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.
Resumen
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).
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio in vitro examinó si el extracto de saliva de sanguijuela medicinal (LSE) encapsulado en liposomas (~46,23 nm) podría inhibir la angiogénesis en células de cáncer de mama MCF-7, evaluando la citotoxicidad, la apoptosis mediante tinción con DAPI, la cicatrización de heridas y la expresión de VEGFA utilizando PCR en tiempo real y western blot. Para la ASH y la hirudoterapia, este trabajo es directamente relevante: investiga la bioactividad del secretoma de la sanguijuela y demuestra una estrategia de nanotransportador que podría mejorar la liberación y la estabilidad de las proteínas derivadas de la sanguijuela para aplicaciones terapéuticas. Los resultados indicaron que el LSE liposómico aumentó la apoptosis, alteró el crecimiento celular en los ensayos de cicatrización de heridas y reguló a la baja la expresión de VEGFA en las células tratadas en comparación con los controles. Sin embargo, estos hallazgos se limitan a una única línea celular cancerosa in vitro y no constituyen evidencia de eficacia anticancerígena clínica; se necesitan más estudios in vivo y clínicos antes de poder realizar cualquier afirmación terapéutica.
Citación
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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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026