Nano-traditional Chinese Medicine-Induced Cuproptosis and Ferroptosis in Tumor Resistance： A Review
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20250516
- VernacularTitle:纳米中药诱导铜死亡及铁死亡抗肿瘤的研究进展
- Author:
Haiping GUAN
1
;
Baoping LU
2
Author Information
1. The Second Clinical Medical School，Henan University of Chinese Medicine，Zhengzhou 450046，China
2. Institute of Hepatology，Henan University of Chinese Medicine，Zhengzhou 450046，China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
nano-traditional Chinese medicine;
cuproptosis;
ferroptosis;
tumor
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2025;31(13):308-314
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Cuproptosis and ferroptosis， two recently identified metal ion-dependent forms of cell death， are triggered by homeostasis dysregulation of intracellular copper and iron， as well as oxidative stress. They demonstrate considerable potential in anti-tumor therapy. Cuproptosis arises from mitochondrial dysfunction and proteotoxic stress caused by copper overload， while ferroptosis is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Although traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） exhibits regulatory effects on cuproptosis and ferroptosis， its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and low bioavailability. Through physical nanonization or carrier-based delivery technologies adopted by nano-TCM， the targeting specificity， stability， and bioavailability of drugs are significantly improved. By integrating sustained-release and controlled-release properties， metal ion homeostasis and redox balance in the tumor microenvironment （TME） can be precisely modulated. Research demonstrates that nano-TCM， such as celastrol-copper nanocomplexes （Cel-Cu NPs）， induces cuproptosis by augmenting intracellular copper accumulation and suppressing glutathione （GSH） levels. Nano-systems encapsulating camptothecin or artemisinin trigger ferroptosis via Fenton reaction and GSH depletion. Synergistic strategies of nano-materials， including ferrum-based metal-organic frameworks （Fe-MOFs） combined with piperlongumine， further amplify antitumor efficacy. Despite advancements in targeting cuproptosis and ferroptosis， challenges persist in nano-TCM development， including complex fabrication processes， suboptimal dosage optimization， and insufficient integration with the holistic principles of TCM. Future research should focus on exploring the interaction between cuproptosis and ferroptosis， developing multi-targeted nanodelivery systems， and fostering deeper integration of TCM theory with nanomedicine to advance novel therapeutic strategies for oncology.
