Folate-decorated, endostatin-loaded, nanoparticles for anti-proliferative chemotherapy in esophaegeal squamous cell

Samson A Adeyemi1, Yahya E Choonara1, Pradeep Kumar1

  • 1Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.

Insights

Folic acid-decorated nanoparticles carrying Endostatin show enhanced anti-cancer effects against Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This targeted chemotherapy approach effectively inhibits tumor proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
  • Targeted drug delivery systems offer potential for enhanced chemotherapy efficacy.
  • Endostatin (ENT) is a potent anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative agent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and synthesize Folic acid (FA)-decorated, Endostatin (ENT)-loaded nanoparticles for targeted ESCC chemotherapy.
  • To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative efficacy of these targeted nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

  • Nanoparticles were formulated using an ionic gelation method with FA decoration.
  • In vitro studies utilized KYSE-30 ESCC cells and unbiased stereological methods.
  • In vivo studies involved a tumor xenograft model in mice.

Main Results:

  • FA-ENT nanoparticles demonstrated significant internalization into ESCC cells, targeting the nucleus and mitochondria.
  • In vitro studies showed increased proliferation inhibition (64.71%) and reduced cell migration (74.12%).
  • In vivo studies revealed substantial tumor mass reduction (97.67%) with FA-ENT nanoparticles, with no adverse effects on body weight.

Conclusions:

  • FA-decorated nanoparticles facilitate active transport of ENT into tumor cells.
  • The developed nano-formulation exhibits enhanced in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative efficacy for ESCC therapy.
  • Targeted delivery via FA-functionalized nanoparticles represents a promising strategy for ESCC treatment.

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