Photo-Activated Oxidative Stress Amplifier: A Strategy for Targeting Glutathione Metabolism and Enhancing

Li Zhao1, Yao Tong2, Jiawei Yin2

  • 1Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution & Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China.

Insights

This study introduces PBCH, a novel nanomedicine that amplifies oxidative stress to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). PBCH effectively inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by disrupting cellular redox balance.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Disrupting the redox balance via oxidative stress amplification shows promise for TNBC treatment.
  • Developing targeted nanomedicines is crucial for effective TNBC therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate PBCH, a novel nanomedicine designed to amplify oxidative stress for TNBC treatment.
  • To investigate the synergistic therapeutic effects of PBCH's components, including a PdAg nanozyme, CaP layer, GSH inhibitor, and CD44 targeting.
  • To assess the potential of PBCH as a safe and effective anti-tumor agent for TNBC.

Main Methods:

  • PBCH nanomedicine synthesized with PdAg nanozyme, CaP mineralized layer, L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), and hyaluronic acid.
  • Evaluation of PBCH's mechanism in acidic tumor microenvironment, including Ca2+ release, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis induction.
  • Assessment of BSO's role in inhibiting reduced glutathione (GSH) synthesis and amplifying oxidative stress.
  • Activation of PdAg nanozyme by near-infrared light for photothermal and photodynamic effects, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and immunogenic cell death.
  • In vitro and in vivo validation of PBCH's therapeutic efficacy in TNBC cells and animal models.

Main Results:

  • PBCH effectively triggers apoptosis in TNBC cells through Ca2+ release and mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • BSO significantly suppresses GSH synthesis, amplifying oxidative stress within cancer cells.
  • Near-infrared light activation of PdAg nanozyme induces potent photothermal and photodynamic effects, generating ROS and promoting immunogenic cell death.
  • PBCH demonstrates high-performance therapeutic effects due to the synergistic action of oxidative damage and photothermal ablation.
  • Validated efficacy in TNBC cells and animal models, indicating significant anti-tumor activity.

Conclusions:

  • PBCH is a potent nanomedicine that synergistically combines multiple oxidative damage mechanisms and photothermal ablation for effective TNBC treatment.
  • The developed nanomedicine offers a promising strategy for precise and efficient treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.
  • PBCH exhibits potential as a safe and effective anti-tumor agent, warranting further clinical investigation.