Nanomedicine for Uterine Leiomyoma Therapy

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to engineer polymeric nanoparticles to encapsulate and deliver 2-methoxyestradiol, a potential antitumor drug for treatment of uterine leiomyoma (fibroids), the most common hormone-dependent pathology affecting women of reproductive age. METHODS/RESULTS: Encapsulation efficiency and drug release from the nanoparticles were monitored by HPLC. Cell morphology and in vitro cytotoxicity experiments were carried out in a human leiomyoma cell line. The nanoparticles displayed high encapsulation efficiency (>86%), which was verified by differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction. Excellent long-term stability of the nanoparticles and gradual drug release without burst were also observed. Cellular uptake of fluorescent nanoparticles was confirmed by confocal imaging. The drug-loaded poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity in human leiomyoma cells to a significantly greater extent than the free drug at 0.35 µM. CONCLUSION: This novel approach represents a potential fertility-preserving alternative to hysterectomy.