Apoptosis Induction by ZnFe2O4-Ag Biosynthesized by Chlorella vulgaris in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

The incidence and mortality of breast cancer are growing which indicates the inefficiency of the current chemotherapy drugs. Due to the anticancer potential of Zn and Ag and the magnetic feature of iron oxide, in this work, we synthesized ZnFe2O4-Ag nanocomposite using Chlorella vulgaris and investigated its anticancer effect on breast cancer cell line. Physicochemical characterization was performed by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, VSM, EDS mapping, UV, and zeta potential assays. Cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis frequency were studied by the MTT and flow cytometry assays. Also, cell cycle analysis, Hoechst staining, and measuring ROS (reactive oxygen species) level were performed. The synthesized particles were almost spherical with a size range of 14-52 nm. The FT-IR and XRD assays confirmed the proper synthesis of the particles and VSM analysis showed that particles had magnetic property and the maximum saturation magnetization was 0.8 Emu/g. Also, the EDS mapping of the nanocomposite showed the Zn, Fe, O, and Ag elements. The MTT assay showed that the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ZnFe2O4-Ag for breast cancer and normal cells were 28 and 154 µg/mL, respectively, and the nanocomposite had stronger anticancer activity than cisplatin (IC50 = 84 µg/mL). Flow cytometry analysis showed that the exposure to the nanocomposite induced cell apoptosis by 77.5% and significantly induced ROS generation. Also, treating breast cancer cells with the nanocomposite induced cell cycle arrest and apoptotic features, including chromatin condensation and fragmentation. In conclusion, ZnFe2O4-Ag nanocomposite synthesized by C. vulgaris could suppress the proliferation of breast cancer cells by the generation of oxidative stress, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest.

Preparation of biogenic silver chloride nanoparticles from microalgae Spirulina Platensis extract: anticancer properties in MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Breast carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer related-deaths among women. Given its high incidence and mortality rates, searching for innovative treatments represents a formidable challenge within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study delves into the preparation, characterization, and anticancer properties of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs) as a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer cells, employing a biological synthesis method.

METHODS

This investigation, utilized spirulina platensis extract to synthesize silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs-SP). The formation, size, and structure of the nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray crystallography (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Additionally, the apoptotic and anticancer properties of AgCLNPs-SP were thoroughly examined.

RESULTS

The results, revealed AgCLNPs-SP to exhibit a spherical, morphology with a size range of 40-70 nm, primarily silver and chlorine. The dose-dependent response of AgCLNP-SP against MDA-MB231 cells was ascertained using the MTT Assay, with an IC50 value of 34 µg/mL. Furthermore, the Annexin V-FITC/ PI apoptosis assay demonstrated a significant proportion of early apoptosis (43.67%) in MDA-MB231 cells. This apoptosis process was substantiated by up-regulation in mRNA expression levels of P53, CAD, and Bax genes, alongside a down-regulation of the of bcl2 gene expression. Additionally, an augmented production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle analysis, Hoechst staining assay, and evaluated levels of Caspase - 3, -8 and - 9 were observed in AgCLNPs-SP-treated MDA_MB231 cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the results suggest that AgCLNPs-SP may be a promising agent for treating breast cancer.

Evaluation of FOXCUT, CCAT2, and HULC LncRNA Expression Levels and Apoptosis Induction by Sodium Butyrate in PC-3 and LNCAP Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

Sodium butyrate (NaBu) is a short-chain fatty acid acting as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and has been shown to be a potential regulator of cancer cell death. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NaBu on cell cycle control, apoptosis, and expression of some lncRNAs in two human prostate cancer cells (PC-3 and LNCAP). Cell viability was assessed and the appropriate dose was determined using the MTT assay. Real-time PCR technique was also used to evaluate the expression levels of HULC, FOXCUT, and CCAT2 lncRNAs. Apoptosis was diagnosed using annexin V staining, and cell cycle distribution was then assessed using flow cytometry with propidium iodide DNA staining. NaBu induced apoptosis in both prostate cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The expressions of CCAT2 and HULC lncRNAs genes have significantly decreased in the presence of NaBu (P <0.05) in both PC3 and LNCAP cell lines, in comparison with the control. However, no significant difference was observed in the expression of FOXCUT lncRNAs. Moreover, the results of flow cytometry showed an increase in cell cycle arrest of LNCAP cell line at the sub-G1 stage as compared to the control cells, but no significant difference was observed between the control cells and NaBu-exposed PC-3 cells. In addition, the percentages of early and late apoptotic cells following treatment with NaBu were 80% and 49.63% in LNCAP and PC-3 cells, respectively. Our results suggest that NaBu has a positive effect on the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell cycle in PC-3 and LNCAP prostate cancer cells.

Evaluation of Metastasis Suppressor Genes Expression and In Vitro Anti-Cancer Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7 and T47D

Background:

Metallic nanoparticles are useful materials to be applied in biomedical research. In this study, the possible apoptotic and anti-metastatic activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) was assessed in breast cancer cells.

Methods:

First, in vitro cell viability was investigated by MTT assay in two human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T47D) and normal Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells at 37°C overnight. Apoptosis induced by ZnONPs was evaluated by annexin V/PI staining, cell cycle analysis and caspase assay in cancerous cells. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR was employed for the detection of two metastasis suppressor genes (KAI-1 and NM23) expression in cancerous cells.

Results:

Data demonstrated that ZnONPs exert a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of T47D and MCF-7 cells, while no cytotoxic effect was observed on normal HEK293 cells. The mRNA expression levels of KAI-1 and non-metastatic protein (NM23) genes were up-regulated in ZnONP-exposed cancerous cells. ZnONPs were also found to enhance the apoptosis properties of cells by annexin V/PI staining, and caspase assay in cancerous cells. Furthermore, ZnONPs can increase sub-G1 population as compared to negative control.

Conclusion:

Our findings showed that ZnONPs induce apoptotic activity and can modulate metastasis by up-regulating of KAI-1 and NM23 gene expression in two breast cancer (MCF-7 and T47D) cells.

Zinc-Phosphate Nanoparticles as a Novel Anticancer Agent: An In Vitro Evaluation of Their Ability to Induce Apoptosis

In the current study, zinc-phosphate nanoparticles (ZnPNPs) were investigated for the first time due to their anticancer activity against breast cancer Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell line. The modification of such nanoparticles (NPs) was further examined for physicochemical characterization using various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential calculation, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersed spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Then, the newly fabricated ZnPNPs were tested for their in vitro cell cytotoxicity against breast cancer MCF-7 cells and noncancerous human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells, using MTT assay as a colorimetric one to assess cell metabolic activity for 24 h. The apoptotic efficacy of the NPs was subsequently confirmed through data obtained from Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) staining kit and cell cycle analysis. Determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was further performed via flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression of tumor suppressor genes p53 was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also, the prepared NPs showed a mean particle size of 38 nm. The measurements correspondingly showed that the cytotoxicity of MCF-7 cells depends on the concentration of NPs (IC₅₀ = 80.112 μg/mL). MCF-7 cells were associated with initiation of apoptotic pathway in cells. Additionally, flow cytometry revealed cell cycle arrest in sub-G1 phase. ROS production was also obtained after treatment with IC₅₀ concentration. According to annexin V-FITC/PI staining kit data, the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells was 78.2% in those treated with ZnPNPs. Moreover, the real-time PCR results demonstrated the ability of NPs in upregulating p53 gene expression. In summary, the data demonstrated that fabricated ZnPNPs had prominence to act as antitumor agents in breast cancer therapy.

Preparation, characterization, and anticancer efficacy of novel cobalt oxide nanoparticles conjugated with thiosemicarbazide

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in modern societies. Previous studies have shown that the use of nanoparticle complexes is effective in the treatment of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and anticancer properties of cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized by glutamic acid (Glu) and conjugated with thiosemicarbazide (TSC) on gastric cancer (AGS) cell line. First, the Co₃O₄@Glu/TSC nanoparticles were synthesized via co-condensation reaction. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) tests were performed for identifying the morphology, structure, size and functional groups of produced nanoparticles. MTT assay was also performed to evaluate cytotoxicity effect. Moreover, Annexin V/PI staining with flow cytometry analysis, caspase-3 activation assay, and Hoechst 33258 staining was carried out for evaluating apoptosis. The FTIR results showed that the components of Co₃O₄@Glu/TSC NPs complex were successfully fabricated. Crystallographic structure of Co₃O₄@Glu/TSC NPs was confirmed by XRD patterns. SEM results indicated that the size of the nanoparticles was in the range of 16-40 nm. An EDX spectrum was determined and data explained the existence of cobalt as the prominent element. MTT test results showed that AGS cell life was significantly decreased compared to the control group with increasing concentration of nanoparticles (dose-dependent) (P < 0.05), IC₅₀ = 107.5 μg/mL. The results of flow cytometry assay and caspase-3 activity showed that fabricated Co₃O₄@Glu/TSC NPs induced apoptosis in the treated group. Moreover, Co₃O₄@Glu/TSC NPs treated AGS cells indicate an increase in the apoptotic characteristics including nuclear fragmentation. In the current work, the promising cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activities of Co₃O₄@Glu/TSC NPs complex toward gastric cancer (AGS) cell line were showed and it can be suggested for the drug delivery system.

Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposite biosynthesised using Spirulina platensis extract and its enhanced anticancer efficiency

In this work, the authors investigated the apoptotic activities of Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite biosynthesised by Spirulina platensis extract against MCF-7 (human breast cancer cells). The physico-chemical properties of prepared Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite were studied by different spectroscopic methods. To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect, MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite and examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, apoptotic effects were also studied by Hoechst 33258 staining, caspase 3 activation assays, and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide staining. Microscopic observations of Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposites indicated approximately spherical shape and small particles in the size range of about 30-50 nm. The MTT assay result revealed that the Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite causes a dose-dependent cell proliferation reduction in MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 135 μg/ml). Regarding to the Annexin V/PI staining result, the increase percentage of apoptotic cells (28.09%) was detected as compared to untreated cells. According to the caspase assay, Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite enhances caspase 3 level. Furthermore, in vitro anti-cancer activity of the nanocomposite was performed by Hoechst 33258 staining method. The proposed data suggest that Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite may be an effective agent for the inhibition of breast cancer cells at in vitro level.

A novel bioactive nanoparticle synthesized by conjugation of 3-chloropropyl trimethoxy silane functionalized Fe3O4 and 1-((3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)-2-(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl) hydrazine: assessment on anti-cancer against gastric AGS cancer cells

Gastric cancer is one of the common types of cancer around the world which has few therapeutic options. Nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives such as thiazoles are used as the basis for the progression of the drugs. The objective of this study was to synthesize the 1-((3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) methylene)-2-(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl) hydrazine (TP) conjugating with (3-Chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane (CPTMOS)-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) for anti-cancer activities against gastric AGS cancer cell line. The synthesized Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM and Zeta potential analyses. To evaluate the toxicity of the above compound after AGS cell culture in RPMI₁₆₄₀ medium, the cells were treated at different concentrations for 24 h. The viability of the cells was investigated by MTT assay. Moreover, apoptosis induced by Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs was assessed by Hoechst 33432 staining, oxygen activity specification evaluation, caspase-3 activity assay, cell cycle analysis and annexin V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. The IC₅₀ value in AGS cells was estimated to be 95.65 µg/ml. The flow cytometry results of Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs revealed a large number of cells in the apoptotic regions compared to the control cells and the cells treated with TP. In addition, the amount of ROS production and caspase-3 activity increased in the treated cells with Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs. The percentage of inhibited cancer cells in the G₀/G₁ phase increased under the treatment in the binding state to the nonionic iron oxide nanoparticles. Overall, this study showed that Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NP had effect on induction of apoptosis and inhibiting the growth of AGS cancer cells. Thus, Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NP can be considered as a new anti-cancer candid for next phase of studies on mouse models.

Novel pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone conjugated magnetite nanoparticulates (MNPs) promote apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells

The present study highlights the apoptotic activity of magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticulates functionalized by glutamic acid and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (PTSC) toward human lung epithelial carcinoma A549 cell line. To this aim, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticulates were prepared using co-precipitation method. Then, the glutamic acid and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticulates were conjugated to each other. The product was further functionalized with bio-reactive PTSC moiety. In addition, the synthesized Fe₃O₄@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulates were characterized by physico-chemical techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and zeta potential analysis. The effects of in vitro cell viability in Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulate indicated the anti-proliferative properties in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 135.6 µM/mL). The high selectivity for tumor cells and far below of activity in HEK293 non-tumorigenic cells is considered as an important feature for this complex (SI, 3.48). Based on the results, PTSC failed to reveal any activity against A549 cells alone. However, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticulates had some effects in inhibiting the growth of lung cancer cell. Furthermore, Bax and Bcl-2 gene expressions were quantified by real-time PCR method. The expression of Bax increased 1.62-fold, while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased 0.76-fold at 135.6 µM/mL concentration of Fe₃O₄@Glu/PTSC compared to untreated A549 cells. Furthermore, the Fe₃O₄@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulate-inducing apoptosis properties were evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining, Caspase-3 activation assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. The results of the present study suggest that Fe₃O₄@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulates exhibit effective anti-cancer activity against lung cancer cells.

Green Engineered Biomolecule-Capped Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated from Cichorium intybus Extract: In Vitro Assessment on Apoptosis Properties Toward Human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells

The current experiment reveals the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Cichorium intybus, a significant medicinal plant. The characteristics of AgNPs were continuously studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Current microscopic results show that produced AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 17.17 nm. A strong peak between 2 and 4 keV showed the greatest ratio of the elemental silver signals, due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The AgNPs, fabricated by green method, had a negative zeta potential of - 9.76 mV, which indicates that the synthesized AgNPs is dispersed in the medium with high stability. The in vitro cytotoxicity effect of AgNPs showed promising anticancer activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, and upregulation of caspase 3 activity revealed significant apoptosis activities of AgNPs against MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the flow cytometric analyses of cell cycle distribution of MCF7 cells showed that AgNPs treatment has enhanced the sub-G1 peaks, which is an indicator of apoptosis pathway. Overall results in our study suggested that AgNPs fabricated by a biogreen approach could be useful in cancer therapy.

Anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties of ethanolic leaf extract of Thymus vulgaris and its bio-functionalized silver nanoparticles

This study highlights the anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities of bio-functionalized Thymus vulgaris silver nanoparticles (TVAgNPs) and bioactive compounds were compared using the human breast cancer T47D cell line. The aqueous ethanolic extract of T. vulgaris evaluated for chemical composition using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. The prepared TVAgNPs were determined by means of UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersed spectroscopy analysis. The T. vulgaris extract and TVAgNPs were studied for their in vitro anti-oxidant property by 2, 2-diphenyl, 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Microscopic observations indicated spherical shaped and monodispersed nanoparticles and the average size of the nanoparticles was about 30 nm. Regarding the elemental composition profile of the TVAgNPs, the highest signal of silver (89.30%) was detected followed by other elements. An absorption peak was registered at 440 nm according to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the TVAgNPs in solution. A zeta potential of fabricated nanoparticles was approximately - 12.6 mV, indicating higher stability of the bio-functionalized TVAgNPs. The T. vulgaris extract and synthesized TVAgNPs were evaluated for their anti-cancer activity using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin V double staining with propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometric analysis toward T47D cells. The cytotoxicity properties of the bio-functionalized T. vulgaris AgNPs revealed that the sensitivity of T47D human breast cancer cells is high compared with T. vulgaris extract. The Annexin V/PI staining indicated that the fabricated TVAgNPs shows increased apoptosis in T47D cells as compared to untreated cells. Besides, the anti-oxidant activity of the TVAgNPs clarified a higher anti-radical-scavenging activity compared to Thymus vulgaris extract. Our data show that the potential biological activities of the bioactive constituents of T. vulgaris can be enhanced through bio-functionalized T. vulgaris AgNPs due to the bioorganic compounds that exist in the extract.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties of phytosynthesised Artemisia quttensis Podlech extract mediated AgNPs

The focus of this study is on a rapid and cost-effective approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Artemisia quttensis Podlech aerial parts extract and assessment of their antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities. The prepared AgNPs were determined by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering and zeta-potential analysis. The AgNPs and A. quttensis extract were evaluated for their antiradical scavenging activity by 2, 2-diphenyl, 1-picryl hydrazyl assay and anticancer activity against colon cancer (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line 29) compared with normal human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Also, the prepared AgNPs were studied for its antibacterial activity. The AgNPs revealed a higher antioxidant activity compared with A. quttensis extract alone. The phyto-synthesised AgNPs and A. quttensis extract showed a dose-response cytotoxicity effect against HT29 and HEK293 cells. As evidenced by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, the number of apoptotic HT29 cells was significantly enhanced, following treatment with AgNPs as compared with untreated cells. Besides, the antibacterial property of the AgNPs indicated a significant effect against the selected pathogenic bacteria. These present obtained results show the potential applications of phyto-synthesised AgNPs using A. quttensis aerial parts extract.

Photo-catalytic, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties of phyto-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Artemisia tournefortiana Rchb extract

Metal nanoparticles have largely been investigated due to their potential medicinal activities. This study demonstrates the biological properties of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using Artemisia tournefortiana Rchb ethanol extract. Instrumentations such as ultraviolet-visible spectra analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to reveal the synthesized AgNPs. Microscopic results showed that the particles were mostly spherical in shape, having an average diameter of 22.89±14.82nm. The antibacterial activity of the phyto-fabricated AgNPs was investigated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The in vitro cytotoxicity effect was investigated against normal human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and human colon adenocarcinoma cancer (HT29) cells. The apoptotic cells were identified by annexin V/PI FITC staining, and morphological assessment. The expressions of Bax and Bcl2 were evaluated by quantitative real time PCR method. The phyto-synthesized AgNPs have shown increased cell apoptosis and demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HT29 cancer cells. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the phyto-synthesized AgNPs was evaluated by degradation of Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 under UV light exposure and these fabricated Ag nanoparticles demonstrated efficacy in degrading the dye within 60min. Overall, the present results highlighted the antibacterial and anticancer properties of fabricated AgNPs, suggesting that phyto-synthesized silver nanoparticles could possess potent anti-pathogenic bacteria and anti-colon cancer activities.

Imatinib induces up-regulation of NM23, a metastasis suppressor gene, in human Hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) Cell Line

AIM

The present study investigated the anti-tumor activity of Imatinib mesylate through modulation of NM23 gene expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line.

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered to be the third leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Down regulation of NM23, a metastasis suppressor gene, has been associated with several types of malignant cancer. Recently, effects of Imatinib mesylate, a first member of tyrosine kinases inhibitors, were indicated in research and treatment of different malignant tumors.

METHODS

Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay after HepG2 cells exposure to Imatinib mesylate at various concentrations of 0, 1.56, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25,50μM for 24 hours. Also, quantitative real time PCR technique was applied for the detection of NM23 gene expression in HepG2 cell line.

RESULTS

There was a dose dependent increase in the cytotoxicity effect of imatinib. The real time PCR results demonstrated that inhibitory effect of Imatinib mesylate on viability via up regulation of NM23 gene expression compared to GAPDH gene (internal control gene) in cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, imatinib can modulate metastasis by enhancing Nm23 gene expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line.

Novel chlorambucil-conjugated anionic linear-globular PEG-based second-generation dendrimer: in vitro/in vivo improved anticancer activity

Evaluating the efficacy of anticancer drugs is an evolving and research-oriented issue. The objective of this study was to reduce the insolubility of chlorambucil (CBL) in water and improve the anticancer activity of CBL in vitro and in vivo through the conjugation of CBL with anionic linear-globular dendrimer (second generation, G2). In the current study, the anticancer activity among three groups that include CBL, CBL–G2 dendrimer, and control was measured in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies showed that G2 anionic linear-globular polyethylene-glycol-based dendrimer, which conjugated to the CBL exterior through an ester linkage, was able to significantly improve the treatment efficacy over clinical CBL alone with respect to proliferation assay, 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide; half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was calculated to be 141 µg/mL for CBL alone and 27.7 µg/mL for CBL–G2 dendrimer; P<0.05. In addition, CBL–G2 dendrimer conjugate forestalled the growth of MCF-7 cancerous cells in addition to enhancing the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells as demonstrated by an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate assay. CBL–G2 dendrimer conjugate was able to checkmate antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio in a large scale compared with the control group and CBL alone (P<0.005). In vivo studies showed that tumor treatment by CBL–G2 dendrimer conjugate outstrips the efficacy of treatment compared with CBL alone. The evaluation was based on reduction in tumor volume and tumor growth inhibition of murine 4T1 mammary tumor cells. Tumor volume of 140%±8% was measured in the treatment with CBL–G2 dendrimer, whereas 152%±13.5% was calculated in the treatment with free CBL (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in histological assay among the three groups. In conclusion, tumor growth suppression potential of CBL–G2 dendrimer, which was assessed in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, has provided empirical evidence to buttress the fact that this compound could be considered for functional cancer treatment with low side effects.

Green synthesis and evaluation of silver nanoparticles as adjuvant in rabies veterinary vaccine

Background

Green synthesis of nanoparticles by plant extracts plays a significant role in different applications. Recently, several studies were conducted on the use of nanoparticles as adjuvant. The main aim of this study was to evaluate green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as adjuvant in rabies veterinary vaccine and compare the results with the existing commercially available alum adjuvant.

Materials and methods

In the current study, AgNPs were prepared by the reduction of aqueous silver nitrate by leaf extract of Eucalyptus procera. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Then, different amounts of AgNPs (200 µg, 400 µg, 600 µg, and 800 µg) were added to 1 mL of inactivated rabies virus. The loaded vaccines (0.5 mL) were injected intraperitoneally into six Naval Medical Research Institute mice in each group on days 1 and 7. On the 15th day, the mice were intracerebrally challenged with 0.03 mL of challenge rabies virus (challenge virus strain-11, 20 lethal dose [20 LD₅₀]), and after the latency period of rabies disease in mice (5 days), the mice were monitored for 21 days. Neutralizing antibodies against rabies virus were also investigated using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test method. The National Institutes of Health test was performed to determine the potency of optimum concentration of AgNPs as adjuvant. In vitro toxicity of AgNPs was assessed in L929 cell line using MTT assay. In addition, in vivo toxicity of AgNPs and AgNPs-loaded vaccine was investigated according to the European Pharmacopeia 8.0.

Results

AgNPs were successfully synthesized, and the identity was confirmed by UV–visible spectrophotometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. The prepared AgNPs were spherical in shape, with an average size of 60 nm and a negative zeta potential of −14 mV as determined by dynamic light scattering technique. The highest percentage of viability was observed at 15 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of AgNPs-loaded vaccine concentrations after injecting into the mice. The calculated potencies for alum-containing vaccine and AgNPs-loaded vaccine (dose 15 mg/kg) were 1.897 and 1.303, respectively. MTT assay demonstrated that alum at the concentration of 10 mg/mL was toxic, but AgNPs were not toxic. The in vivo toxicity also elucidated the safety of AgNPs and AgNPs-loaded vaccine in mice and dogs, respectively.

Conclusion

In the current study, for the first time, the adjuvanticity effect of green synthesized AgNPs on veterinary rabies vaccine potency with no in vivo toxicity was elucidated according to the European Pharmacopeia 8.0.

Novel imatinib-loaded silver nanoparticles for enhanced apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

In the current study, in vitro biological feature of imatinib-loaded silver nanoparticles (IMAB-AgNPs) on human breast cancer cell line was investigated. The formation of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, EDS, TEM imaging, SEM, FTIR, DLS and Zeta potentiometer. The developed IMAB-AgNPs with maximum percentage of loading efficiency was demonstrated in the average of 130 nm and mostly spherical. Additionally, in vitro drug release study showed a slow and continuous release of imatinib over a period of 80 h. We demonstrated that the synthesized IMAB-AgNPs exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell line. Then, real-time PCR method was also applied for the investigation of Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression in the cells. Comparing IMAB-AgNPs to AgNPs and Imatinib revealed the ability of IMAB-AgNPs to up-regulating Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. An induction of apoptosis was evidenced by Annexin-V/PI detection assay. Based on the current obtained data, the IMAB-AgNPs can exhibit inhibitory effect on viability through up regulation of apoptosis in MCF-7 cancer cells, which provides influencing evidence for the green synthesized AgNPs as a promising sustained drug delivery system.

Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Artemisia marschalliana Sprengel aerial part extract and assessment of their antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties

A rapid phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an extract from the aerial parts of Artemisia marschalliana Sprengel was investigated in this study. The synthesized AgNPs using A. marschalliana extract was analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and further characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Characteristic absorption bands of AgNPs were found near 430 nm in the UV-vis spectrum. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis of AgNPs in the energy range 2-4 keV confirmed the silver signal due to surface plasmon resonance. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results revealed that the AgNPs were mostly spherical with an average size ranging from 5 nm to 50 nm. The zeta potential value of -31 mV confirmed the stability of the AgNPs. AgNPs produced using the aqueous A. marschalliana extract might serve as a potent in vitro antioxidant, as revealed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl assay. The present study demonstrates the anticancer properties of phytosynthesized AgNPs against human gastric carcinoma AGS cells. AgNPs exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for the investigation of Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression in cancer and normal cell lines. Our findings show that the mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic Bax gene expression were significantly upregulated, while the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was declined in cells treated with AgNPs compared to normal cells. In addition, flow cytometric analysis showed that the number of early and late apoptotic AGS cells was significantly enhanced following treatment with AgNPs as compared to untreated cells. In addition, the AgNPs showed strong antibacterial properties against tested pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Based on the obtained data, we suggest that phytosynthesized AgNPs are good alternatives in the treatment of diseases because of the presence of bioactive agents.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of Artemisia marschalliana Sprengel extract

The present study was to investigate the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activity of the ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Artemisia marschalliana Sprengel against human gastric carcinoma (AGS) and L929 cell lines. Phytochemical analysis of A. marschalliana Sprengel extract showed 22 major components and the most dominant compounds were trans-phytol (29.22%), α-Linolenic acid (13.47%) and n-Hexadecanoic acid (9.28%). In addition, the antioxidant and anticancer activity of A. marschalliana Sprengel extract were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) methods, respectively. Antibacterial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria was also determined. According to the present obtained results, it seems that this plant has potential uses for pharmaceutical industries and further studies of pharmaceutical importance were suggested to be performed on A. marschalliana Sprengel.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Eucalyptus leucoxylon leaves extract and evaluating the antioxidant activities of extract

This study was designed to examine the in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil and methanol extracts of Eucalyptus leucoxylon. Furthermore, the polar fraction of the extract was used as a reducing agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Antioxidant activities of the samples were determined by using three different test systems, namely DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid and reducing power. The structure and composition of the prepared Ag NPs were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. Synthesised Ag NPs were almost spherical in shape with an average diameter of about ∼ 50 nm and synthesised within 120 min reaction time at room temperature.