Curcumin- and resveratrol-co-loaded nanoparticles in synergistic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background Currently, systemic therapies for patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rely mainly on systemic drugs. However, traditional systemic drugs have a high rate of serious adverse events, and the curative effects of some potential anticancer drugs, such as curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RSV), are less apparent due to their poor bioavailability. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a highly effective therapy to improve patient prognosis. Herein, an injectable HCC-targeted nanoparticle (NP) was designed to deliver CUR and RSV to hepatoma cells. Results The molecular self-assembled NPs showed higher tumour retention through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of the NPs and surface modification with the HCC-specific peptide moiety SP94 to effectively treat HCC. These HCC-targeted NPs led to a significant reduction in the drug dosage, delayed the rate of drug release and improved the bioavailability of the encapsulated drugs. The drug concentrations in the vicinity of the tumour increased, and a good therapeutic effect was observed without obvious side effects. Conclusions These SP94-mediated NPs allowed large amounts of antitumor drugs to accumulate in tumours, providing a novel strategy for innovative HCC therapy. This nanoplatform also offers an idea for exploring other potential chemotherapeutics. Graphical Abstract

Integrating natural compounds and nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems: A novel strategy for enhanced efficacy and selectivity in cancer therapy

“…Furthermore, it was proposed that these nanoparticles induce apoptosis in cancer cells by generating ROS and activating caspase 3 in vivo. 89 A different study involved the development of delivery systems using solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with curcumin-resveratrol. These SLNs exhibited small mean diameters of 180.17 ± 7.69 nm and possessed a Zeta potential value exceeding −30 mV.…”

Deciphering STAT3 signaling potential in hepatocellular carcinoma: tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and pharmacological significance

“…Another antitumor agent currently used in cancer therapy is curcumin, which stimulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, impairs metastasis, and increases chemosensitivity [ 203 – 205 ]. In HCC, curcumin impairs tumor cell progression by affecting molecular signaling pathways, and its efficacy can be enhanced by nanoparticle delivery [ 206 – 208 ]. Trichloroethylene can induce EMT to promote HCC cell progression and metastasis.…”

Co‐administration of curcumin with other phytochemicals improves anticancer activity by regulating multiple molecular targets

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