Icaritin delivered by hyaluronic acid-modified liposome enhanced apoptosis and anti-metastasis of Huh7 liver cancer cells
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Abstract
Objectives: The advancement of tumor-targeted drug delivery systems, particularly those utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified nanocarriers, presents a promising strategy for enhancing cancer therapy by specifically targeting CD44-overexpressing tumor cells. In this study, HA-functionalized liposomes (HA-Lip) were employed to deliver the anti-cancer drug icaritin (ICT) to liver cancer cells to overcome its poor water solubility and low bioactivity.
Materials and methods: The efficacy of HA-Lip-ICT was evaluated through a combination of in vitro assays, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production measurement, cell migration and invasion assays using Huh7 liver cancer cells. RNA sequencing and Western blot analysis were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ICT’s anti-cancer effects.
Results: HA-Lip-ICT significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by icaritin and effectively inhibited the migration and invasion of Huh7 liver cancer cells in vitro through HA/CD44 interactions. RNA sequencing and Western blot analysis revealed that icaritin inhibited liver cancer progression by promoting apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest, and reducing metastasis. Notably, HA-Lip-ICT demonstrated a tumor migration inhibition rate of 55.6% and down-regulated the metastasis closely related protein ARPC1B. Moreover, it significantly upregulated proteins associated with apoptosis and cell cycle regulation, including caspase 3a, p53, and p21.
Conclusion: The research highlights that HA-Lip-ICT presents considerable promise as a targeted drug delivery system for tumors, particularly in enhancing liver cancer treatment by reducing tumor spread and facilitating cell death
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Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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