Exploiting Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery: Advancing the Anti-Cancer Effects of Autophagy-Modulating Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Background

Cancer continues to be a prominent issue in the field of medicine, as demonstrated by recent studies emphasizing the significant role of autophagy in the development of cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a variety of anti-tumor agents capable of regulating autophagy. However, the clinical application of autophagy-modulating compounds derived from TCM is impeded by their restricted water solubility and bioavailability. To overcome this challenge, the utilization of nanotechnology has been suggested as a potential solution. Nonetheless, the current body of literature on nanoparticles delivering TCM-derived autophagy-modulating anti-tumor compounds for cancer treatment is limited, lacking comprehensive summaries and detailed descriptions.

Methods

Up to November 2023, a comprehensive research study was conducted to gather relevant data using a variety of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Web of Science, and CNKI. The keywords utilized in this investigation included “autophagy”, “nanoparticles”, “traditional Chinese medicine” and “anticancer”.

Results

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of nanotechnology in overcoming delivery challenges and enhancing the anti-cancer properties of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM. The evaluation is based on a synthesis of different classes of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM, their mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, and their potential benefits as reported in various scholarly sources. The findings indicate that nanotechnology shows potential in enhancing the availability of autophagy-modulating agents in TCM, thereby opening up a plethora of potential therapeutic avenues.

Conclusion

Nanotechnology has the potential to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of autophagy-modulating compounds in traditional TCM, through regulation of autophagy.

Keywords:

• autophagy
• nano-delivery
• anti-cancer
• traditional Chinese medicine

Abbreviation

AKT, Protein kinase B; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG, Autophagy-associated protein; Beclin1, Recombinant Beclin 1; EPR, Enhanced permeability and retention; ERK, Extracellular regulated protein kinases; ICD, Immunogenic cell death; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; Keap1, Kelch-like ECH- associated protein l; LC3, Microtubule-Associated Protein 1 Light Chain 3; MAPK, Mitogen-activated protein kinase; MEK, Mitogen activation inhibitor; ML, Machine learning; mTOR, Mammalian target of rapamycin; Nrf2, Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2; PI3K, Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase; PTEN, Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten; RIP, Receptor interacting protein; SQSTM1, Recombinant Sequestosome 1; TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine; TPP, Triphenylphosphine; ULK1, UNC-51 Like Kinase 1; VPS34, Vacuolar Protein Sorting 3.

Data Sharing Statement

The current study does not have any datasets generated or analyzed for data sharing.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or all these areas; took part in drafting and writing, substantially revised or critically reviewed the article; have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted; reviewed and agreed on all versions of the article before submission, during revision, the final version accepted for publication; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no competing interests in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was not supported by grants from the institutional funds.