a cardioprotector - of the anabolic and antioxidant type - those that accelerate the recovery of the heart muscle, protect the heart muscle from the action of free radicals, preventing premature aging and wear. Conclusions. In the model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy in rats, indicators of the functional state of the conducting system of the heart of animals after the use in the treatment of animals of the dry extracts of the leaves and rhizomes of steppe iris in a dose of 150 mg/kg demonstrate a cardioprotective effect at the initial stage, a normalizing effect on biochemical indicators in the blood serum and in the homogenate heart and are not inferior to the comparison drug potassium orotate in a dose of 100 mg/kg. The most pronounced effect of the dry extract of the rhizomes of Iris hungarica on the functional state of the myocardium and biochemical indicators in blood serum and heart homogenate was established. The dry extract of the rhizomes of steppe iris is a promising herbal remedy for the creation of a new drug with cardioprotective properties

Fabrication of acorn-shaped Janus C-SiO2 carrier and their application in DOX release

Asymmetric nanocarriers with different functions can achieve synergistic effect in cancer treatment. In this study, asymmetric carbon-silica (C-SiO2) carriers were prepared for drug delivery and combining therapy. The C-SiO2 carriers presented acorn-like structure with dendritic mesoporous silica hat and carbon body. The carbon body render the carriers photothermal effect. The prepared C-SiO2 carriers with size around 130 nm have improving cell uptake efficiency, and excellent biocompatibility. After loading doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), menthol (LM) was used to seal the loaded drug (DOX@C-SiO2-LM). LM coating can melt above the phase transition temperature, leading to the release of loaded cargo. The DOX@C-SiO2-LM displayed temperature/NIR-triggered drug release.

Enhanced chemotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma: synergistic effects of miR-122 and doxorubicin co-delivery system inducing apoptosis and DNA damage

BackgroundCancer cells can resist chemotherapy through various mechanisms, diminishing treatment outcomes. Research had indicated that combining miR-122 with doxorubicin (DOX) can improve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy.ResultsTo explore this, we created a one-pot co-delivery system, Fe-miR-122/DOX, by coordinating miR-122, DOX, and FeII ions into nanoparticles. These nanoparticles display uniform particle sizes, well-defined morphology, and exceptional colloidal stability in 10% FBS and 20% FBS solution over 24 h. When the ratio of DOX to miR-122 was set at 20:1, the loading efficiency of both drugs reached 54.7% and 55.5%, respectively. Cell experiments confirmed that Fe-miR-122/DOX efficiently delivers both miR-122 and DOX, enabling cytoplasmic delivery through lysosomal escape, facilitated by the positive charge of the nanoparticles. Functionally, miR-122 increases intracellular accumulation of DOX by downregulating P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression, and it promotes apoptosis by downregulating B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), which leads to the upregulation of Caspase-3. Additionally, Fe-miR-122/DOX disrupts cIAPs-mediated anti-apoptotic signals, downregulates PARP-1 expression, hinders DNA repair, promotes DNA fragmentation, enhances caspase-3 expression, and triggers programmed cell death, synergistically enhancing its antitumor efficacy. This synergistic mechanism disrupts DNA repair, amplifying DNA damage and apoptosis. Our cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays (with a HepG2 cell apoptosis rate of 85.98%) demonstrated the potent antitumor capability of Fe-miR-122/DOX.ConclusionsThis innovative system has demonstrated good biocompatibility and has the potential to transform HCC therapy. Future research could focus on optimizing the co-delivery system and assessing its efficacy in clinical trials.

Tiron enhances the anti-cancer activity of doxorubicin in DMBA-induced breast cancer: Role of Notch signaling/apoptosis/autophagy/oxidative stress

Existing work intended to investigate the outcomes of the localized mitochondrial antioxidant tiron (TR) alone or in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats and the mechanistic pathways behind these effects. Also, to examine the preventive role of TR against DOX-related cardiotoxicity. 64 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 8 groups: CTRL, DOX, TR, DMBA, DMBA + DOX, DMBA + TR100, DMBA + TR200, and DMBA + DOX + TR200. Rats received TR (100 and 200 mg/kg), DOX (2mg/kg), and DMBA (7.5 mg/kg) for four consecutive weeks. TR alone or combined with DOX not only inhibited oxidative status-related parameters and Notch pathway proteins but also attenuated proliferation markers, and enhanced apoptosis, and autophagy-related genes. Consistently, the histopathological analysis showed better scores in mammary tissues isolated from groups treated with TR only or combined with DOX. Additionally, TR dramatically decreased relative heart weight, myocardial injury biomarkers, and heart oxidative stress parameters while maintaining the myocardial histological integrity. Here we provided evidence that TR acts via modulating Notch signaling/apoptosis/autophagy/oxidative stress to elicit anti-tumor activity and combination with DOX revealed a higher efficacy as a novel anticancer strategy. Moreover, TR could be a potential cardio-protective candidate during DOX-chemotherapy, possibly via its antioxidant activity.