Nanoarchitectured conjugates targeting angiogenesis: investigating heparin-taurocholate acid conjugates (LHT7) as an advanced anti-angiogenic therapy for brain tumor treatment

Abstract Background Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain tumor associated with poor prognosis. Conventional therapeutic approaches have limitations due to their toxic effects on normal tissue and the development of tumor cell resistance. This study aimed to explore alternative mechanisms for glioblastoma treatment by targeting angiogenesis. Methods The study investigated the anti-angiogenic properties of heparin in glioblastoma treatment. To overcome the limitations of heparin, a heparin-taurocholate conjugate (LHT7) was synthesized by conjugating heparin to taurocholic acid. The study utilized the U87MG human glioblastoma cell line and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as experimental models. Cell viability assays and sprouting assays were performed to assess the effects of LHT7. Additionally, phosphorylation of angiogenesis-related proteins, such as phospho-ERK and phospho-VEGFR2, was measured. The anti-angiogenic effects of LHT7 were further evaluated using a glioblastoma orthotopic mouse model. Results Treatment with LHT7 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability in U87MG human glioblastoma cells. The sprouting of HUVEC cells was significantly decreased upon LHT7 treatment. Furthermore, LHT7 treatment led to a decrease in the phosphorylation of angiogenesis-related proteins, including phospho-ERK and phospho-VEGFR2. In the glioblastoma orthotopic mouse model, LHT7 exhibited anti-angiogenic effects, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Conclusions The conjugation of heparin and taurocholic acid to create LHT7 offers several advantages over conventional therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma. LHT7 demonstrated anti-angiogenic properties, as evidenced by the reduction in cell viability and inhibition of endothelial cell sprouting. Moreover, LHT7 modulated the phosphorylation of angiogenesis-related proteins. These findings suggest that LHT7 holds promise as a medication for glioblastoma treatment, offering potential implications for improving patient outcomes. Graphical Abstract