Development of Anticancer Ferric Complex Based on Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles That Generate Oxygen in Cells to Overcome Hypoxia-Induced Resistance in Metal Chemotherapy

J Med Chem. 2024 Jan 25;67(2):1184-1196. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01655. Epub 2024 Jan 5.

Abstract

To achieve the remarkable therapeutic efficacy of a ferric (Fe) complex via a reactive oxygen species (ROS) mechanism in solid tumors, a therapeutic Fe-based Schiff-base complex (Fe1) was synthesized and encapsulated in human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles (NPs), which generated oxygen (O2) in cancer cells in situ. The HSA-Fe1-O2 NP (HSA-Fe1-O2NP) delivery system effectively overcame hypoxia-induced resistance in metal chemotherapy, alleviated the hypoxic condition of tumor tissues, and showed excellent tumor suppression by generating excess ROS and promoting the apoptosis of SK-N-MC tumor cells. The HSA-Fe1-O2NPs not only enhanced the ability of the Fe1 complex to target tumor cells but also decreased adverse effects in vivo.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / drug therapy
  • Iron
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Oxygen
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Serum Albumin, Human*

Substances

  • Serum Albumin, Human
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Oxygen
  • Iron