Co-delivery of curcumin and STAT3 siRNA using deformable cationic liposomes to treat skin cancer.
Skin cancer is one of the most widely prevalent cancer types with over expression of multiple oncogenic signaling molecules including STAT3. Curcumin is a natural compound with effective anti-cancer properties. The objective of this work was to investigate the liposomal co-delivery of curcumin and STAT3 siRNA by non-invasive topical iontophoretic application to treat skin cancer. Curcumin was encapsulated in cationic liposomes and then complexed with STAT3 siRNA. The liposomal nanocomplex was characterized for particle size, zeta-potential, drug release and stability. Human epidermoid (A431) cancer cells were used to study the cell uptake, growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of curcumin-loaded liposome-siRNA complex. Topical iontophoresis was applied to study the skin penetration of nanocomplex in excised porcine skin model. Results showed that curcumin-loaded liposome-siRNA complex was rapidly taken up by cells preferentially through clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. The co-delivery of curcumin and STAT3 siRNA using liposomes resulted in significantly (p < .05) greater cancer cell growth inhibition and apoptosis events compared with neat curcumin and free STAT3 siRNA treatment. Furthermore, topical iontophoresis application enhanced skin penetration of nanocomplex to penetrate viable epidermis. In conclusion, cationic liposomal system can be developed for non-invasive iontophoretic co-delivery of curcumin and siRNA to treat skin cancer.
a Department of Pharmacy , Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani , Hyderabad Campus , Hyderabad , India.
Anup
A
Jose
a Department of Pharmacy , Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani , Hyderabad Campus , Hyderabad , India.
Suman
S
Labala
a Department of Pharmacy , Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani , Hyderabad Campus , Hyderabad , India.
Venkata Vamsi Krishna
VV
Venuganti
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002412:Cations; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003474:Curcumin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis; D008081:Liposomes; D010316:Particle Size; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050796:STAT3 Transcription Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D012869:Skin Absorption; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D002412:Cations; D008081:Liposomes; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D050796:STAT3 Transcription Factor; C494086:STAT3 protein, human; D003474:Curcumin
Cationic liposome; STAT3 siRNA; curcumin; iontophoresis; skin cancer