The Anti-Glioblastoma Effects of Novel Liposomal Formulations Loaded with Cannabidiol, Celecoxib, and 2,5-Dimethylcelecoxib

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapy efficacy remains limited due to the poor blood-brain barrier-penetrating power of drugs as well as dysregulated cellular signaling pathways of tumor cells leading to drug resistance. Novel drug delivery systems such as liposome-based nanoformulations improve the bioavailability and stability of water-insoluble drugs, while co-delivery of two anti-cancer compounds can further increase their anti-tumor effectiveness due to synergistic effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to obtain liposomal nanoformulations encapsulating cannabidiol (CBD), celecoxib (CELE), and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (DMC) and their combinations and to verify their anti-GBM properties. <b>Methods</b>: Five liposomal nanoformulations were obtained using a modified thin-film hydration technique. Two GBM cell lines and non-cancerous astrocytes were used for the biological evaluation of the tested nanoformulations. The cytotoxicity experiments were performed using the MTT assay, whereas flow cytometry-based analysis assessed the effect of the liposomes on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and oxidative stress. To determine the impact of the tested nanoformulations on Nrf2, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB signaling pathways, qPCR, Western blot and ELISA techniques were used. <b>Results</b>: The findings of this study demonstrate that liposomal nanoformulations containing CBD, CELE, and DMC exhibit significant anti-GBM activity, particularly through the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress and modulation of the key signaling pathways. Although no clear synergistic/additive effects were observed between CBD and CELE or DMC when co-loaded in nanoformulations, the combination of CBD and CELE effectively suppressed Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling and activated the Nrf2 pathway. These results support the therapeutic potential of liposome-based co-delivery of CBD and CELE in GBM therapy. However, further in vivo studies are warranted to determine these nanoformulations' translational relevance and clinical applicability.

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Publication Details

Journal
Pharmaceutics
Published
2025-08-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081031
Citations
5
Primary Topic
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
6.97

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article

The Anti-Glioblastoma Effects of Novel Liposomal Formulations Loaded with Cannabidiol, Celecoxib, and 2,5-Dimethylcelecoxib

Aleksandra Majchrzak‐Celińska, Ludwika Piwowarczyk, Violetta Krajka‐Kuźniak, Anna Rybarczyk
5 citations
Pharmaceutics
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
6.97
article

The Anti-Glioblastoma Effects of Novel Liposomal Formulations Loaded with Cannabidiol, Celecoxib, and 2,5-Dimethylcelecoxib

Aleksandra Majchrzak‐Celińska, Ludwika Piwowarczyk, Violetta Krajka‐Kuźniak, Anna Rybarczyk
article en
5 citations

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapy efficacy remains limited due to the poor blood-brain barrier-penetrating power of drugs as well as dysregulated cellular signaling pathways of tumor cells leading to drug resistance. Novel drug delivery systems such as liposome-based nanoformulations improve the bioavailability and stability of water-insoluble drugs, while co-delivery of two anti-cancer compounds can further increase their anti-tumor effectiveness due to synergistic effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to obtain liposomal nanoformulations encapsulating cannabidiol (CBD), celecoxib (CELE), and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (DMC) and their combinations and to verify their anti-GBM properties. <b>Methods</b>: Five liposomal nanoformulations were obtained using a modified thin-film hydration technique. Two GBM cell lines and non-cancerous astrocytes were used for the biological evaluation of the tested nanoformulations. The cytotoxicity experiments were performed using the MTT assay, whereas flow cytometry-based analysis assessed the effect of the liposomes on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and oxidative stress. To determine the impact of the tested nanoformulations on Nrf2, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB signaling pathways, qPCR, Western blot and ELISA techniques were used. <b>Results</b>: The findings of this study demonstrate that liposomal nanoformulations containing CBD, CELE, and DMC exhibit significant anti-GBM activity, particularly through the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress and modulation of the key signaling pathways. Although no clear synergistic/additive effects were observed between CBD and CELE or DMC when co-loaded in nanoformulations, the combination of CBD and CELE effectively suppressed Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling and activated the Nrf2 pathway. These results support the therapeutic potential of liposome-based co-delivery of CBD and CELE in GBM therapy. However, further in vivo studies are warranted to determine these nanoformulations' translational relevance and clinical applicability.

PharmaceuticsVol. 17(8)
Poznan University of Medical Sciences (PL)
Narodowe Centrum Nauki
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
6.97
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