Abstract
PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is currently the primary chemotherapeutic agent for CRC, but its efficacy is limited by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we present a combined approach of chemotherapy and TME modulation for CRC treatment. A multifunctional nanosystem (Rg3-Lip-OXA/CaO(2)) was established using Ginsenoside Rg3 liposomes targeting glucose transporter 1 overexpressed on the surface of CRC cells to co-deliver OXA and calcium peroxide (CaO(2)). METHODS: The CaO(2) nanoparticles were synthesized via the CaCl(2)-H(2)O(2) reaction under alkaline conditions and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Rg3-Lip-OXA/CaO(2) was prepared through a thin-film hydration approach and characterized; additionally, its stability and release behavior were studied. The O(2), H(2)O(2), and Ca(2+) generation ability of Rg3-Lip-OXA/CaO(2) in solution and HCT116 cells were measured. The in vitro cellular uptake was observed via fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and live/dead cell staining. The in vivo targeting effect as well as antitumor efficacy were determined in HCT116 tumor-bearing mice. Finally, the acute toxicity of Rg3-Lip-OXA/CaO(2) was investigated in ICR mice to explore its safety. RESULTS: The XRD and XPS analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of CaO(2) nanoparticles. The Rg3-Lip-OXA/CaO(2) exhibited an average particle size of approximately 92.98 nm with good stability and sustained release behavior. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed optimal targeting by Rg3-Lip and demonstrated that the nanosystem effectively produced O(2), H(2)O(2) and Ca(2+), resulting in significant cytotoxicity. Additionally, in vivo studies revealed substantial tumor growth suppression and reduced tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) and collagen. Acute toxicity studies indicated that Rg3-Lip-OXA/CaO(2) markedly reduced the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSION: This multifunctional nanosystem enhances chemotherapy efficacy and reduces toxicity, offering a promising approach for optimizing CRC treatment and potential clinical application.