Trehalose Liposomes Inhibit the Growth of Glioblastoma Cell In vitro and In vivo

The inhibitory effects of trehalose liposomes (TL) composed of α-D-glycopyranosyl-α-D-glucopyranoside monomyristate and L-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine on the growth of human glioblastoma (U-87MG) cells were evaluated. Induction of apoptosis was observed after fusion and accumulation of TL in U-87MG cell membranes. Increased membrane fluidity of U-87MG cells treated with TL was observed. TL caused apoptosis in U-87MG cells through the activation of mitochondria and apoptosis-inducing factor via a caspase-independent pathway. Tumor weights markedly decreased in orthotopic graft mouse models of glioblastoma (U-87MG) after intravenous administration of TL compared with those in the control group.