Glycyrrhizic acid-based multifunctional nanoplatform for tumor microenvironment regulation

Area of Science:

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Nanomedicine
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Natural compounds offer unique therapeutic advantages in cancer treatment by directly suppressing tumors or modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Glycyrrhizic acid (GL), a key component from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., and its derivative glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) are known for inhibiting angiogenesis and remodeling the TME.
• The amphiphilic nature, self-assembly capacity, and liver cancer targeting ability of GL have led to the development of various GL-based nanoscale drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in GL-based nanosystems for cancer treatment.
• To explore the synergistic anti-cancer effects of GL-based nanosystems through angiogenesis suppression and TME regulation.
• To provide insights into the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in cancer therapy and postoperative care.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on GL-based nanosystems, including polymer-drug micelles, drug-drug assembly nanoparticles (NPs), liposomes, and nanogels.
• Analysis of studies demonstrating the anti-angiogenic and TME-modulating properties of GL-based nanostructures.
• Synthesis of information on the application of these nanosystems in cancer treatment and postoperative care.

Main Results:

• GL-based nanosystems effectively suppress angiogenesis and regulate the TME, leading to enhanced anti-cancer effects.
• Various GL-based nanocarriers, such as micelles, NPs, liposomes, and nanogels, have been developed for targeted cancer therapy.
• These nanosystems show promise in improving therapeutic outcomes for cancer treatment and postoperative management.

Conclusions:

• GL-based nanosystems represent a promising strategy for cancer treatment, leveraging the natural properties of GL for synergistic therapeutic benefits.
• The review highlights the potential of natural compounds and their nanoformulations in oncology.
• Further research and clinical translation are needed to overcome existing challenges and realize the full potential of GL-based nanosystems.