The Janus Nature of Nanohydroxyapatite in Tumor Progression

Abstract

Nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) has broad applications because of its nanoscopical dimension, large specific surface area, biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity. Researchers recently discovered that nHAP synthesized in vitro inhibits the growth of different types of tumor cells. Nanohydroxyapatite with potent drug adsorption and loading capacity has potential applications in tumor diagnosis and treatment. Because local tumors and areas of tumor metastasis also produce pathological nHAP in vivo to promote progression and invasion, the role of nHAP in tumorigenesis and development is perceived literature by many as Janus, the double‐faced deity in ancient Roman mythology. In the present review, two types of nHAP (those synthesized in vitro and those produced in vivo) that are affiliated with tumors, their mechanisms in tumor progression as well as their applications in tumor treatment are elucidated to create a backdrop for future research in this exciting, yet controversial arena.

The critical role of neutrophil extracellular traps in pathological mineralization

“…Chloroquine may also be loaded in biodegradable scaffolds for sustained release in the biliary or urinary tract to reduce the risk of calculus recurrence. It is worth noting that the abnormal "charge pool" may be related to other diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis [49][50][51] . The present strategy may pave the way for development of inspirational treatment for diseases like cancer and atherosclerosis based on the principle of "charge pool" adjustment.…”

Biomaterial-assisted tumor therapy: A brief review of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and its composites used in bone tumors therapy

“…Research has demonstrated that nHAp can reduce telomerase levels in tumor cells (Motskin et al, 2009). Treatment of tumor cells with nHAp at varying concentrations has shown that telomerase activity decreases as nHAp concentration increases, while the apoptosis rate increases with higher nHAp content (He et al, 2022).…”

Biomimetically precipitated nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite

“…HAP at nanoscales present peculiar properties, such as reactivate surface, mechanical properties, electrochemical properties [4]. It is strong surface energy and positive charge of nano-HAP enable them attach to the negative charge surface of tumor cells, preventing tumor cells adhesion and proliferation [5]. Nano-HAP has been used as an adsorbent due to the high surface area and surface functional groups (both positively charged Ca 2+ and negatively charged PO4 3-ions) [6].…”

“…Moreover, nano-HAP can influence the tensile strength of gel composites by mixing different nano-HAP content [7]. In particular, in the review of He et al , association between physical properties of nano-HAP and tumor cell response are accurately described [5]. Thus, different from conventional micro-sized HAP, nano-HAP can be served as regenerative medicine, anti-tumor agents [8], efficient drug delivery cargos [2], few environmental applications [6].…”