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Co-Delivery of Hispolon and Doxorubicin Liposomes Improves Efficacy Against Melanoma Cells

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  • Theme: Formulation and Delivery of Natural Products
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Abstract

Hispolon is a small molecular weight polyphenol that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities. Our recent study has demonstrated hispolon as a potent apoptosis inducer in melanoma cell lines. Doxorubicin is a broad spectrum first-line treatment for various kinds of cancers. In this study, co-delivery of doxorubicin and hispolon using a liposomal system in B16BL6 melanoma cell lines for synergistic cytotoxic effects was investigated. Liposomes were prepared using a lipid film hydration method and loaded with doxorubicin or hispolon. The formulations were characterized for particle size distribution, release profile, and encapsulation efficiency (EE). In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity, in vitro cell apoptosis, and cellular uptake were evaluated. Liposomes exhibited small particle size (mean diameter ~ 100 nm) and narrow size distribution (polydispersity index (< 0.2) and high drug EE% (> 90%). The release from liposomes showed slower release compared to free drug solution as an additional time required for the release of drug from the liposome lipid bilayer. Liposome loaded with doxorubicin or hispolon exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity against B16BL6 melanoma cells as compared to doxorubicin solution or hispolon solution. Likewise, co-delivery of hispolon and doxorubicin liposomes showed two-fold and three-fold higher cytotoxicity, as compared to hispolon liposomes or doxorubicin liposomes, respectively. In addition, co-delivery of doxorubicin and hispolon in liposomes enhanced apoptosis more than the individual drugs in the liposome formulation. In conclusion, the co-delivery of hispolon and doxorubicin could be a promising therapeutic approach to improve clinical outcomes against melanoma.

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Acknowledgments

Authors acknowledge the Auburn University-Intramural Grant Program (AU-IGP), Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer (AURIC), and Auburn University Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) grants for the financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA

    Ahmed Al Saqr, Mohammed F. Aldawsari, Hamad Alrbyawi, Ishwor Poudel, Manjusha Annaji, Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran, Peter R. Panizzi, Robert D. Arnold & R. Jayachandra Babu

  2. Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

    Ahmed Al Saqr & Mohammed F. Aldawsari

  3. Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia

    Hamad Alrbyawi

  4. Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA

    Vanisree Mulabagal

  5. NATSOL Laboratories Private Limited, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

    Modukuri V. Ramani & Subbaraju Gottumukkala

  6. Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 43614, USA

    Amit K. Tiwari

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  1. Ahmed Al Saqr
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Al Saqr, A., Aldawsari, M.F., Alrbyawi, H. et al. Co-Delivery of Hispolon and Doxorubicin Liposomes Improves Efficacy Against Melanoma Cells. AAPS PharmSciTech 21, 304 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-020-01846-2

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