Development and Characterization of Curcumin Loaded PEGylated Niosomal Nanoparticles: Potential Anti-Cancer Effect on Breast Cancer Cells through RFC Gene Expression.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Recent studies emphasize the significant role of folate metabolic pathways in cancer progression. The Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC), a folate transporter in cell membranes, plays an essential role in transporting folate receptor-dependent drugs. Curcumin, a bioactive compound with anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, is hindered by low stability and a short half-life. Niosomes are versatile nanoparticles that can deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the anticancer effects of curcumin-loaded niosomal nanoparticles, focusing on their impact on RFC, BAX, and BCL-2 gene expression in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
Methods: Curcumin-loaded noisomal nanoparticles were synthesized by the thin-film hydration method. Then, the morphology, size, and physico-chemical nanoparticles were determined by FE-SEM, DLS, and FT-IR methods, respectively. The MTT results determined the cytotoxicity of free and nano-formulated curcumin; also, the gene expression of RFC, BCL-2, and BAX was evaluated using the Real-Time PCR method. Furthermore, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were investigated by Flow cytometry. Results: The results of the physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles showed that curcumin was appropriately loaded in niosomal NPs. The MTT results showed that curcumin loaded in niosomal NPs has a higher anti-proliferative effect than free curcumin. Real-time PCR results showed increased RFC and BAX gene expression and decreased BCL-2 gene expression; this change was more significant in the treatment with nano-formulated curcumin. The apoptosis and cell cycle analysis also confirmed that free and nano-formulated curcumin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggested that curcumin loaded in niosomal nanoparticles effectively improves the anticancer effect and could be a capable approach for treating breast cancer.
期刊介绍：
Cancer is a very complex disease. While many aspects of carcinoge-nesis and oncogenesis are known, cancer control and prevention at the community level is however still in its infancy. Much more work needs to be done and many more steps need to be taken before effective strategies are developed. The multidisciplinary approaches and efforts to understand and control cancer in an effective and efficient manner, require highly trained scientists in all branches of the cancer sciences, from cellular and molecular aspects to patient care and palliation.
The Asia Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention (APOCP) and its official publication, the Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (APJCP), have served the community of cancer scientists very well and intends to continue to serve in this capacity to the best of its abilities. One of the objectives of the APOCP is to provide all relevant and current scientific information on the whole spectrum of cancer sciences. They aim to do this by providing a forum for communication and propagation of original and innovative research findings that have relevance to understanding the etiology, progression, treatment, and survival of patients, through their journal. The APJCP with its distinguished, diverse, and Asia-wide team of editors, reviewers, and readers, ensure the highest standards of research communication within the cancer sciences community across Asia as well as globally.
The APJCP publishes original research results under the following categories:
-Epidemiology, detection and screening.
-Cellular research and bio-markers.
-Identification of bio-targets and agents with novel mechanisms of action.
-Optimal clinical use of existing anti-cancer agents, including combination therapies.
-Radiation and surgery.
-Palliative care.
-Patient adherence, quality of life, satisfaction.
-Health economic evaluations.
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