Integrin αvβ3 and LHRH Receptor Double Directed Nano-Analogue Effective Against Ovarian Cancer in Mice Model

Na Qi,1,* Xiantai Zhou,2,* Ningzhu Ma,2 Jianguo Zhang,2 Zhenlin Wang,2 Xin Zhang,1 Aimin Li1 1Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Aimin Li; Xin Zhang, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, People’s Republic of China, Email liaimin2005@163.com; 252089553@qq.comIntroduction: The high mortality rate of malignant ovarian cancer is attributed to the absence of effective early diagnosis methods. The LHRH receptor is specifically overexpressed in most ovarian cancers, and the integrin αvβ 3 receptor is also overexpressed on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. In this study, we designed LHRH analogues (LHRHa)/RGD co-modified paclitaxel liposomes (LHRHa-RGD-LP-PTX) to target LHRH receptor-positive ovarian cancers more effectively and enhance the anti-ovarian cancer effects.Methods: LHRHa-RGD-LP-PTX liposomes were prepared using the thin film hydration method. The morphology, physicochemical properties, cellular uptake, and cell viability were assessed. Additionally, the cellular uptake mechanism of the modified liposomes was investigated using various endocytic inhibitors. The inhibitory effect of the formulations on tumor spheroids was observed under a microscope. The co-localization with lysosomes was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and the in vivo tumor-targeting ability of the formulations was assessed using the IVIS fluorescent imaging system. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of the formulations was evaluated in the armpits of BALB/c nude mice.Results: The results indicated that LHRHa-RGD-LP-PTX significantly enhanced cellular uptake in A2780 cells, increased cytotoxicity, and hand a more potent inhibitory effect on tumor spheroids of A2780 cells. It also showed enhanced co-localization with endosomes or lysosome in A2780 cells, improved tumor-targeting capability, and demonstrated an enhanced anti-tumor effect in LHRHR-positive ovarian cancers.Conclusion: The designed LHRHa-RGD-LP-PTX liposomes significantly enhanced the tumor-targeting ability and therapeutic efficacy for LHRH receptor-positive ovarian cancers. Keywords: modified liposome, LHRHa, RGD, paclitaxel, ovarian cancer