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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Development and Angiographic Use of the Rabbit VX2 Model for Liver Cancer
Published on: January 7, 2019
Antitumor effect of docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble activation on
Juan Kang1, Xiaoling Wu, Zhigang Wang
1Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to explore the antitumor effect of docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble activation (UTMA) on VX2 rabbit liver tumors.
Methods:
Docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles were made by a mechanical vibration technique. VX2 liver tumor models were established in 90 rabbits, which were randomly divided into 6 groups, including control, docetaxal-loaded lipid microbubbles alone, docetaxal alone, docetaxal combined with ultrasound, pure lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound, and docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound (DOC+MB/US). The tumor volume and inhibition rate (IR) of tumor growth were calculated and compared. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxyuridine nick end labeling. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Caspase 3 and MMP2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was detected by in situ hybridization histochemistry. The tumor metastasis rate and survival time of the animals were compared.
Results:
The IR and apoptotic index of the DOC+MB/US group were the highest among all groups, and the proliferating labeling index was the lowest. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 protein and mRNA expression in the DOC+MB/US group was the lowest among all groups, and caspase 3 mRNA expression in the DOC+MB/US group was the highest. The extensive metastasis rate in the DOC+MB/US group was the lowest, and the survival time of the animals in the DOC+MB/US group was the longest.
Conclusions:
Docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with UTMA could inhibit the growth of VX2 rabbit liver tumors by deferring proliferation and promoting apoptosis, which may provide a novel targeted strategy for chemotherapy of liver carcinoma.
Insights
Docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble activation (UTMA) effectively inhibited VX2 rabbit liver tumors. This novel strategy deferred proliferation and promoted apoptosis, offering a promising approach for liver cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Liver tumors present a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Targeted drug delivery systems aim to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Microbubbles combined with ultrasound offer a potential platform for localized drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antitumor effects of docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble activation (UTMA).
- To evaluate the impact of this combination therapy on VX2 rabbit liver tumors.
Main Methods:
- Docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles were prepared using a mechanical vibration technique.
- VX2 liver tumor models were established in rabbits and divided into six experimental groups.
- Tumor volume, growth inhibition rate, apoptosis, proliferation, protein and mRNA expression, metastasis rate, and survival time were assessed.
Main Results:
- The combination of docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles and UTMA (DOC+MB/US) demonstrated the highest tumor growth inhibition rate and apoptotic index.
- This group also exhibited the lowest proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) expression.
- The DOC+MB/US group showed the lowest metastasis rate and the longest animal survival time, with the highest caspase 3 mRNA expression.
Conclusions:
- Docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with UTMA effectively inhibit VX2 rabbit liver tumor growth.
- The mechanism involves deferring tumor cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis.
- This approach represents a novel targeted strategy for liver carcinoma chemotherapy.
