Nanoencapsulation of leech saliva proteins in liposomes as a nanocarrier for inhibiting angiogenesis through targeting VEGFA in breast cancer
Drug-delivery preclinical 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.
Resumen
Leech saliva extract encapsulated in 46 nm liposomes downregulated VEGFA expression and inhibited migration in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, demonstrating a novel nanocarrier-formulated leech-derived anti-angiogenic anticancer formulation.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio examinó si el extracto de saliva de sanguijuela (LSE) nanoencapsulado en liposomas podía inhibir la angiogénesis en células de cáncer de mama mediante la diana VEGFA, probando formulaciones sobre células MCF-7 con ensayos de citotoxicidad, apoptosis (DAPI), cierre de herida y expresión génica (VEGFA, P53, HIF1α mediante RT-PCR y western blot). Es relevante para el ámbito de ASH, ya que explora una posible aplicación terapéutica del secretoma de la sanguijuela —específicamente, los efectos antiangiogénicos y proapoptóticos de las proteínas de la saliva de sanguijuela administradas mediante un nanoportador—. El resumen informa que el LSE liposómico (tamaño de partícula de 46,23 nm) aumentó la apoptosis, redujo la migración de MCF-7 y disminuyó la expresión de VEGFA. Sin embargo, se trata de un estudio in vitro sobre líneas celulares que utiliza extracto de saliva crudo en lugar de proteínas de sanguijuela purificadas o identificadas, sin validación in vivo, sin identificación de los componentes activos y sin datos clínicos; la especie de sanguijuela no se especifica en el resumen.
Citación
Nanoencapsulation of 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 : BI, 2021
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 26, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026