pectins and Liver-Neoplasms

Dietary fiber is described as the proportion of plant foods not digested in the human small intestine. Among the various kinds of pectin, apple pectin exerts a bacteriostatic action and therefore may change the composition of the intestinal flora. The diet supplemented with 20% apple pectin significantly decreased the number and the incidence of AOM-induced colon tumors in rats. The prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level in the distal colonic mucosa and blood of portal vein was lower in rats fed 20% pectin than those fed the basal diet. The ability of apple pectin to decrease PGE2 was dose-dependent and those results suggest an anti-inflammatory effect in the bowel. Rats fed apple pectin showed a significantly lower incidence of hepatic metastasis than those fed the basal diet. To determine whether the anti-inflammatory effect of Lactobacillus on hepatic metastasis model same as apple pectin, Lactobacillus casei was selected. Metastatic nodules were significantly reduced, especially in the group receiving pretreatment. Apple pectic oligosaccharides with small molecular weights showed highly inhibitory effects on hypoxanthin-xanthin oxidase and ferrous sulfate-hydrogen peroxide. The scavenging activity of apple pectic oligosaccharides was suitable and accelerated at high temperatures (120 degrees C, 30 min.). Apple pectin and Lactobacillus have a scavenger effect in the intestinal digestion and portal circulation system as an anti-inflammatory food and have very important function for the prevention of hepatic metastasis.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Colonic Neoplasms; Dietary Fiber; Dinoprostone; Free Radical Scavengers; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Lacticaseibacillus casei; Liver Neoplasms; Pectins; Rats; Rosales

Piperine (PIP) is a herbal drug with well-known anticancer activity against different types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma. However, low aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism limit its clinical use. In this study, positively charged PIP-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (PIP-NLCs) were prepared via melt-emulsification and ultra-sonication method followed by pectin coating to get novel pectin-coated NLCs (PIP-P-NLCs) targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Complete in vitro characterization was performed. In addition, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of nanosystems in HepG2 cells were evaluated. Finally, in vivo anticancer activity was tested in the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mice model. Successful pectin coating was confirmed by an increased particle size of PIP-NLCs from 150.28 ± 2.51 nm to 205.24 ± 5.13 nm and revered Zeta potential from 33.34 ± 3.52 mV to -27.63 ± 2.05 mV. Nanosystems had high entrapment efficiency, good stability, spherical shape, and sustained drug release over 24 h. Targeted P-NLCs enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake compared to untargeted NLCs. Furthermore, PIP-P-NLCs improved in vivo anticancer effect of PIP as proved by histological examination of liver tissues, suppression of liver enzymes and oxidative stress environment in the liver, and alteration of cell cycle regulators. To conclude, PIP-P-NLCs can act as a promising approach for targeted delivery of PIP to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Topics: Alkaloids; Animals; Benzodioxoles; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Drug Carriers; Lipids; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Nanostructures; Particle Size; Pectins; Piperidines; Polyunsaturated Alkamides

Low-molecular citrus pectin (LCP) is a pectin polysaccharide with low molec-ular weight, low degree of crux, and no branching. It is obtained by degrading natural citrus pectin (CP) through physical, chemical and enzymatic methods. LCP has received considerable attention in recent years due to its potential applications in the medical and biological fields.. In our previous study, LCP was prepared from CP by using recombinant Bacillus subtilis pectate lyase B. Monosaccharide comparative analysis revealed that the galacturonic acid content of LCP was higher than that of CP. The cell viability effect of LCP was elucidated by using HepG2 cells and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and flow cytometer propidium iodide stain-ing were performed to detect the effects of LCP on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Mi-tochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was observed through 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine assay.. The Mw of the prepared LCP was 7.6 kDa, which was significantly lower than that of CP (140 kDa). Cell viability decreased with the increase in the concentration of LCP. The half-inhibitory concentration of 1.46 ± 0.02 mg/mL was determined. Treatment with 1.6 mg/mL LCP in-duced the apoptosis of HepG2 cells with the inhibition rate of 83.10% ± 4.72%, and the cell cycle was arrested in the S phase. Furthermore, the MMP of HepG2 cells decreased with the increase in LCP concentration.. The enzymatically prepared LCP could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells. This study provided a partial experimental basis and reference for LCP to become a potential functional food for anti-liver cancer.

Topics: Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Pectins

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Asialoglycoprotein Receptor; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Cycle; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Deoxycholic Acid; Drug Delivery Systems; Hep G2 Cells; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Micelles; Particle Size; Pectins; Sorafenib; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Tablets; Temperature; Time Factors

In this study, we have reported the fabrication and evaluation of pectin-capped gold nanoparticles (PEC-AuNPs) for delivery of anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) to cells overexpressing asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). Pectin was used as a reducing, stabilizing and targeting agent. The pectin-capped gold nanoparticles demonstrated surface plasmon resonance band at 519 nm. The PEC-AuNPs were spherical in shape with a particle size of 14 nm and zeta potential value of -33 mV and were biocompatible and non-cytotoxic. The PEC-AuNPs exhibited a high drug loading efficiency of 78%. The DOX-loaded gold nanoparticles (DOX-PEC-AuNPs) showed excellent stability under varying pH and electrolytic conditions. The cytotoxicity study of the DOX-PEC-AuNPs in human Caucasian hepatocyte cells demonstrated their greater potency in killing these cells as compared to free DOX. The uptake and targeting potential of DOX-PEC-AuNPs was thoroughly investigated. Further, it was found that the PEC-AuNPs were taken up by HepG2 cells via a clathrin-dependent receptor-mediated endocytosis by asialoglycoprotein receptor present of the surface of these cells. Thus, the PEC-capped AuNPs can prove a promising carrier for anticancer drug in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Asialoglycoprotein Receptor; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Doxorubicin; Drug Carriers; Drug Liberation; Endocytosis; Engineering; Gold; Hemolysis; Hep G2 Cells; Hepatocytes; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Metal Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Pectins

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the greatest public health problems worldwide, and chemotherapy remains the major approach for the HCC treatment. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the anthracycline antibiotics but its clinical use is limited due to its severe cardiotoxicity. In this study, novel hybrid nanoparticles by self-assembling based on pectin-doxorubicin conjugates (PDC-NPs) were fabricated for HCC treatment. The stabilized structure of the PDC-NPs was characterized by methylene blue absorption, the size, zeta potential and the morphology, which was investigated by Zetasizer nanoparticle analyzer and transmission electron microscope (TEM), of nanoparticles. The PDC-NPs achieved a sustained and prolonged release ability, which was illustrated with in vitro drug release profiles, anti-cell proliferation study, cellular uptake assay and in vivo pharmacokinetics analysis. Biocompatibility of the PDC-NPs was assessed with bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption test, hemolysis activity examination and viability evaluation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Importantly, in vivo studies of the PDC-NPs, which were performed in the athymic BALB/c nude mice, demonstrated that the PDC-NPs significantly reduced the lethal side effect of DOX. Additionally, the H&E staining and serum biochemistry study further confirmed the excellent biological security of the PDC-NPs.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Delayed-Action Preparations; Doxorubicin; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Nanoparticles; Pectins; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

The fabrication and evaluation of a natural pectin-based drug delivery system are reported in this study. The drug delivery system displays specific active targeting ability to hepatocellular carcinoma due to the presence of excess galactose residues in the polymer structure as the natural targeting ligands. The system was prepared under very mild conditions in an aqueous medium containing Ca(2+) and CO3(2-) ions, generating uniform pectin-based nanoparticles with an average diameter of 300 nm, and the drug-loading content of anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is around 24.8%. Cytotoxicity study of the 5-FU-loaded nanoparticles (5-FU-NPs) in HepG2 and A549 cell lines demonstrated their greater potency in killing cancer cells with overexpressed asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) on the cell surface, compared to that of the free drug. Pharmacokinetics study using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats further confirmed that the drug-loaded nanoparticles showed a much longer half-life in the circulation fluids than the free drug. Tissue distribution was investigated on Kunming mice, and the results also demonstrated that the 5-FU-NPs has a long circulation effect. Taken together, the pectin-based drug delivery systems exhibit size-induced prolonged circulation as well as ASGP receptor-mediated targeting ability to cancer cell lines; therefore, it is a promising platform for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Biological Assay; Capsules; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Pectins; Rats

To observe the expression of galectin-3 in the liver metastasis of colon cancer in mice and the inhibitory effect of modified citrus pectin (MCP) on galectin-3 expression.. Seventy-five Balb/c mice were randomized into 5 groups, namely the negative control, positive control, low-concentration MCP, moderate-concentration MCP and high-concentration MCP groups. CT26 colon cancer cells were injected into the subcapsule of the mouse spleen to establish liver metastasis models of colon cancer, but the mice in the negative control group received no tumor cell injection. MCP was added into the drinking water of the mice at the concentrations of 0, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (m/V). The liver metastasis was observed 3 weeks after tumor cell inoculation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the serum galectin-3 level. A tissue microarray of the liver metastasis was prepared for immunohistochemical detection of galectin-3 expression in the liver metastasis.. In the positive control, low-, moderate- and high-concentration MCP groups, the rates of liver metastasis were 100%, 80%, 73.3% and 60%, respectively. The number of liver metastases in high-concentration MCP group was significantly smaller than that in the positive control group (P<0.05). In the 4 groups with tumor cell inoculation, the median volume of the primary lesions in the spleen was 1.51, 0.93, 0.77 and 0.70 cm(3), respectively, which were significantly smaller in the moderate- and high-concentration MCP groups than in the positive control group (P<0.05). The serum galectin-3 level in the positive control group and MCP-treated groups were significantly higher than that in the negative control group (P<0.01), but similar between the positive control group and the MCP-treated groups (P>0.05). In the positive control and the MCP-treated groups, the expression of galectin-3 in the liver metastases showed no significant differences (P>0.05).. The expression of galetin-3 is significantly increased in the liver metastasis of colon cancer, and MCP can effectively inhibit the liver metastasis.

Topics: Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Citrus; Colonic Neoplasms; Female; Galectin 3; Immunohistochemistry; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Pectins; Phytotherapy; Random Allocation

To discuss the expression of glactin-3 in liver metastasis of colon cancer and its inhibition by modified citrus pectin (MCP) in mice.. Seventy-five Balb/c mice were randomly divided into negative control group (n = 15), positive control group (n = 15), low MCP concentration group (n = 15), middle MCP concentration group (n = 15) and high MCP concentration group (n = 15). CT26 colon cancer cells were injected into the subcapsule of mouse spleen in positive control group, low, middle and high MCP concentrations groups, except in negative control, to set up a colon cancer liver metastasis model. The concentration of MCP in drinking water was 0.0%, 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (wt/vol), respectively. Liver metastasis of colon cancer was observed after 3 wk. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentration of galectin-3 in serum. Expression of galectin-3 in liver metastasis was detected by immunohistochemistry.. Except for the negative group, the percentage of liver metastasis in the other 4 groups was 100%, 80%, 73.3% and 60%, respectively. The number of liver metastases in high MCP concentration group was significantly less than that in positive control group (P = 0.008). Except for the negative group, the median volume of implanted spleen tumor in the other 4 groups was 1.51 cm(3), 0.93 cm(3), 0.77 cm(3) and 0.70 cm(3), respectively. The volume of implanted tumor in middle and high MCP concentration groups was significantly smaller than that in positive control group (P = 0.019; P = 0.003). The concentration of serum galectin-3 in positive control and MCP treatment groups was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. However, there was no significant difference between them. Except for the negative control group, the expression of galectin-3 in liver metastases of the other 4 groups showed no significant difference.. Expression of galetin-3 increases significantly in liver metastasis of colon cancer, which can be effectively inhibited by MCP.

Topics: Animals; Cell Adhesion; Cell Aggregation; Cell Line, Tumor; Citrus; Colonic Neoplasms; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Galectin 3; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Pectins; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Splenic Neoplasms

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using pectinate micro/nanoparticles as gene delivery systems. Pectinate micro/nanoparticles were produced by ionotropic gelation. Various factors were studied for their effects on the preparation of pectinate micro/nanoparticles: the pH of the pectin solution, the ratio of pectin to the cation, the concentration of pectin and the cation, and the type of cation (calcium ions, magnesium ions and manganese ions). After the preparation, the size and charge of the pectin micro/nanoparticles and their DNA incorporation efficiency were evaluated. The results showed that the particle sizes decreased with the decreased concentrations of pectin and cation. The type of cations affected the particle size. Sizes of calcium pectinate particles were larger than those of magnesium pectinate and manganese pectinate particles. The DNA loading efficiency showed that Ca-pectinate nanoparticles could entrap DNA up to 0.05 mg when the weight ratio of pectin:CaCl(2):DNA was 0.2:1:0.05. However, Mg-pectinate could entrap only 0.01 mg DNA when the weight ratio of pectin:MgCl(2):DNA was 1:100:0.01 The transfection efficiency of both Ca-pectinate and Mg-pectinate nanoparticles yielded relatively low levels of green fluorescent protein expression and low cytotoxicity in Huh7 cells. Given the negligible cytotoxic effects, these pectinate micro/nanoparticles can be considered as potential candidates for use as safe gene delivery carriers.

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Crystallization; DNA; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Gene Targeting; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Microspheres; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Pectins; Transfection