To find novel nano-materials with anti-osteoporosis activity and without side effects three novel anti-osteoporosis active amphiphiles, 17β-(RGD-AA-amido)-11α-hydroxyandrost-1,4-diene-3-one (5a: AA = Ser, 5b: AA = Val, 5c: AA = Phe), were constructed by coupling the bone resorption inhibiting active RGD-peptides and anti-osteoporosis active 17β-amino-11α-hydroxyandrost-1,4-diene-3-one. In the solid state 5a, 5b and 5c exist as dispersed globes of 300 nm–14 μm in diameter, dispersed eggs of 110 nm–19 μm in diameter and beads of 238 nm–22 μm in diameter, respectively. In ultrapure water 1.1 μM of 5a, 5b and 5c form nano-globes of 33–400 nm, 16–278 nm and 54–187 nm in diameter, respectively. At an oral dose of 110 nmol kg⁻¹5a–c effectively inhibited mice from developing osteoporosis. In contrast to estradiol, 5a–c did not induce mice to develop endometrial hyperplasia and thrombus.

Introduction: Protein p97 is an extensively investigated AAA ATPase with various cellular activities, including cell cycle control, ubiquitin–proteasome system, autophagy, and NF-κB activation.Method: In this study, we designed, synthesized and evaluated eight novel DBeQanalogs as potential p97 inhibitors in vivo and in vitro.Results: In the p97 ATPase inhibition assay, compounds 6 and 7 showed higher potency than the known p97 inhibitors, DBeQ and CB-5083. Compounds 4-6 dramatically induced G0/G1 phase arrest in the HCT116 cells, and compound 7 arrested the cells in both G0/G1 and S phases. Western blots showed elevated levels of SQSTM/p62, ATF-4, and NF-κB in HCT116 cells with the treatment of compounds 4–7, confirming their role in inhibiting the p97 signaling pathway in cells. In addition, the IC₅₀ of compounds 4–6 against HCT116, RPMI-8226, and s180 proliferation were 0.24–6.9 µM with comparable potency as DBeQ. However, compounds 4–6 displayed low toxicity against the normal human colon cell line. Thus, compounds 6 and 7 were proved to be potential p97 inhibitors with less cytotoxicity. In vivo studies using the s180 xenograft model have demonstrated that compound 6 inhibited tumor growth, led to a significant reduction of p97 concentration in the serum and tumor, and indicated non-toxicity on the body weight and organ-to-brain weight ratios except for the spleen at the dose of 90 μmol/kg/day for 10 days. Furthermore, the present study indicated that compound 6 may not induce s180 mice myelosuppression often observed in the p97 inhibitors.Conclusion: Compound 6 displayed high binding affinity to p97, great p97 ATPase inhibition, selective cytotoxicity, remarkable anti-tumor effect, and upregulated safety, which improved the clinical potential of p97 inhibitors.

Paclitaxel, a potent anti-tumor drug widely recognized for its therapeutic efficacy, has faced limitations in clinical application due to its poor solubility. The use of Cremophor EL (CrEL) as a cosolvent in paclitaxel injections has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a novel conjugate by linking a neuropilin-1 targeting peptide, RPPR, to paclitaxel, resulting in PTX-RPPR. This innovative approach has significantly enhanced the solubility of paclitaxel, achieving a 3.8 mg/mL concentration, a remarkable 90-fold increase over the native drug. PTX-RPPR has shown potent anti-tumor activity, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation with an IC₅₀ ranging from 0.26 to 1.64 μM and effectively suppressing migration, invasion, and angiogenesis at a concentration of 75 nM. Notably, in a 4T1 mammary carcinoma model, PTX-RPPR administered at a dose of 0.7 μmol/kg exhibited tumor growth inhibition comparable to that of paclitaxel at a higher dose of 3.5 μmol/kg, with superior efficacy in preventing lung metastasis. Furthermore, PTX-RPPR effectively reduced NRP-1 expression in both tumors and lungs post-treatment. In contrast to paclitaxel formulated with CrEL, PTX-RPPR did not induce IL-6 expression, suggesting a safer profile in terms of immunological response. Characterized by a particle size of 200 nm and a zeta potential of +30 mV, the nano-formulation of PTX-RPPR demonstrated remarkable stability over seven days. This study introduced PTX-RPPR as a promising peptide-drug conjugate that addresses the solubility and hypersensitivity issues associated with paclitaxel, offering a safer therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

Background: 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (ICCA) was modified by Trp-Phe-Phe to form 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-β-carboline-3-carbonyl-Trp-Phe-Phe (ICCA-WFF). Purpose: The object of preparing ICCA-WFF was to enhance the in vivo efficacy of ICCA, to explore the possible targeting action, and to visualize the nano-feature. Methods: The advantages of ICCA-WFF over ICCA were demonstrated by a series of in vivo assays, such as anti-tumor assay, anti-arterial thrombosis assay, anti-venous thrombosis assay, P-selectin expression assay, and GPIIb/IIIa expression assay. The nano-features of ICCA-WFF were visualized by TEM, SEM and AFM images. The thrombus targeting and tumor-targeting actions were evidenced by FT-MS spectrum analysis. Results: The minimal effective dose of ICCA-WFF slowing tumor growth and inhibiting thrombosis was 10-fold lower than that of ICCA. ICCA-WFF, but not ICCA, formed nano-particles capable of safe delivery in blood circulation. In vivo ICCA-WFF, but not ICCA, can target thrombus and tumor. In thrombus and tumor, ICCA-WFF released Trp-Phe-Phe and/or ICCA. Conclusion: Modifying ICCA with Trp-Phe-Phe successfully enhanced the anti-tumor activity, improved the anti-thrombotic action, formed nano-particles, targeted tumor tissue and thrombus, and provided an oligopeptide modification strategy for heterocyclic compounds.