title: Nanoformulations of a potent copper-based aquaporin inhibitor with cytotoxic effect against cancer cells.
abstract: Development of liposomal formulations of Cuphen, a potent copper-based aquaporin inhibitor with therapeutic potential against melanoma and colon cancer.
  
  
  
  Cuphen was incorporated into liposomes using the dehydration-rehydration method. The ability of Cuphen to induce cancer cell death was evaluated by MTS and ViaCount assays. In vivo toxicity studies were performed in BALB/c mice.
  
  
  
  In vitro studies illustrated the antiproliferative effects of Cuphen in different cancer cell lines, in free form or after incorporation into liposomes. In vivo studies revealed no toxic effects after parenteral administration of Cuphen liposomes.
  
  
  
  Cuphen liposomes are highly attractive to be further tested in murine models due to the possibility of stabilizing and specifically deliver this metallodrug to tumor sites.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Medicines ( iMed.ULisboa ), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nave
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Medicines ( iMed.ULisboa ), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rui E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Medicines ( iMed.ULisboa ), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Cecília Mp
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casini
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Medicines ( iMed.ULisboa ), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Graça
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Soveral
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Medicines ( iMed.ULisboa ), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Maria Manuela
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Gaspar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020346:Aquaporins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D056831:Coordination Complexes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010618:Phenanthrolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D020346:Aquaporins; D056831:Coordination Complexes; D008081:Liposomes; D010618:Phenanthrolines; D003300:Copper; C025205:1,10-phenanthroline
keywords: Cuphen; aquaporins; colon cancer; cytotoxic effect; in vivo toxicity studies; liposomes; melanoma; metallodrugs