title: Docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction for targeted tumor therapy in MHCC-H cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Efficient and targeted delivery of cytotoxic drugs is still a challenge in the fight against cancer. Ultrasound-targeted destruction of cytotoxic drug-loaded lipid microbubbles (LMs) might be a promising method. This study aimed to explore the antitumor effects of docetaxel-loaded LM (DLLM) combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) on liver cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  DLLMs were made by a mechanical vibration technique. The effects of docetaxel, DLLM alone, and DLLM + UTMD on cell viability and cell proliferation (Cell Counting Kit-8 assay) of MHCC-H cells and HepG2 cells were tested. The effects on cell cycle (flow cytometry) and apoptosis (flow cytometry and immunoblotting) of MHCC-H cells were tested. Solid fast-growing tumor mouse models were established and were randomized to blank LM + UTMD (controls) or DLLM + UTMD. Tumor volume was compared between the two groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DLLMs had an 18%±7% drug-loading capacity, an 80%±3% encapsulation efficiency, and a mean particle size of 2,845 nm (75% range 1,527-5,534 nm). Compared to the other groups, DLLM + UTMD decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of MHCC-H cells. DLLM + UTMD resulted in the inhibition of a higher proportion of cells in the G1 phase. Compared to the control group, the tumor volume in mice receiving DLLM + UTMD was smaller.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DLLM + UTMD can increase the proportion of cells arrested in the G1 phase, decrease tumor cell proliferation, and induce MHCC-H cell apoptosis. The growth of solid tumors in mice was inhibited. These results could provide a novel targeted strategy against liver cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital.
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital.
authors.forename: Ruijiao
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an.
authors.forename: Muqiong
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Chinese People's Liberation Army Hospital, Baoji, Shaanxi Province.
authors.forename: Kun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrasound, The 534 Hospital, Luoyang, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hongzhi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital.
authors.forename: Xiaodong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
keywords: docetaxel; lipid microbubble; liver cancer; ultrasound-triggered drug delivery