In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cubosomes containing 5-fluorouracil for liver targeting

The objective of this study was to prepare cubosomal nanoparticles containing a hydrophilic anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) for liver targeting. Cubosomal dispersions were prepared by disrupting a cubic gel phase of monoolein and water in the presence of Poloxamer 407 as a stabilizer.Cubosomes loaded with 5-FU were characterized in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, 5-FU-loaded cubosomes entrapped 31.21% drug and revealed nanometer-sized particles with a narrow particle size distribution. In vitro 5-FU release from cubosomes exhibited a phase of rapid release of about half of the entrapped drug during the first hour, followed by a relatively slower drug release as compared to 5-FU solution. In vivo biodistribution experiments indicated that the cubosomal formulation significantly(Po 0.05) increased5-FU liver concentration, a value approximately 5-fold greater than that observed with a 5-FU solution.However, serum serological results and histopathological findings revealed greater hepatocellular damage in rats treated with cubosomal formulation. These results demonstrate the successful development of cubosomal nanoparticles containing 5-FU for liver targeting. However, further studies are required to evaluate hepatotoxicity and in vivo antitumor activity of lower doses of 5-FU cubosomal formulation in treatment of liver cancer.

Liver-specific drug delivery platforms: Applications for the treatment of alcohol-associated liver disease

Alcohol-associated liver disease(ALD)is a common chronic liver disease and major contributor to liver disease-related deaths worldwide.Despite its prevalence,there are few effective pharmacological options for the severe stages of this disease.While much pre-clinical research attention is paid to drug development in ALD,many of these experimental therapeutics have limitations such as poor pharmacokinetics,poor efficacy,or off-target side effects due to systemic administration.One means of addressing these limitations is through liver-targeted drug delivery,which can be accomplished with different platforms including liposomes,polymeric nanoparticles,exosomes,bacteria,and adenoassociated viruses,among others.These platforms allow drugs to target the liver passively or actively,thereby reducing systemic circulation and increasing the‘effective dose’in the liver.While many studies,some clinical,have applied targeted delivery systems to other liver diseases such as viral hepatitis or hepatocellular carcinoma,only few have investigated their efficacy in ALD.This review provides basic information on these liver-targeting drug delivery platforms,including their benefits and limitations,and summarizes the current research efforts to apply them to the treatment of ALD in rodent models.We also discuss gaps in knowledge in the field,which when addressed,may help to increase the efficacy of novel therapies and better translate them to humans.

Role of microRNA in liver regeneration

BACKGROUND： Liver regeneration is a complex process. micro RNAs（mi RNAs） are short, single-stranded RNAs that modify gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent investigations have revealed that mi RNAs are closely linked to liver regeneration.DATA SOURCES： All included studies were obtained from Pub Med, Embase, the Science Direct databases and Web of Science, with no limitation on publication year. Only studies published in English were considered.RESULTS： We grouped studies that involved mi RNA and liver regeneration into two groups： mi RNAs as promoters and as inhibitors of liver regeneration. We summarized the relevant mi RNAs separately from the related pathways.CONCLUSIONS： Blocking or stimulating the pathways of mi RNAs in liver regeneration may be novel therapeutic strategies in future regeneration-related liver managements. We may discover additional chemotherapy targets of mi RNA.

MicroRNA-216a: a potential therapeutic target for drug resistance and recurrent of liver cancer

The Editor welcomes submissions for possible publication in the Letters to the Editor section.Letters commenting on an article published in the Journal or other interesting pieces will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published.Authors of the article being commented on will be given an opportunity to offer a timely response to the letter.Authors of letters will be notified that the letter has been received.Unpublished letters cannot be returned.

乳糖化修饰纳米基因载体的肝靶向性研究(英文)

Objective:To compare the targeting effects of lactosarninated alginate(AlgNP)、polyethylene glycol - coated hydroxyapatite- poly- L- lysine nanoparticles (PLL- PCHNP)and relative nonlactosaminated ones load ed with exogenous gene on liver via peripheral intravenous route. Methods:Preparation of AlgNP based on control of gelification phenomenon of algiante by calcium ions and HA- PLLNP with collosol - gel method, both further modified with lactosaminated - poly- L - lysine synthesized by reductive lactosamination . We used pEGFPCl as the reporter gene to establish receptor- mediated and positive liver targeting nanoparticles- gene model. The potential of adsorbing DNA on nanoparticles was analysed by electrophoresis and spectrophotometer. Then different complexes were transferred into the rat's body by peripheral intravenous route and their targeting characteristics in liver were investigated by using radioisotope tracing assay. Results: PCHNP presented as needle - like particles with a diameter of 20nm by TEM and could be effectively combined with PLL. The diameter of AlgNP was 280nm. Agarpse gel electrophoresis showed both nanoparticles could effectively combine with DNA and the optimal proportion of PLLPCHNP and DNA was 30:1 (w/w); DNA mixed ratio of AlgPLL was 68.3 % by spectrophotometer. The radioactivities in liver for the two lactosaminated nanoparticles were higher than the nonlactosaminated ones. No statistic difference between AlgNP and AlgLacNP could be found . Conclusions: Lactosaminated naroparticles can target to liver more effectively by peripheral intravenous route than nonlactosaminated ones, which is closely concerned with the characteritics of the nanopartide complex.