Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop liposomes (LP) containing a curcumin (CU) analog CA7 to enhance its pharmacokinetic profile and anti-cervical cancer (CC) effects. METHODS: Single-factor and Box-Behnken experiments were conducted to optimize the formulation of CA7-loaded liposomes (CA7-LP). The in vitro release, stability, biocompatibility, and pharmacokinetic of CA7-LP were evaluated. The biological effects of CA7-LP on Hela cells were assessed using MTT assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays, and flow cytometry. Additionally, the anti-CC efficacy of CA7-LP was tested in mouse models of transplanted tumors. RESULTS: The optimal formulation of CA7-LP exhibited a particle size of 92.43 ± 1.52 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.27 ± 0.01, an encapsulation efficiency of 97.79 ± 1.49%, a drug loading of 3.23 ± 0.20%, and a zeta potential of -6.69 ± 0.77 mV. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that a spherical morphology was exhibited by CA7-LP. The cumulative in vitro release of CA7-LP was found to be 2.84 times greater than that of CA7, and stability at room temperature was maintained for at least 90 d. Furthermore, a significantly higher uptake of CA7-LP by Hela cells was observed compared to curcumin and CA7, leading to enhanced inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle, as well as increased apoptosis (p < 0.05). In vivo studies revealed that CA7-LP exhibited superior pharmacokinetic properties compared to CA7 (AUC: 3.58-fold, C(max): 5.65-fold, t(1/2z): 1.2-fold). The anti-CC effects of CA7-LP were found to be comparable to those of Cisplatin injection, with a better safety profile. CONCLUSION: The newly developed CA7-LP is considered a promising candidate for the treatment of CC, demonstrating high potential for clinical application.