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Sample Extraction and Simultaneous Chromatographic Quantitation of Doxorubicin and Mitomycin C Following Drug Combination Delivery in Nanoparticles to Tumor-bearing Mice
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Sample Extraction and Simultaneous Chromatographic Quantitation of Doxorubicin and Mitomycin C Following Drug Combination Delivery in Nanoparticles to Tumor-bearing Mice

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Attenuating chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity while potentiating antitumor efficacy by transforming a Janus drug

Wancheng Zou1, Chao Shang2, Zhuo Hao2

  • 1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, PR China; Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, PR China.

Biomaterials
|May 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study developed novel carbonized polymer dots from apigenin to protect kidneys from chemotherapy damage. These dots also enhance anti-cancer drug effectiveness, offering a dual benefit for patients.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chemotherapy-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant clinical problem.
  • Current renoprotective agents can reduce the effectiveness of anti-cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel therapeutic strategy to mitigate chemotherapy-induced AKI while enhancing anti-tumor efficacy.
  • To overcome the limitations of small-molecule flavonoids, such as poor solubility and rapid clearance.

Main Methods:

  • Apigenin was transformed into bioactive carbonized polymer dots (Api-CPDs) using a one-step carbonization process.
  • Api-CPDs were characterized for hydrophilicity, body retention, and tissue accumulation.
  • The activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and p53 pathways, along with mitophagy, was investigated.

Main Results:

  • Api-CPDs demonstrated high hydrophilicity and prolonged systemic retention.
  • Api-CPDs preferentially accumulated in both renal tissues and tumors.
  • Api-CPDs activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and promoted mitophagy, protecting kidneys from cisplatin-induced apoptosis.
  • Api-CPDs enhanced anti-tumor efficacy by modulating the p53 pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Transforming apigenin into Api-CPDs overcomes small-molecule limitations, enabling dual action.
  • Api-CPDs offer a promising approach for concurrent mitigation of chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity and potentiation of anti-tumor effects.
Keywords:
Antitumor therapyBioactive carbonized polymer dotsChemodrug-induced nephrotoxicityJanus nanomedicineReducing toxicity and increasing efficacy

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