PEGylated nanoliposomes encapsulating angiogenic peptides improve perfusion defects: Radionuclide imaging-based study.

Introduction: Although liposomes hold promise for cancer therapy, the effectiveness of treating myocardial ischemia by promoting angiogenesis has yet to be proved. Nanoliposomes loaded with therapeutic agents can effectively target ischemic myocardium via enhanced permeability and retention. Surface polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification can further facilitate effective targeting by prolonging liposomal circulation.

Effect of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound on Drug Release from Doxorubicin-Loaded PEGylated Liposomes and Therapeutic Effect in Colorectal Cancer Murine Models.

The goal of the study described here was to evaluate the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in drug release and its application in cancer therapy. HIFU was set to minimize hyperthermia, particularly non-specific hyperthermia, of exposed areas. An in vitro temperature-sensitive hydrogel phantom model determined the parameters of HIFU under mild condition settings (spatial average temporal average intensity [ISATA] = 83.

Evaluation of Selective Arterial Embolization Effect by Chitosan Micro-Hydrogels in Hindlimb Sarcoma Rodent Models Using Various Imaging Modalities.

Purpose: Embolization is mainly used to reduce the size of locally advanced tumors. In this study, selective arterial catheterization with chitosan micro-hydrogels (CMH) into the femoral artery was performed and the therapeutic effect was validated using different imaging methods.

Methods: Male SD rats (n = 18, 6 weeks old) were randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1 as control, Group 2 without any ligation of distal femoral artery, and Group 3 with temporary ligation of the distal femoral artery.

Optical imaging of absorption and distribution of RITC-SiO2 nanoparticles after oral administration.

Purpose: In this study, we investigated the absorption and distribution of rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC)-incorporated silica oxide nanoparticles(SiNPs) (RITC-SiNPs) after oral exposure, by conducting optical imaging, with a focus on tracking the movement of RITC-SiNPs of different particle size and surface charge.

Methods: RITC-SiNPs (20 or 100 nm; positively or negatively charged) were used to avoid the dissociation of a fluorescent dye from nanoparticles via spontaneous or enzyme-catalyzed reactions in vivo. The changes in the nanoparticle sizes and shapes were investigated in an HCl solution for 6 hours.

Local Retention and Combination Effects of Biocompatible Doxorubicin-Loaded and Radioiodine-Labeled Microhydrogels in Cancer Therapy.

I-131-labeled chitosan microhydrogels (I-131-CMH) that are retained at an injection site without leaking free I-131 into normal tissue can provide opportunities to improve cancer therapy. This study focuses on the development of doxorubicin-loaded I-131-CMH (Dox-I-131-CMH) for use in radiochemotherapy against cancer. The radiolabeling of I-131-CMH was found to be stable over a period of 2 weeks with no disassociation of free I-131, and Dox showed a sustained release from the CMH.

Effect of angiogenesis induced by consecutive intramuscular injections of vascular endothelial growth factor in a hindlimb ischemic mouse model.

Purpose: Angiogenesis plays a major role in various physiological and pathological situations. Thus, an angiogenic therapy with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been commonly recommended as a representative therapeutic solution to recover the insufficient blood supply of collateral vessels in an ischemic lesion. In this study, the injection method and injection time point of VEGF proteins were focused to discover how to enhance the angiogenic effect with VEGF.

Establishment of animal models with orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Many researchers have investigated HCC at the level of genes, ribonucleic acid, proteins, cells, and animals. The resultant development of animal models and monitoring methods has improved the effectiveness of guidelines provided to researchers working with preclinical HCC models.

Peptide-loaded nanoparticles and radionuclide imaging for individualized treatment of myocardial ischemia.

Purpose: To determine whether chitosan hydrogel nanoparticles loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) peptides (81-91 fragments) capable of targeting the ischemic myocardium enhance angiogenesis and promote therapeutic effects and whether radionuclide image-guided dosage control is feasible.

Materials And Methods: Experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Rats (n = 32, eight per group) were subjected to myocardial ischemia (control group) and received chitosan hydrogel nanoparticles with VEGF165 proteins (chitosan VEGF) or VEGF81-91 peptides (chitosan peptides) via apical puncture.