Nanoencapsulation of leech saliva extract proteins in liposomes as a nanocarrier for inhibiting angiogenesis through targeting VEGFA in the Breast cancer cell line (MCF-7)
Research article published in BioImpacts (2021)
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most serious cause of women's death throughout the world. Using nanocarrier vehicles to the exact site of cancer upgrades the therapeutic efficiency of the drugs. Capsulation of active proteins in the vesicular liposomes' hydrophilic core is essential to develop a therapeutic protein carrier system. We aimed to encapsulate the medicinal leech saliva extract (LSE) and assess the inhibition of angiogenesis of breast cancer cells by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Methods: In this research, enhanced formulation of liposomal protein was determined by zeta potential analysis, droplet size, drug release assay, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, a cytotoxicity assay of liposomal LSE was performed to determine the cytotoxic activity of components. For assessing the expression of VEGFA, P53, and hypoxia-inducible factor subunit alpha (HIF1a) genes, Real-Time PCR was applied. Results: Nano liposome was chosen as an enhanced formulation due to its much smaller size (46.23 nm). Liposomal LSE had more practical actions on the MCF-7 cells. As noticed by DAPI staining, apoptosis was extensively greater in treated MCF-7 cells. Wound healing assay demonstrated that MCF-7 cells could not sustain growth at the presence of liposomal LSE and expression of the VEGFA gene was declined in treated cells. Downregulation of VEGFA was evaluated with western blotting technique. Conclusion: It can be concluded that our investigation of the tests confirmed the fact that nano liposomal LSE is a novel promising formulation for anticancer drugs and can significantly improve the penetration of protein drugs to cancer cells.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Nanoencapsulation of leech saliva extract proteins in liposomes as a nanocarrier for inhibiting angiogenesis through targeting VEGFA in the Breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This in vitro study examined whether medicinal leech saliva extract (LSE) encapsulated in liposomes (~46.23 nm) could inhibit angiogenesis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, assessing cytotoxicity, apoptosis via DAPI staining, wound healing, and VEGFA expression using Real-Time PCR and western blotting. For ASH and hirudotherapy, this work is directly relevant: it investigates the leech secretome's bioactivity and demonstrates a nanocarrier strategy that could improve delivery and stability of leech-derived proteins for therapeutic applications. The results indicated that liposomal LSE increased apoptosis, impaired cell growth in wound healing assays, and downregulated VEGFA in treated cells compared with controls. However, these findings are limited to a single cancer cell line in vitro and do not constitute evidence of clinical anticancer efficacy; further in vivo and clinical studies are needed before any therapeutic claims can be made.
Citation
Nanoencapsulation of leech saliva extract proteins in liposomes as a nanocarrier for inhibiting angiogenesis through targeting VEGFA in the Breast cancer cell line (MCF-7)
Shakouri A et al. · BioImpacts, 2021
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