Nanoliposome-Encapsulated 5-FU and Dorema aucheri Exhibits Reduced Tumor Growth in Colorectal Cancer Model

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in Iran have successfully developed a nanoliposome-encapsulated formulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Dorema aucheri (DA) extract, which has shown significant potential in reducing tumor growth in a mouse model of colorectal cancer. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, aimed to investigate the effects of liposome-encapsulated 5-FU and DA on tumor growth in a mouse model.

Key Takeaways:

  • The nanoliposomes developed in the study exhibited a spherical shape, uniform size, and average diameter of 146 ± 4.6 nanometers.
  • High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated that approximately 80% of the compound was successfully encapsulated within the nanoliposomes.
  • The MTT assay results showed that the nanoliposome-encapsulated 5-FU + DA formulation resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation.
  • The group treated with NLP + 5-FU + DA exhibited the slowest tumor volume growth and the highest weight gain compared to the control group.
  • The combination of nanoliposomes loaded with 5-FU and DA significantly reduced the expression levels of VEGF, VEGF-R2, VE-Cadherin, and VEGF-C genes in the tumor microenvironment.
  • The study concluded that the nanoliposome-encapsulated 5-FU and DA formulation has the potential to reduce the growth rate of colorectal tumors in mice.

Statistics:

  • 80% of the compound was successfully encapsulated within the nanoliposomes (HPLC analysis).
  • The nanoliposomes has an average diameter of 146 ± 4.6 nanometers (transmission electron microscopy).
  • The MTT assay results showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation by 50% (NLP + 5-FU + DA).
  • The NLP + 5-FU + DA group exhibited a 60% reduction in tumor volume growth compared to the control group.
  • The combination of nanoliposomes loaded with 5-FU and DA reduced the expression levels of VEGF, VEGF-R2, VE-Cadherin, and VEGF-C genes by 70% in the tumor microenvironment.

Sources:

  • Nanoliposome loaded with 5-fluorouracil and Dorema aucheri extract reduces tumor growth in a mouse model of colorectal cancer. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):34895.
  • Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany (publisher of Scientific Reports).
  • Firouzeh Nasimi, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran (corresponding author).
  • Additional authors: Fatemeh Keshavarz, Hassan Bardania, Mohsen Soltanshahi, Kamran Goudarzi, Erfan Azadifar, Niloufar Mohamadi, Parisa Ramiyan, and Ghasem Ghalamfarsa.