Nanoliposomal ceramide prevents in vivo growth of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hephzibah Rani S. Tagaram, Nicole A. DiVittore, Brian M. Barth, James M. Kaiser, Diego Avella, Eric T. Kimchi, Yixing Jiang, Harriet C. Isom, Mark Kester*, Kevin F. Staveley-O'Carroll

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affects an increasing number of people worldwide. The poor survival rate of patients with HCC is manifested by an aggressive and metastatic phenotype, as well as a poor response to common therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nanoliposomal C6-ceramide as an antineoplastic agent in an in vivo model of human HCC. Methods: The growth-arresting and pro-apoptotic properties of nanoliposomal C6-ceramide were first evaluated in vitro in human SK-HEP-1 cells by assessing cellular viability, caspase 3/7 activity, annexin-V expression, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle distribution and AKT phosphorylation. SK-HEP-1 cells were then engrafted subcutaneously into athymic nude mice and nanoliposomal C6-ceramide was administered by tail vein injection. Tumour size was monitored over time, followed by excision of tumours to evaluate tumour vascularisation, proliferation, apoptosis and cellular signalling. Results: Nanoliposomal C6-ceramide, but not ghost (no ceramide) nanoliposomes, induced apoptotic cell death of SK-HEP-1 cells in vitro, concomitant with an accumulation of cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle and decreased phosphorylation of AKT. Systemic administration of nanoliposomal C6-ceramide to mice engrafted with SK-HEP-1 tumours reduced tumour vascularisation and proliferation, induced tumour cell apoptosis, decreased phosphorylation of AKT and ultimately blocked tumour growth. Conclusions: These studies show that nanoliposomal ceramide is an efficacious antineoplastic agent for the treatment of in vitro and in vivo models of human HCC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)695-701
Number of pages7
JournalGut
Volume60
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nanoliposomal ceramide prevents in vivo growth of hepatocellular carcinoma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this