Cancer, chitosan nanoparticles and catalytic nucleic acids

Abstract

Though few, attempts at encapsulating therapeutics such as deoxyribozymes and small or short interfering RNA have been optimistic and encouraging.

Influence of the Chemical Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Materials on Their Biomedical Activity

“…These chitosan-based conjugates are active against various tumours such as murine leukaemias (L1210 and P338), B16 melanoma, Sarcoma 180 solid tumour, murine liver metastatic tumour (M5076) and murine hepatic cell carcinoma (MH134). Further interesting examples of chitosan-anticancer drug conjugates are discussed in Tan et al (Tan et al, 2009). …”

Chitosan and Its Modifications: Are They Possible Vehicles for Gene Therapy?

“…Genetic material (DNA and RNA) has been explored for use as a treatment of genetic abnormalities or deficiencies, which is described as gene therapy. Gene therapy functions by transferring healthy genetic material or nucleic acid constructs, such as ribozymes, antisense molecules, decoy oligodeoxy nucleotides (ODNs), DNAzymes and siRNA, into diseased cells in an attempt to achieve a therapeutic effect that results in restoration of protein production, which was absent or deficient due to the preexisting genetic disorder (Tan et al, 2009). But using small nucleic acid, such as DNAzymes and siRNA, has some limitations, since they are rapidly degraded in plasma and cellular cytoplasm and cannot passively diffuse through cellular membrane, which is due to the strong anionic charge of the phosphate backbone and the consequent electrostatic repulsion from the anionic cell membrane surface as well as limited size of cellular entrance.…”

“…There are some studies that have attempted to use chitosan for cancer therapy. Chitosan itself was able to demonstrate growth inhibitory effects on cancer cells and has apoptosis effect on bladder tumour cells via caspase-3 activation (Tan et al, 2009). The various manufacturing processes for chitosan nano-/micro-particles/spheres (nanofabrication) has been described elsewhere (Masotti et al, 2009).…”

Macrophages directed approaches are paramount for effective cancer immunotherapies

“…Available data indicate that the number of cancer-related deaths is more than those caused by AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined; about one in four deaths is due to cancer. A major reason for this high mortality rate lies in resistant nature of variety of tumors against anti-cancer agents and bystander toxicity on healthy tissues and organs [1][2][3][4]. Cancer is caused by complex processes, which are directly linked to 'cell division', the fundamental process of life.…”