Dendrosomal Curcumin Nanoformulation induces apoptosis via Bax/Bcl-2 in human ovarian cancer OVCAR3 cells

Abstract

Introduction

Curcumin (Cur), a yellow polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizome of turmeric, exhibits potent chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. However, its clinical application as an anticancer agent is hindered by poor water solubility and low bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, the present study introduces a novel nanoformulation in which curcumin is effectively encapsulated within 142 nm spherical dendrosomes, which serve as a non-toxic nanocarrier.

Methods

The morphological changes in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells were assessed using both inverted light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry using the MultiCycler software. Cells were treated with dendrosomal curcumin (DNC), oxaliplatin (Oxa), or a combination of both for 48 hours. Protein expression levels were analyzed by western blotting using enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection.

Results

Dendrosomal curcumin improves curcumin’s bioavailability and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Treatment with DNC and Oxa individually resulted in significant induction of apoptosis in OVCAR3 cells. The combination therapy further amplified this effect compared to either agent alone. Molecular analyses revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 at both mRNA and protein levels, supporting the activation of apoptotic pathways.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that both DNC and Oxa induce apoptosis in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells through modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expression. The enhanced efficacy observed in combination therapy highlights the therapeutic potential of DNC, in conjunction with conventional chemotherapeutics, as a promising strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.