Akkermansia muciniphila phospholipid induces homeostatic immune responses.

Multiple studies have established associations between human gut bacteria and host physiology, but determining the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations has been challenging1-3. Akkermansia muciniphila has been robustly associated with positive systemic effects on host metabolism, favourable outcomes to checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy and homeostatic immunity4-7. Here we report the identification of a lipid from A. muciniphila's cell membrane that recapitulates the immunomodulatory activity of A. muciniphila in cell-based assays8. The isolated immunogen, a diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine with two branched chains (a15:0-i15:0 PE), was characterized through both spectroscopic analysis and chemical synthesis. The immunogenic activity of a15:0-i15:0 PE has a highly restricted structure-activity relationship, and its immune signalling requires an unexpected toll-like receptor TLR2-TLR1 heterodimer9,10. Certain features of the phospholipid's activity are worth noting: it is significantly less potent than known natural and synthetic TLR2 agonists; it preferentially induces some inflammatory cytokines but not others; and, at low doses (1% of EC50) it resets activation thresholds and responses for immune signalling. Identifying both the molecule and an equipotent synthetic analogue, its non-canonical TLR2-TLR1 signalling pathway, its immunomodulatory selectivity and its low-dose immunoregulatory effects provide a molecular mechanism for a model of A. muciniphila's ability to set immunological tone and its varied roles in health and disease.

A Simple and Efficient Method for Synthesis of sn-Glycero-Phosphoethanolamine.

An efficient three-step strategy for the convenient synthesis of Sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (GroPEtn) from a commercially available 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE) is reported. Direct hydrolysis of DPPE produces a complex inseparable mixture, hence a protection and deprotection strategy is employed to prepare GroPEtn. The primary amine of DPPE is protected with a highly stable acid-labile trityl group, followed by strong base hydrolysis of N-trityl-DPPE gives N-trityl-GroPEtn. Further a mild, rapid, and efficient deprotection method is established using trifluoroacetic acid to remove N-trityl moiety, affords GroPEtn as a single product. This is the first semisynthetic approach and efficient method to produce GroPEtn with a total yield of 66% in three steps. GroPEtn did not show any cytotoxicity against human kidney (HK-2) cells and reporter gene assay for activation of Keap1-Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense mechanism showed no significant effects.

Antibacterial effect of indene on Helicobacter pylori correlates with specific interaction between its compound and dimyristoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine.

Recent studies by our group have suggested that the vitamin D3 decomposition product VDP1 [(1R,3aR,7aR)-1-[(1R)-1,5-dimethylhexyl]octahydro-7a-methyl-4H-inden-4-one] confers the potent bactericidal action to Helicobacter pylori by targeting the membranal dimyristoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (di-14:0 PE). In this study we synthesized a new VDP1 derivative to advance further investigation as for the correlative relationship between VDP1 structure and anti-H. pylori activity or PE vesicle collapse induction activity. The derivative VD3-7 [(1R,7aR)-4-fluoro-7a-methyl-1-((R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl)octahydro-1H-indene] retained a fluorine atom in place of the oxygen atom of VDP1. The fluorination of the carbonyl portion of VDP1 forfeited the effective anti-H. pylori activity. We, therefore, prepared Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB)-containing unilamellar vesicles consisting of various PE molecular species, and examined the vesicle collapse induction activity of either VDP1 or VD3-7 by detecting the CBB eluted from the PE unilamellar vesicles. VDP1 strongly induced CBB elution from the unilamellar vesicles of rectus-PE retaining the same two fatty acid side-chains shorter than carbon numbers 14, indicating that VDP1 specifically disrupted the vesicular conformation of those PE unilamellar vesicles. Meanwhile, VD3-7 had no influence on the structural stability of any PE unilamellar vesicles. This study obtained additional evidence that VDP1 acts as a bactericidal agent on H. pylori by targeting the membranal di-14:0 PE.

Preparation And Antibacterial Effects Of Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Modified Photo-Responsive Camellia Sapogenin Derivative Cationic Liposomes.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a persistent and intractable problem. The sapogenin isolated from the seeds of Camellia oleifera can inhibit antibiotic-resistant bacteria after structural modification. PURPOSE: This study aims to improve sapogenin's antibacterial activity and avoid bacterial resistance based on nano-preparation with photo responsiveness. METHODS: The liposome shell material of carboxymethyl chitosan-phosphatidyl ethanolamine (CMC-PE) was prepared using amidation reaction, and photo-responsive cationic (PCC) liposomes containing Camellia sapogenin derivative (CSD) and photosensitizer pheophorbide-a were prepared by film dispersion method. Encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, zeta potential, particle size distribution, morphology and stability of the PCC liposomes were determined by HPLC, particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy. Photo-responsive release of CSD in the PCC liposomes was determined by laser (0.5 mW/cm2) at 665 nm. Antibacterial activity of the PCC liposomes with or without irradiation was analyzed by MIC50, MBC, MBIC50, and bacterial morphology to evaluate the antibacterial effects on amoxicillin resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. RESULTS: Size distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of the PCC liposomes were 189.23 ± 2.12 nm, 18.80 ± 1.57 mV, 83.52 ± 1.53% and 2.83 ± 0.05%, respectively. The PCC liposomes had higher storage stability and gastrointestinal stability, and no obvious hemolytic toxicity to rabbit red blood cells and no cytotoxicity after incubation with Hela cells. The photosensitizer pheophorbide-a was uniformly dispersed in the phospholipid layer of the PCC liposomes and increased the CSD release after irradiation. The PCC liposomes could bind to bacteria and impaired their morphology and structure, and had significant bactericidal effect on amoxicillin resistant E. coli and S. aureus. CONCLUSION: The photo-responsive PCC liposomes are efficient antibacterial agents for avoidance of bacterial resistance against antibiotics.

Development, synthesis, and 68Ga-Labeling of a Lipophilic complexing agent for atherosclerosis PET imaging.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Atherosclerosis accounts for 50% of deaths in western countries. This multifactorial pathology is characterized by the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory cells within the vascular wall, leading to plaque formation. We describe herein the synthesis of a PCTA-based 68Ga3+ chelator coupled to a phospholipid biovector 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), which is the main constituent of the phospholipid moiety of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) phospholipid moiety. The resulting 68Ga-PCTA-DSPE inserted into HDL particles was compared to 18F-FDG as a PET agent to visualize atherosclerotic plaques. Our agent markedly accumulated within mouse atheromatous aortas and more interestingly in human endarterectomy carotid samples. These results support the potential use of 68Ga-PCTA-DSPE-HDL for atherosclerosis PET imaging.

Functionalized docetaxel-loaded lipid-based-nanosuspensions to enhance antitumor efficacy in vivo.

Purpose: To further enhance the antitumor efficacy through targeted delivery, DTX loaded lipid-based-nanosuspensions (DTX-LNS) were prepared and functionalized by PEGylation or NGR modification to develop DSPE-PEG2000 modified DTX-LNS (P-DTX-LNS) or DSPE-PEG2000-NGR modified DTX-LNS (N-DTX-LNS), respectively. Methods: Based on our previous work, functionalized DTX-LNS including P-DTX-LNS and N-DTX-LNS were prepared using thin-film hydration, and then characterized. Release behavior, stability in vitro, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of functionalized LNS were observed. To demonstrate tumor targeting efficiency of functionalized DTX-LNS, in vivo real-time and ex vivo imaging study were conducted. Furthermore, therapeutic efficacy in vivo was evaluated in an H22-bearing mice model. Results: Functionalized DTX-LNS 100-110 nm in diameter were successfully prepared and exhibited good stability under various conditions. In vitro release studies demonstrated that DTX was released from functionalized DTX-LNS steadily and reached approximately 95% at 48 hrs. Functionalized DTX-LNS showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity and time-dependent internalization in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells (HepG2) cells. In vivo real-time and ex vivo imaging results indicated that tumor targeting efficiencies of P-DiR-LNS and N-DiR-LNS were 29.9% and 34.3%, respectively. Moreover, evaluations of in vivo antitumor efficacy indicated that functionalized DTX-LNS effectively inhibited tumor growth with low toxicity. Conclusion: The functionalized LNS exhibited suitable particle size, nearly spherical structure, enough drug loading and great potentials for large-scale production. The results in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that functionalized LNS could realize tumor targeting and antitumor efficacy. Consequently, functionalized DTX-LNS could be expected to be used for tumor targeting therapy.

Mannose-Modified Serum Exosomes for the Elevated Uptake to Murine Dendritic Cells and Lymphatic Accumulation.

The surface of bovine serum-derived exosomes (EXOs) are modified with α-d-mannose for facile interaction with mannose receptors on dendritic cells (DCs) and for efficient delivery of immune stimulators to the DCs. The surface of the EXOs is modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) without particle aggregation (≈50 nm) via the incorporation of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE) into the lipid layer of the EXO, compared to chemical conjugation by N-hydroxysuccinimide activated PEG (NHS-PEG). PEG modification onto the exosomal surface significantly decreases the non-specific cellular uptake of the EXOs into the DCs. However, the EXOs with mannose-conjugated PEG-DSPE (EXO-PEG-man) exhibit excellent intracellular uptake into the DCs and boost the immune response by the incorporation of adjuvant, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) within the EXO. After an intradermal injection, a higher retention of EXO-PEG-man is observed in the lymph nodes, which could be used for the efficient delivery of immune stimulators and antigens to the lymph nodes in vivo.

A novel gemcitabine derivative-loaded liposome with great pancreas-targeting ability.

Gemcitabine (Gem) is a standard first-line treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC). However, its chemotherapeutic efficacy is hampered by various limitations such as short half-life, metabolic inactivation, and lack of tumor localizing. We previously synthesized a lipophilic Gem derivative (Gem formyl hexadecyl ester, GemC16) that exhibited improved antitumor activity in vitro. In this study, a target ligand N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine was conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[hydroxyl succinimidyl (polyethylene glycol-2000)] (DSPE-PEG-NHS) to form DSPE-PEG-2N. Then, pancreas-targeting liposomes (2N-LPs) were prepared using the film dispersion-ultrasonic method. GemC16-loaded 2N-LPs displayed near-spherical shapes with an average size distribution of 157.2 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.201). The encapsulation efficiency of GemC16 was up to 97.3% with a loading capacity of 8.9%. In human PC cell line (BxPC-3) and rat pancreatic acinar cell line (AR42J), cellular uptake of 2N-LPs was significantly enhanced compared with that of unmodified PEG-LPs. 2N-LPs exhibited more potent in vitro cytotoxicity against BxPC-3 and AR42J cell lines than PEG-LPs. After systemic administration in mice, 2N-LPs remarkably increased drug distribution in the pancreas. In an orthotopic tumor mouse model of PC, GemC16-bearing liposomes were more effective in preventing tumor growth than free GemC16. Among these treatments, 2N-LPs showed the best curative effect. Together, 2N-LPs represent a promising nanocarrier to achieve pancreas-targeting drug delivery, and this work would provide new ideas for the chemotherapy of PC.

Short-chain lipid-conjugated pH sensors for imaging of transporter activities in reconstituted systems and living cells.

The design of ion sensors has gained importance for the study of ion dynamics in cells, with fluorescent proton nanosensors attracting particular interest because of their applicability in monitoring pH gradients in biological microcompartments and reconstituted membrane systems. In this work, we describe the improved synthesis, photophysical properties and applications of pH sensors based on amine-reactive pHrodo esters and short-chain lipid derivatives of phosphoethanolamine. The major features of these novel probes include strong fluorescence under acidic conditions, efficient partitioning into membranes, and extractability by back exchange to albumin. These features allow for the selective labeling of the inner liposomal leaflet in reconstituted membrane systems for studying proton pumping activities in a quantitative fashion, as demonstrated by assaying the activity of a plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase. Furthermore, the short-chain lipid-conjugated pH sensors enable the monitoring of pH changes from neutral to acidic conditions in the endocytic pathway of living cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate the applicability of short-chain lipid-conjugated sensors for in vivo and in vitro studies and thus pave the way for the design of lipid-conjugated sensors selective to other biologically relevant ions, e.g. calcium and sodium.

Liver-targeted liposomes for codelivery of curcumin and combretastatin A4 phosphate: preparation, characterization, and antitumor effects.

BACKGROUND: Recent efforts have been focused on combining two or more therapeutic approaches with different mechanisms to enhance antitumor therapy. Moreover, nanosize drug-delivery systems for codelivering two drugs with proapoptotic and antiangiogenic activities have exhibited great potential in efficient treatment of cancers. METHODS: Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-modified liposomes (GA LPs) for liver-targeted codelivery of curcumin (Cur) and combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) were prepared and characterized. In vitro cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, cell migration, in vivo biodistribution, antitumor activity, and histopathological studies were performed. RESULTS: Compared with unmodified LPs (Cur-CA4P LPs), Cur-CA4P/GA LPs were taken up effectively by human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (BEL-7402) and showed higher cytotoxicity than free drugs. In vivo real-time near-infrared fluorescence-imaging results indicated that GA-targeted LPs increased accumulation in the tumor region. Moreover, Cur-CA4P/GA LPs showed stronger inhibition of tumor proliferation than Cur, Cur + CA4P, and Cur-CA4P LPs in vivo antitumor studies, which was also verified by H&E staining. CONCLUSION: GA-modified LPs can serve as a promising nanocarrier for liver-targeted co-delivery of antitumor drugs against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Interactions of valproic acid with lipid membranes of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.

Lipid bilayers of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) were prepared in two forms, as a suspension of multilamellar spherical vesicles and as planar membranes deposited on a conductive solid support. We used Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques to study the lipid vesicles while the solid supported bilayers were characterized by using electrochemical experiments (cyclic voltammetry and impedance). Valproic acid (Valp) was either present in the solution or incorporated into the lipid structure. As the Valp:DMPC ratio increases the phase transition temperature decreases while the phase transition becomes less marked. Moreover, for the Valp:DMPC complex species a slight decrease in the number of gauche isomers was observed relative to the number of trans isomers what corresponds to an increase in the packing density of the acylic chains. Based on derived electrical properties of the supported membranes it can be concluded that Valp induces the formation of pores and other defects in the lipid films. Valp incorporated into the membrane is seriously detrimental to the bilayer stability.

Azoreductase-Responsive Nanoprobe for Hypoxia-Induced Mitophagy Imaging.

Mitophagy, as a crucial metabolic process, plays an essential role in maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis. Various stresses especially hypoxia could improve intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level to induce mitophagy. However, high-specific fluorescence imaging of mitophagy in living cells under hypoxia is still a challenge. Based on this, we report an azoreductase-responsive nanoprobe (termed Micelle@Mito-rHP@TATp, MCM@TATp) by encapsulating cationic spiropyrane derivative (Mito-rHP) to realize specific imaging of mitophagy in living cells under hypoxia. An azoreductase-responsive amphiphilic polymer, 1,2-distearoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-azo- N-[maleimide(polyethylene glycol-2000) (Mal-PEG2000-Azo-DSPE), was first self-assembled into a micelle in aqueous solution. Meanwhile, the synthetic Mito-rHP encapsulated into this formed micelle to construct MCM. By modifying the surface of MCM with cell-penetrating peptide (TATp) to form MCM@TATp, the nanoprobe could avoid endolysosomal trapping. Under hypoxic conditions, the azobenzene moiety-contained MCM@TATp would be disrupted by the highly expressed azoreductase, then the encapsulated Mito-rHP would be released. Since Mito-rHP is a mitochondria-targeted and pH-sensitive probe, thus it could target into mitochondria and displayed a desirable "off-on" fluorescence response to mitophagy during which mitochondria were regarded to undergo acidification. The results indicated that the MCM@TATp in our design could image mitophagy under hypoxia in high-specificity. As further application, we have also demonstrated that this MCM@TATp can perform well to realize mitophagy imaging under the photodynamic therapy (PDT) which can induce hypoxia in treatment of cancer. We expect this new strategy would be a powerful tool for hypoxia-related fundamental and clinical research.

Atrial natriuretic peptide modified oleate adenosine prodrug lipid nanocarriers for the treatment of myocardial infarction: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

PURPOSE: Myocardial infarction is a major cause of mortality and heart failure worldwide. One of the most effective methods of this injury is direct delivery of cardioprotective drugs to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) myocardium. The aim of the present study was to fabricate an adenosine (Ade) prodrug-based, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-modified nanosystem for the treatment of myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oleate adenosine prodrug (Ade-OA) and ANP-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine-polyethylene glycol were synthesized. ANP-modified Ade-loaded lipid nanocarriers (ANP Ade/LNCs) were then self-assembled by using solvent evaporation method. In vitro drug release in the presence of plasma was evaluated. In vivo inhibition effect on infarct size, tissue distribution, and pharmacokinetics were investigated in rats with ischemic myocardium after intravenous injection. RESULTS: In vivo inhibition effect on infarct size, tissue distribution, and pharmacokinetics studies in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats showed that ANP Ade/LNCs exhibited better efficiency than non-modified Ade/LNCs and free Ade in all respects. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the ANP Ade/LNCs can be used as a promising system for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Redox-triggered intracellular siRNA delivery.

Gene silencing using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising strategy for the treatment of multiple diseases. However, the low in vivo stability of siRNA, its poor pharmacokinetics and inability to penetrate inside cells limit its employment in the clinic. Here, we present a novel redox-sensitive micellar nanopreparation based on a triple conjugate of polyethylene glycol, polyethyleneimine and phosphatidylethanolamine, PEG-SS-PEI-PE (PSSPD). This non-toxic system efficiently condenses siRNA and specifically downregulates target green fluorescent protein (GFP) only under reducing conditions via intracellular siRNA release after de-shielding of PEG due to increased glutathione (GSH) levels characteristic of cancer cells.

Design of pH-sensitive methotrexate prodrug-targeted curcumin nanoparticles for efficient dual-drug delivery and combination cancer therapy.

AIM: We designed acid-labile methotrexate (MTX) targeting prodrug self-assembling nanoparticles loaded with curcumin (CUR) drug for simultaneous delivery of multi-chemotherapeutic drugs and combination cancer therapy. METHODS: A dual-acting MTX, acting as both an anticancer drug and as a tumor-targeting ligand, was coupled to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[aldehyde(polyethylene glycol)-2000] via Schiff's base reaction. The synthesized prodrug conjugate (DSPE-PEG-Imine-MTX) could be self-assembled into micellar nanoparticles (MTX-Imine-M) in aqueous solution, which encapsulated CUR into their core by hydrophobic interactions (MTX-Imine-M-CUR). RESULTS: The prepared MTX-Imine-M-CUR nanoparticles were composed of an inner hydrophobic DSPE/CUR core and an outside hydrophilic bishydroxyl poly (ethyleneglycol) (PEG) shell with a self-targeting MTX prodrug corona. The imine linker between 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[aldehyde(polyethyleneglycol)-2000] and MTX, as a dynamic covalent bond, was strong enough to remain intact in physiological pH, even though it is rapidly cleaved in acidic pH. The MTX-Imine-M-CUR could codeliver MTX and CUR selectively and efficiently into the cancer cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis followed by the rapid intracellular release of CUR and the active form of MTX via the acidity of endosomes/lysosomes. Moreover, the MTX-Imine-M-CUR resulted in significantly higher in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity than pH-insensitive DSPE-PEGAmide-MTX assembling nanoparticles loaded with CUR (MTX-Amide-M-CUR), MTX unconjugated DSPE-PEG assembling micellar nanoparticles loaded with CUR (M-CUR), combination of both free drugs, and individual free drugs. CONCLUSION: The smart system provided a simple, yet feasible, drug delivery strategy for targeted combination chemotherapy.

Transfection efficiencies of α-tocopherylated cationic gemini lipids with hydroxyethyl bearing headgroups under high serum conditions.

Herein, five new α-tocopheryl cationic gemini lipids with hydroxyethyl bearing headgroups (THnS, n = 4, 5, 6, 8, 12) have been synthesized for efficient plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery into cancer cells. Among these gemini lipid formulations, the lipid with an octamethylene [-(CH2)8] spacer (TH8S) showed the highest transfection efficiency (TE) that was comparable to that of the commercial standard lipofectamine 2000 (L2K) in terms of luciferase expression in HepG2 (liver hepatocellular carcinoma) cells. The addition of the helper lipid DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine) with cationic lipids in mixed liposomes further enhanced the TE and the optimized molar ratio was 2 : 1 (DOPE : cationic lipid). The optimized co-liposomal formulation of TH8S (DOPE : TH8S = 2 : 1) showed a higher TE in HepG2, A549 (human lung carcinoma) and MCF7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cells than other optimized co-liposomal formulations and was also significantly more potent than L2K. The comparison of the TE of DOPE-TH8S (2 : 1) with the gemini lipid T8T (the headgroup devoid of the hydroxyl group) further demonstrated the importance of the hydroxyethyl functionality at the level of the headgroup. Relatively good binding efficiency and easy release of pDNA (pGL3) were also observed with DOPE-TH8S (2 : 1) in the ethidium bromide (EB)-exclusion and re-intercalation assay, which may be the plausible reason for high TE. The lipoplexes were also characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential and small angle X-ray diffraction experiments. Greater cellular internalization of fluorescein tagged pDNA was also observed with DOPE-TH8S (2 : 1) lipoplexes compared to that with L2K. Retention of the TE of DOPE-TH8S (2 : 1) lipoplexes under high serum conditions was conferred by the presence of the tocopherol backbone and also the hydroxyethyl functionalities. The cellular internalization pathway of the lipoplexes was characterized by performing transfection experiment in the presence of inhibitors of different endocytic pathways and it was found to be caveolae mediated. An MTT based cell viability assay indicated that the lipoplex mediated gene delivery vectors exhibited low toxicity in all the three cancer cell lines studied.

Peripheral inflammation affects modulation of nociceptive synaptic transmission in the spinal cord induced by N-arachidonoylphosphatidylethanolamine.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endocannabinoids play an important role in modulating spinal nociceptive signalling, crucial for the development of pain. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor and the TRPV1 cation channel are both activated by the endocannabinoid anandamide, a product of biosynthesis from the endogenous lipid precursor N-arachidonoylphosphatidylethanolamine (20:4-NAPE). Here, we report CB1 receptor- and TRPV1-mediated effects of 20:4-NAPE on spinal synaptic transmission in control and inflammatory conditions. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Spontaneous (sEPSCs) and dorsal root stimulation-evoked (eEPSCs) excitatory postsynaptic currents from superficial dorsal horn neurons in rat spinal cord slices were assessed. Peripheral inflammation was induced by carrageenan. Anandamide concentration was assessed by mass spectrometry. KEY RESULTS: Application of 20:4-NAPE increased anandamide concentration in vitro. 20:4-NAPE (20 µM) decreased sEPSCs frequency and eEPSCs amplitude in control and inflammatory conditions. The inhibitory effect of 20:4-NAPE was sensitive to CB1 receptor antagonist PF514273 (0.2 µM) in both conditions, but to the TRPV1 antagonist SB366791 (10 µM) only after inflammation. After inflammation, 20:4-NAPE increased sEPSCs frequency in the presence of PF514273 and this increase was blocked by SB366791. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: While 20:4-NAPE treatment inhibited the excitatory synaptic transmission in both naive and inflammatory conditions, peripheral inflammation altered the underlying mechanisms. Our data indicate that 20:4-NAPE application induced mainly CB1 receptor-mediated inhibitory effects in naive animals while TRPV1-mediated mechanisms were also involved after inflammation. Increasing anandamide levels for analgesic purposes by applying substrate for its local synthesis may be more effective than systemic anandamide application or inhibition of its degradation. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc.

Targeted delivery of etoposide to cancer cells by folate-modified nanostructured lipid drug delivery system.

CONTEXT: Cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression of etoposide (ETP) limited its clinical application. Targeted drug delivery system could deliver anticancer agents to the target cancerous cells, thus reducing their toxicity. OBJECTIVE: In this study, folate (FA) was applied for the construction of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and used for targeted delivery of ETP to tumors overexpresses the FA receptors. METHODS: FA-poly (ethylene glycol)-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine was synthesized. FA decorated and ETP-loaded NLCs (FA-ETP-NLCs) were prepared and the formulation was optimized by Box-Behnken design. Their particle size (PS), zeta potential and drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) was evaluated. In vitro cytotoxicity studies of FA-ETP-NLCs were tested in CT26, SGC7901, NCI-H209 cell lines. In vivo antitumor efficacies of the carriers were evaluated on mice bearing CT26 cells xenografts. RESULTS: The optimum FA-ETP-NLCs formulations had a PS of 120.86 nm. The growth of CT26, SGC790 or NCI-H209 cells in vitro was obviously inhibited. FA-ETP-NLCs also displayed the best antitumor activity than other formulations in vivo. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that FA-ETP-NLCs were efficient in selective delivery to CT26, SGC790 or NCI-H209 cells overexpressing the FA receptors. Also, FA-ETP-NLCs can sufficiently transfer ETP to the cancer cells, enhance the antitumor capacity. Thus, FA-ETP-NLCs could prove to be a superior nanomedicine to achieve tumor therapeutic efficacy.

A DFT study of the carboxymethyl-phosphatidylethanolamine formation from glyoxal and phosphatidylethanolamine surface. Comparison with the formation of N(ε)-(carboxymethyl)lysine from glyoxal and L-lysine.

Mechanisms of the generation of carboxymethyl compounds Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and carboxymethyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (CM-PE) from the reactions between glyoxal and L-lysine, and glyoxal and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were studied using the DFT method at the PBE/DNP level of theory. In order to study the reaction with PE, a periodic model of the PE surface was built. The starting surface model includes two molecules of PE, a molecule of monohydrated form of glyoxal, and five water molecules as explicit solvent that form a hydrogen bond network, which are involved in the reactions by stabilizing reaction intermediates and transition states and as proton-transfer carriers, important in all steps of reactions. Both reactions take place in three steps, namely, (1) carbino-diol-amine formation; (2) dehydration; and (3) rearrangement into carboxymethyl final products. The rate-limiting step for the formation of CML/CM-PE was the dehydration stage. The comparison of both reactions in their equivalent stages showed a catalytic role of the PE surface; it is highlighted in the case of dehydration step where its relative free energy barrier had a value of 5.3 kcal mol(-1) lower than that obtained in the L-lysine-glyoxal system. This study gives insights into the active role of the phospholipid surface in some chemical reactions that occur above it. Our results also give support to consider the pathway of formation of CML and CM-PE from the reactions between glyoxal and L-lysine, and glyoxal and PE as an alternative pathway for generation of these advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

The use of α-conotoxin ImI to actualize the targeted delivery of paclitaxel micelles to α7 nAChR-overexpressing breast cancer.

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), a ligand-gated ion channel, is increasingly emerging as a new tumor target owing to its expression specificity and significancy for cancer. In an attempt to increase the targeted drug delivery to the α7 nAChR-overexpressing tumors, herein, α-conotoxin ImI, a disulfide-rich toxin with highly affinity for α7 nAChR, was modified on the PEG-DSPE micelles (ImI-PMs) for the first time. The DLS, TEM and HPLC detections showed the spherical nanoparticle morphology about 20 nm with negative charge and high drug encapsulation. The ligand modification did not induce significant differences. The immunofluorescence assay confirmed the expression level of α7 nAChR in MCF-7 cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the α7 nAChR-targeted nanomedicines could deliver more specifically and faster into α7 nAChR-overexpressing MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, fluo-3/AM fluorescence imaging technique indicated that the increased specificity was attributed to the ligand-receptor interaction, and the inducitivity for intracellular Ca(2+) transient by ImI was still remained after modification. Moreover, paclitaxel, a clinical frequently-used anti-tumor drug for breast cancer, was loaded in ImI-modified nanomedicines to evaluate the targeting efficacy. Besides of exhibiting greater cytotoxicity and inducing more cell apoptosis in vitro, paclitaxel-loaded ImI-PMs displayed stronger anti-tumor efficacy in MCF-7 tumor-bearing nu/nu mice. Finally, the active targeting system showed low systemic toxicity and myelosuppression evidenced by less changes in body weight, white blood cells, neutrophilic granulocyte and platelet counts. In conclusion, α7 nAChR is also a promising target for anti-tumor drug delivery and in this case, α-conotoxin ImI-modified nanocarrier is a potential delivery system for targeting α7 nAChR-overexpressing tumors.