Targeting the thyroid gland with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-nanoliposomes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Targeted nanodelivery systems are crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects in various diseases.
• Previous nanodelivery systems have shown selectivity for breast, prostate, and other cancer tissues.
• The thyroid gland presents a unique target for novel drug delivery strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanodelivery system targeting the thyroid gland.
• To conjugate nanoliposomes with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for specific targeting of TSH receptors (TSHr) on thyrocytes.
• To evaluate the efficacy of TSH-conjugated nanoliposomes for targeted drug delivery and cancer treatment in the thyroid.

Main Methods:

• Nanoliposomes were conjugated with TSH to create TSH-nanoliposomes.
• The binding and intracellular uptake of TSH-nanoliposomes were assessed in cells expressing TSHr.
• The accumulation of targeted vs. untargeted nanoliposomes in the thyroid gland was quantified after intravenous injection.
• Anticancer efficacy of TSH-nanoliposomes loaded with gemcitabine was evaluated in vitro and in a thyroid cancer model.

Main Results:

• Intracellular uptake of TSH-nanoliposomes was significantly increased in TSHr-expressing cells.
• Accumulation of TSH-nanoliposomes in the thyroid gland was 3.5-fold higher compared to untargeted nanoliposomes.
• Gemcitabine-loaded TSH-nanoliposomes demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo models of follicular thyroid carcinoma.

Conclusions:

• TSH-conjugated nanoliposomes represent an effective strategy for targeted drug delivery to the thyroid gland.
• This targeted nanodelivery system holds potential for treating a wide range of thyroid diseases.
• The TSH-nanoliposome system can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic side effects for thyroid conditions.