RESUMO
Diazinon is an imminent and hazardous chemical organophosphate multiplex that is generally used as a pesticide but is toxic for many species particularly vertebrates. Berberry (Berberis vulgaris L., family Berberidaceae) is a plant that flourishes in Europe and Asia that has been largely investigated for its therapeutic effects. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of B. vulgaris on diazinon-induced brain damage in young male mice. Twenty-one young male albino mice weighing 18±2 g were divided in three equal groups of seven mice, and treated orally with either olive oil (control), diazinon 50 mg/kg+B. vulgaris extract 200 mg/kg, or diazinon 50 mg/kg. After three weeks, cerebrum and cerebellum samples were collected for antioxidant assays. The results indicated that diazinon increased oxidative stress in the brain of mice. The glutathione content and proceedings of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, were significantly reduced in both the cerebellum and cerebrum of diazinon-treated mice, compared with the control group. In addition, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was inhibited by exposure to this pesticide. Administration of 200 mg/kg B. vulgaris extract with diazinon significantly decreased oxidative stress indices in all experiments. The results indicated that B. vulgaris extract has protective effects against lipid peroxidation of the cerebellum and cerebrum, and in regenerating AChE activity in the brain induced by diazinon.
RESUMO
Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of death among women worldwide. Resistance to cisplatin is a main challenge in its treatment. Our present aim was to prepare nanoniosomated cisplatin and examine its efficacy in vitro using the BT-20 cell line. Niosome nanoparticles containing cisplatin were prepared by reverse-phase evaporation and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectrophotometry and MTT assay. The size and zeta potential of the nanodrug were estimated as 489.3 ± 23.66 nm and 23.4 ± 2.1 mV, respectively. Drug encapsuies confirmed appropriate retention of particles. Nanoparticles also increased the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin by 1.5 times compared to the standard drug. Findings of our study suggest that niosome nanoparticles are good carriers for cisplatin delivery to breast cancer cells.
RESUMO
Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane), a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, has been found to increase chemotherapeutic agents-induced cytotoxicity in some resistant cancer cell lines. This investigation aimed to study the effects of curcumin on efficacy of some common anticancer agents in gastric cancer cells. AGS cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium under standard culture conditions (5% CO2 and 95% humidified air at 37°C). Curcumin was used at concentrations of 5, 15, 30 and 50 µM. Cells were treated with a combination of curcumin and paclitaxel (300 nm) or methotrexate (100 µm) or vincristine (5 nm). Cell viability, the percentage of live cells in the whole population, was evaluated by MTT assay after 48 hours. The results showed that cell viability was significantly decreased after incubation of AGS cells with curcumin. Combination with curcumin (15-50 µm) significantly increased cytotoxicity of all three agents (P<0.001). Regarding high anticancer potential and enhancement of chemotherapeutic agent-induced cytotoxicity, the combined use of curcumin with standard chemotherapy of gastric cancer is suggested as a strategy for better management of this fatal cancer.
RESUMO
The initial response to treatment and subsequent development of resistance to carboplatin are very important challenges. Use of nano drug delivery is a new method to replace standard chemotherapy. In this research, both non-PEGylated and PEGylated nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by mini-emulsion polymerization of poly (butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) NPs. Characteristics such as size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug release, and stability were examined. In addition, infrared spectroscopy was used for description of the produced NPs. Then, cytotoxicity effects of both formulations were studied on the A2780CIS ovarian cancer cell line with incubation for 24, 48, and 72h. Examination of characteristics of loaded carboplatin on the PBCA NPs under suitable laboratory conditions showed a positive effect of PEG on their properties. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated greater toxicity with both formulations of nano-drugs than the free drug. The results indicated that PBCA NPs can be considered as suitable candidates for nano-drugs in chemotherapy.