Sign in Subscribe
Asian medicine

Breakthrough in Liver Cancer Treatment: Astragaloside II-loaded Neutrophil Nanocarrier System Exhibits Potent Anticancer Effects

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of liver cancer using a novel delivery system. The Astragaloside II (ASII)-loaded neutrophil nanocarrier system, known as PG@AS-Neu, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer effects while maintaining the integrity of the cancer-fighting compound. This innovative system has the potential to improve the efficacy of liver cancer treatment and reduce adverse effects associated with current therapies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Astragaloside II (ASII)-loaded neutrophil nanocarrier system, PG@AS-Neu, was developed to enhance the tumor-targeting capability and therapeutic efficacy of ASII in liver cancer treatment.
  • The system consists of ASII encapsulated within PEG-PLGA nanomicelles and loaded into neutrophils, which are natural nanocarriers.
  • The PG@AS-Neu system demonstrated excellent stability, intact cellular morphology, and blood compatibility in hemolysis assays.
  • Cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion and migration assays revealed that both ASII and PG@AS-Neu significantly inhibited liver cancer cells, showing similar efficacy to free ASII.
  • The preparation process of PG@AS-Neu did not compromise the anticancer activity of ASII.
  • The PG@AS-Neu system holds significant potential for liver cancer treatment due to its potent anticancer effects and improved biosafety.

Statistics:

  • The study used dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy to characterize the physical properties of PG@AS-Neu.
  • The encapsulation efficiency and release profile of ASII were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography, showing high efficiency (80.6% ± 2.5%) and controlled release.
  • Hemolysis assays demonstrated the nanocarrier's blood compatibility, with an average hemolysis rate of 5.12% ± 1.23% after 24 hours.
  • The PG@AS-Neu system inhibited liver cancer cells in cell viability assays, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.03 μM.
  • The system also demonstrated significant apoptosis (p < 0.01) and invasion and migration inhibitions (p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • NewsRx LLC, "Studies from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Describe New Findings in Liver Cancer (Astragaloside Ii-loaded Neutrophil Nanocarrier Drug Delivery System for Liver Cancer Treatment)". Cancer Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 4673.
  • Journal of Biomaterials Applications, "Astragaloside Ii-loaded Neutrophil Nanocarrier Drug Delivery System for Liver Cancer Treatment". 2025.

Read more