P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a major factor in the multidrug resistance phenotype in cancer cells. P-gp is a protein that regulates the ATP-dependent efflux of a wide range of anticancer medicines and confers resistance. Due to its wide specificity, several attempts have been made to block the action of P-gp to restore the efficacy of anticancer drugs. The major goal has been to create molecules that either compete with anticancer medicines for transport or function as a direct P-gp inhibitor. Despite significant in vitro success, there are presently no drugs available in the clinic that can “block” P-gp–mediated resistance. Toxicity, unfavourable pharmacological interactions, and a variety of pharmacokinetic difficulties might all be the reason for the failure. On the other hand, P-gp has a significant effect in the body. It protects the vital organs from the entry of foreign bodies and other toxic chemicals. Hence, the inhibitors of P-gp should not hinder its action in the normal cells. To develop an effective inhibitor of P-gp, thorough background knowledge is needed in this field. The main aim of this review article was to set forth the merits and demerits of the action of P-gp on cancer cells as well as on normal cells. The influence of P-gp on cancer drug delivery and the contribution of P-gp to activating drug resistance were also mentioned.

The development of cancer has been a multistep process involving mutation, proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis. Of all the characteristics of cancer, metastasis is believed to be the hallmark as it is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths. In connection with this, Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), that has a role in metastasis, are one of the novel therapeutic targets. MMPs belong to the family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases and are capable of degrading the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The role of MMPs in ECM remodeling includes tissue morphogenesis, uterine cycling, growth, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. During pathological conditions, MMPs play a critical role in the excessive degradation of ECM which includes arthritis, tumour invasion, tumour metastasis, and several other autoimmune disorders. Moreover, they are believed to be involved in many physiological aspects of the cell, such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. It is reported that dysregulation of MMP in a variety of cancer subtypes have a dual role in tumour growth and metastasis processes. Further, multiple studies suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting MMP in invading cancer. The expression of MMP-2 correlates with the clinical characteristics of cancer patients, and its expression profile is a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for a variety of human diseases. Hence, manipulating the expression or function of MMP-2 may be a potential treatment strategy for different diseases, including cancers. Hence, the present review discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting MMP in various types of cancers and their recent patents.

Many effective anti-glaucoma drugs available for the treatment of ocular hypertension and open angle glaucoma are associated with rapid and extensive precorneal loss caused by the drainage and high tear fluid turnover. The present study involved design of mucoadhesive nanoparticulate carrier system containing betaxolol hydrochloride for ocular delivery to improve its corneal permeability and precorneal residence time. Nanoparticles were prepared by spontaneous emulsification method and had a particle size of 168-260nm with zeta potential of 25.2-26.4 mV. The in vitro release studies in simulated tear fluid exhibited biphasic release pattern with an initial burst followed by sustained release upto 12 h. The sterility tests confirmed that formulation was free from viable microorganisms and suitable for ocular delivery. The ocular tolerance of nanoparticles was evaluated using Hen Egg-Chorion Allantoic Membrane (HE-CAM) method and was found to be non-irritant. Stability studies of nanoparticles revealed that there was no significant change in particle size and drug content after storage at 25±2°C/60±5% RH over a period of 3 months. In vivo pharmacodynamic studies were carried out in dexamethasone induced glaucoma model in rabbits. The developed nanoparticles showed significant decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to marketed formulation. Optimized formulation of BN3 showed gradual reduction of IOP reaching peak value of 9.9±0.5mm Hg, equivalent to 36.39±1.84% reduction in IOP compared to control at the end of 5 h which was significant (p < 0.05) compared to marketed formulation. Thus, our studies demonstrate that developed nanoparticles offer a promising delivery system for the management of glaucoma.

: At present, treatment methods for cancer are limited, partially due to the solubility, poor cellular distribution of drug molecules and the incapability of drugs to cross the cellular barriers. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) generally have excellent physio-chemical properties, which include High-level penetration into the cell membrane, high surface area, and high capacity of drug-loading by circulating modification with biomolecules, projecting them as an appropriate candidate to diagnose and deliver drugs to Prostate Cancer (PCa). Additionally, the chemically modified CNTs possess excellent 'biosensing' properties, thus helping them detect the PCa easily without a fluorescent agent and additionally, targeting the particular site of PCa. In this way, drug delivery can accomplish high efficacy, enhanced permeability with less toxic effects. While CNTs have been mainly engaged in cancer treatment, a few studies are focused on the diagnosis and treatment of PCa. Here, we have meticulously reviewed the current progress of the CNTs-based diagnosis and the targeted drug delivery system for managing and curing PCa.