Identification of bioactive anti-angiogenic components targeting tumor endothelial cells in Shenmai injection using multidimensional pharmacokinetics

Shenmai injection(SMI)is a well-defined herbal preparation that is widely and clinically used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer.Previously,we found that SMI synergistically enhanced the activity of chemotherapy on colorectal cancer by promoting the distribution of drugs in xenograft tumors.However,the underlying mechanisms and bioactive constituents remained unknown.In the present work,the regulatory effects of SMI on tumor vasculature were determined,and the potential anti-angiogenic components targeting tumor endothelial cells(TECs)were identified.Multidimensional pharmacokinetic profiles of ginsenosides in plasma,subcutaneous tumors,and TECs were investigated.The results showed that the concentrations of protopanaxadiol-type(PPD)ginsenosides(Rb1,Rb2/Rb3,Rc,and Rd)in both plasma and tumors,were higher than those of protopanaxatriol-type(Rg1 and Re)and oleanane-type(Ro)ginsenosides.Among PPD-type ginsenosides,Rd exhibited the greatest concentrations in tumors and TECs after repeated injection.In vivo bioactivity results showed that Rd suppressed neovascularization in tumors,normalized the structure of tumor vessels,and improved the anti-tumor effect of 5-fluorouracil(5 FU)in xenograft mice.Furthermore,Rd inhibited the migration and tube formation capacity of endothelial cells in vitro.In conclusion,Rd may be an important active form to exert the anti-angiogenic effect on tumor after SMI treatment.

Influencing factors and strategies of enhancing nanoparticles into tumors in vivo

The administration of nanoparticles(NPs)first faces the challenges of evading renal filtration and clearance of reticuloendothelial system(RES).After that,NPs infiltrate through the expanded endothelial space and penetrated the dense stroma of tumor microenvironment to tumor cells.As long as possible to prolong the time of NPs remaining in tumor tissue,NPs release active agent and induce pharmacological action.This review provides a comprehensive summary of the physical and chemical properties of NPs and the influence of various biological factors in tumor microenvironment,and discusses how to improve the final efficacy through adjusting the characteristics and structure of NPs.Perspectives and future directions are also provided.

Generation ofαGal-enhanced bifunctional tumor vaccine

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis and high mortality.In this study,we demonstrated a novel vaccine targeting HCC and tumor neovascular endothelial cells by fusing recombinant MHCC97H cells expressing porcine a-1,3-galactose epitopes(a Gal)and endorphin extracellular domains(END)with dendritic cells(DCs)from healthy volunteers.END^(+)/Gal^(+)-MHCC97H/DC fusion cells induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTLs)and secretion of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ).CTLs targeted cells expressing a Gal and END and tumor angiogenesis.The fused cell vaccine can effectively inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival time of human hepatoma mice,indicating the high clinical potential of this new cell based vaccine.