A Dual Stimuli-Responsive Nanoplatform Loaded PtIV-Triptolide Prodrug for Achieving Synergistic Therapy toward Breast Cancer

To strengthen the antitumor efficacy and avoid toxicity to normal cells of cisplatin and triptolide, herein, an acid and glutathione (GSH) dual-controlled nanoplatform for enhanced cancer treatment through the synergy of both 1+1 apoptosis and 1+1 ferroptosis is designed. Remarkably, ZIF8 in response to tumor microenvironment enhances drug targeting and protects drugs from premature degradation. Meanwhile, the Pt-IV center can be easily reduced to cisplatin because of the large amount of GSH, thus liberating the triptolide as the coordinated ligand. The released cisplatin and hemin in turn boost the tumor cell 1+1 apoptosis through chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, respectively. Furthermore, GSH reduction through Pt-IV weakens the activation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) effectively. The released triptolide can inhibit the expressions of GSH by regulating nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), further promoting membrane lipid peroxidation, thus 1+1 ferroptosis can be achieved. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the nanosystem can not only perform superior specificity and therapeutic outcomes but also reduce the toxicity to normal cells/tissues of cisplatin and triptolide effectively. Overall, the prodrug-based smart system provides an efficient therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment by virtue of the effect of enhanced 1+1 apoptosis and 1+1 ferroptosis therapies.

Automated summary

An acid and glutathione (GSH) dual-controlled nanoplatform is designed to strengthen the antitumor efficacy and avoid toxicity to normal cells of cisplatin and triptolide through the synergy of 1+1 apoptosis and 1+1 ferroptosis. The nanosystem shows superior specificity and therapeutic outcomes while reducing the toxicity to normal cells/tissues.