Implants composed of digoxin and poly(ε-caprolactone): development, characterization, anti-proliferative and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Conventional cervical cancer therapies often cause significant systemic side effects.
• Local drug delivery systems present a promising alternative for targeted cancer treatment.
• Digoxin exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties relevant to cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects of digoxin incorporated into poly(ε-caprolactone) implants for local cervical cancer treatment.
• To assess the controlled release of digoxin from poly(ε-caprolactone) implants.
• To investigate the potential of these implants as a therapeutic alternative for early-stage cervical cancer.

Main Methods:

• Poly(ε-caprolactone) implants containing digoxin were fabricated and characterized.
• In vitro release kinetics of digoxin from the implants were determined.
• Anti-proliferative activity was assessed using human cervix carcinoma (HeLa) cells.
• Anti-angiogenic effects were evaluated using the chorioallantoic membrane assay.

Main Results:

• The chemical structure of digoxin and the semi-crystalline nature of poly(ε-caprolactone) were maintained during implant fabrication.
• The hydrophobicity of digoxin and poly(ε-caprolactone), along with the polymer's structure, facilitated controlled digoxin release.
• Digoxin released from the implants demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects on HeLa cells.
• The implants also exhibited notable anti-angiogenic activity.

Conclusions:

• Poly(ε-caprolactone) implants effectively control the local release of digoxin.
• Digoxin-loaded implants show promising anti-cancer activity, inhibiting proliferation and angiogenesis.
• These implants represent a potential therapeutic strategy for early-stage cervical cancer, offering localized treatment with reduced systemic toxicity.