Use of nanosystems to improve the anticancer effects of curcumin

Abstract

Curcumin (CUR) is a phenolic compound that is safe for human consumption. It exhibits chemopreventive, antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic effects. However, these benefits can be hampered due to the lipophilic nature, rapid metabolism, low bioavailability, and fast elimination of the molecule. Considering this, the present work reviews the use of CUR-based nanosystems as anticancer agents, including conventional nanosystems (i.e., liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanocrystals, nanosuspensions, polymeric nanoparticles) and nanosystems that respond to external stimuli (i.e., magnetic nanoparticles and photodynamic therapy). Previous studies showed that the effects of CUR were improved when loaded into nanosystems as compared to the free compound, as well as synergist effects when it is co-administrated alongside with other molecules. In order to maximize the beneficial health effects of CUR, critical factors need to be strictly controlled, such as particle size, morphology, and interaction between the encapsulating material and CUR. In addition, there is an area of study to be explored in the development of CUR-based smart materials for nanomedical applications. Imaging-guided drug delivery of CUR-based nanosystems may also directly target specific cells, thereby increasing the therapeutic and chemopreventive efficacy of this versatile compound.

Keywords: nanocarrier; nanoformulations; nanosized delivery systems; phenolic compounds.

Figure 1

Effects of CUR on cancerous processes observed on clinical trials [–38]. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); cancer antigen 15.3 (CA15.3); DNA adduct 3-(2-deoxy-β-di-erythro-pentafuranosyl)pyrimido[1,2-α]purin-10(3H)-one (M1G); enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); colorectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF); prostaglandin E2 (PGE2); 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE); phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3); monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS); nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB).

Figure 2

Graphical representation of CUR-based nanosystems. Because of its poor water solubility, CUR will preferentially accumulate in the lipophilic component of the structures, such as the lipid cores or the phospholipids.

Figure 3

Key factors for the design of nanosystems for targeted cancer therapy.