ginsenoside-rg3 and Triple-Negative-Breast-Neoplasms

To improve the solubility and targeting of Ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3), in the current study, we constructed a novel targeting functional material folic acid -poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-cholesteryl methyl carbonate (FA-PEOz-CHMC, FPC) modified G-Rg3 liposomes (FPC-Rg3-L).. FPC was synthesized by using folic acid (FA) as a targeted head coupling with acid-activated poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-cholesteryl methyl carbonate. The inhibitory effects of the G-Rg3 preparations on mouse breast cancer cells (4T1) were investigated by CCK-8 assay. Paraffin sections of female BALB/c mice viscera were taken for hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining after continuous tail vein injection of G-Rg3 preparations. BALB/c mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) were used as animal models to investigate the inhibition of G-Rg3 preparations on tumor growth and improving quality of life. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscular actin (α-SMA) were used to investigate the expression of two fibrosis factors in tumor tissues by western blotting.. Compared with G-Rg3 solution (Rg3-S) and Rg3-L, FPC-Rg3-L had a significant inhibitory effect on 4T1 cells (. This study presents a new and safe treatment for TNBC, reduces the toxic and side effects of the drug, and provides a reference for the efficient use of Chinese herbal medicine components.

Topics: Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Ginsenosides; Humans; Liposomes; Mice; Quality of Life; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment

The chemotherapy effect of docetaxel (DTX) against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains mediocre and limited when encapsulated in conventional cholesterol liposomes, mainly ascribed to poor penetration and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) caused by tumor stroma cells, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Many studies have attempted to address these problems but trapped into the common dilemma of excessively complicated formulation strategies at the expense of druggability as well as clinical translational feasibility. To better address the discrepancy, ginsenoside Rg3 was utilized to substitute cholesterol to develop a multifunctional DTX-loaded Rg3 liposome (Rg3-Lp/DTX). The obtained Rg3-Lp/DTX was proved to be preferentially uptake by 4T1 cells and accumulate more at tumor site via the interaction between the glycosyl moiety of Rg3 exposed on liposome surface and glucose transporter1 (Glut1) overexpressed on tumor cells. After reaching tumor site, Rg3 was shown to reverse the activated CAFs to the resting stage and attenuate the dense stroma barrier by suppressing secretion of TGF-β from tumor cells and regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling. Therefore, reduced levels of CAFs and collagens were found in TME after incorporation of Rg3, inducing enhanced penetration of Rg3-Lp/DTX in the tumor and reversed immune system which can detect and neutralize tumor cells. Compared with wooden cholesterol liposomes, the smart and versatile Rg3-Lp/DTX could significantly improve the anti-tumor effect of DTX, providing a promising approach for TNBC therapy with excellent therapeutic efficacy and simple preparation process.

Topics: Docetaxel; Ginsenosides; Glucose; Glucose Transporter Type 1; Humans; Liposomes; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment

Taxane-based chemotherapy regimen is the most effective therapeutic strategy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) which is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with high rate of recurrence and distant metastasis. Ginsenoside Rg3 is isolated from Panax ginseng with anti-cancer activity against carcinomas. We aim to evaluate the chemosensitizing effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 on TNBC cells and xenograft and explore the underlying mechanism. Human triple-negative breast cancer lines MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453 and BT-549 were used. Cell viability and survival was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI assay and TUNEL. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine NF-κB activation. The NF-κB p65, Bcl 2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression were detected using Western blot analysis. The results showed that Ginsenoside Rg3 promotes cytotoxicity and apoptosis of Paclitaxel on TNBC cell lines and xenograft. Ginsenoside Rg3 combined Paclitaxel inhibited NF-κB activation, decreased NF-κB p65 and Bcl-2 protein expressions, increased Bax and Caspase-3 protein expressions. The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was significantly enhanced by the Ginsenoside Rg3 to Paclitaxel. Ginsenoside Rg3 promotes cytotoxicity and apoptosis of Paclitaxel by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and modulating Bax/Bcl-2 expression on TNBC. Ginsenoside Rg3 should be regarded as a good chemosensitizing agent for TNBC treatment.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Ginsenosides; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; NF-kappa B; Paclitaxel; Panax; Signal Transduction; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms