Hepatocytes targeting of cationic liposomes modified with soybean sterylglucoside and polyethylene g

AIM: In this study, a hepatocyte-specific targeting technology was developed by modifying cationic liposomes with soybean sterylglucoside (SG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (C/SG/PEG-liposomes).METHODS: The liposomal transfection efficiencies in HepG22.2.15 cells were estimated with the use of fluorescein sodium (FS) as a model drug, by flow cytometry. The antisense activity of C/SG/PEG-liposomes entrapped antisense oligonucleotides (ODN) was determined as HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2 2.2.15 cells by ELISA. The liposome uptake by liver and liver cells in mice was carried out after intravenous injection of 3H-labeled liposomes.RESULTS: C/SG-liposomes entrapped FS were effectively transfected into HepG2 2.2.15 cells in vitro. C/SG/PEGliposomes entrapped ODN, reduced the secretion of both HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2 2.2.15 cells when compared to free ODN. After in vivo injection of 3H-labeled C/SG/PEG-liposomes, higher radiation accumulation was observed in the hepatocytes than non-parenchymal cells of the liver.CONCLUSION: C/SG/PEG-liposomes mediated gene transfer to the liver is an effective gene-delivery method for hepatocytes-specific targeting, which appears to have a potential for gene therapy of HBV infections.