The folate-linked chitosan-coated Kaempferol/HSA nano-transporters (FCKH-NTs) as the selective apoptotic inducer in human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

BACKGROUND: Kaempferol, the natural bioactive flavonoid, has been utilized as an efficient anti-breast cancer compound. In the current study, the Kaempferol's cellular uptake and its aqueous solubility were improved by using human serum albumin (HSA) as the Kaempferol adjuvant and encapsulating it with the folate-linked chitosan polymer to evaluate the apoptotic, activity of the novel-formulated Kaempferol in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. METHODS: The folate-linked chitosan-coated Kaempferol/HSA nano-transporters (FCKH-NTs) were synthesized and characterized using FTIR, FESEM, DLS, and Zeta potential analysis. The nano-transporters' selective cytotoxicity was studied by applying an MTT assay on the cancerous MCF-7 cells compared with normal HFF cell lines. Cell death type determination was determined by analyzing the expression of apoptotic (BAX and Cas-8) and anti-apoptotic genes (BCL2 and NF-κB). The FCKH-NTs apoptotic activity was verified by studying the flow cytometry and AO/PI staining results. RESULT: The 126-nm FCKH-NTs (PDI = 0.282) selectively induced apoptotic death in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells by up-regulating the BAX, Nf- κB, and Cas-8 gene expression. The apoptotic activity of FCKH-NTs was verified by detecting the SubG1-arrested cancer cells and increased apoptotic bodies in AO/PI staining images. CONCLUSION: The FCKH-NTs exhibited a selective-cytotoxic impact on human MCF-7 breast cancer cells compared with normal HFF cells, which can be due to the folate receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanism of the nano-transporters. Therefore, the FCKH-NTs have the potential to be used as a selective anti-breast cancer compound.

The anticancer, anti-oxidant, and antibacterial activities of chitosan-lecithin-coated parthenolide/tyrosol hybrid nanoparticles.

Tyrosol (TYR) and parthenolide (PLT) have been used as synthetic antioxidant and natural anticancer compounds. In the current study, we aimed to synthesize an encapsulated complex of both PLT and TYR in a hybrid coating layer consisting of lecithin and chitosan molecules, a proper biocompatible drug delivery system to evaluate its antibacterial and anticancer potentials on human liver HepG2 and pancreatic Panc cancer cell lines. The chitosan-lecithin-coated PLT/TYR nanoparticles (clPT-NPs) were synthesized applying an auto-self-assembling method. The clPT-NPs were characterized utilizing DLS, FTIR, zeta potential, and TEM analysis. The clPT-NPs' antioxidant activity was measured by running ABTS and DPPH antioxidant assays. Moreover, the antibacterial potential of clPT-NPs was evaluated by applying disk diffusion, MIC, and MBC assays. Finally, the nanoparticles' cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity were studied by conducting MTT, Flow cytometry, AO/PI cell staining, and real-time PCR techniques. The clPT-NPs (38 nm) exhibited significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting ABTS and DPPH radicals at 187 and 290 µg/mL IC50 concentrations, respectively. Also, the nanoparticles induced a notable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 0.0625 mg/mL MIC and 0.125 mg/mL MBC concentrations. The clPT-NPs selectively decreased the cancer cells' survival and increased the apoptotic dead cells by up-regulating apoptotic gene expression (BAX and Cas-8) and down-regulating BCL-2 anti-apoptotic gene expression. The PLT toxicity has been merged with improved TYR antioxidant activity, which has been functionalized in a safe, biocompatible hybrid nano-delivery system.

Anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is one of the most important factors involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Accumulating evidence has described the effect of resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, on biomarkers of inflammation among patients with CVDs; however, findings are controversial. Here we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of resveratrol supplements on TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels in CVDs patients. METHODS: Online research was conducted in the following database: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science databases, and Scopus. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of resveratrol supplements on inflammatory biomarkers among patients with CVDs. The meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) V3 software. RESULTS: Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the current meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that resveratrol significantly decreases serum levels of CRP (MD = -0.63, 95 % CI: -0.1.13, -0.12; p = 0.01), and TNF-α (MD = -0.55, 95 % CI: -1.04, -0.06; p = 0.02), however, resveratrol had not significant effect on serum concentration of IL-6 (MD = -0.12, 95 % CI: -0.52, 0.27; p = 0.53), in patients with CVDs. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that resveratrol can be used as a potential treatment in patients with CVD by reducing inflammatory conditions.

The Ferula Assa-foetida Essential Oil Nanoemulsion (FAEO-NE) as the Selective, Apoptotic, and Anti-Angiogenic Anticancer Compound in Human MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells and Murine Mammary Tumor Models.

The Ferula assa-foetida (FA) is the healthy common-consumed anticancer beverage in Iranian folk medicine. In the current study, we aimed to produce a nanoemulsion-based drug delivery system containing FA essential oil (FAEO) and evaluate its antioxidant and anticancer activity on both MCF-7 cells and murine mammary cancer tissue. The FAEO-loaded nanoemulsion (FAEO-NE) was produced and characterized by DLS, TEM, FTIR, and Zeta potential analysis. Radical (ABTS and DPPH) scavenging activity, cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic potentials of the FAEO-NE were studied by applying antioxidant (ABTS-DPPH), MTT, AO/PI cell staining, and Q-PCR analysis. Finally, its anti-tumor impact was evaluated on murine mammary tumor models. The FAEO-NE exhibited a meaningful antioxidant activity. Also, its significant cell-selective cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic impacts on MCF-7 cancer cells indicated its anticancer potential. Moreover, the progressive destruction of the murine mammary glands cancer tissue confirmed their anticancer activity. Regarding the FAEO-NE cell-selective cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, it has the potential to be studied as a safe efficient anti-breast cancer agent.

Putative mechanism for cancer suppression by PLGA nanoparticles loaded with Peganum harmala smoke extract.

Synthesis and investigation of biological activity of Peganum harmala smoke-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. Peganum harmala smoke-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PHSE-PNP) were produced by double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and ζ-potential. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) for toxicity evaluation, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay for antioxidant power, chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), qPCR, and scratch assay for angiogenesis and mouse cancer model for antitumor effects of PHSE-PNP's were used. PHSE-PNP with a size of 216.33 nm, polydispersity index (PDI): 0.22 and ζ-potential: -25.41 mV inhibited A2780, PC3, A549, HepG2, Mda-mb-231, HT-29 as cancer cells and HUVEC as an normal cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at about 208.62, 479.05, 1092.6, 1103.9, 1299.21, 3467.5, and <4000 µg/ml, respectively. Also PHSE-PNP inhibited ABTS (IC50: 0.720 mg/ml), DPPH (IC50: 1.36 mg/ml) free radicals and decreased the size of murine tumours (88.3% in 11 days) and suppressed angiogenesis in the CAM and scratch assays. PHSE-PNP can be considered as a potential chemopreventive agent in cancer therapy.

Ferutinin: A phytoestrogen from ferula and its anticancer, antioxidant, and toxicity properties.

This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer, and toxicity properties of ferutinin, a phytoestrogen derived from Ferula species. The human Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell line and normal human fibroblast (HDF) were cultured and treated with different ferutinin concentrations. The cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cell death-defining tests (a comparative real-time polymerase chain reaction [for Bax and Bcl-2 genes], flow cytometry, and acridine orange/propidium iodide cell staining). Moreover, 15 white male balb/c mice were divided into three groups of five (one untreated control group and two groups), which received different doses of ferutinin-supplemented water (500 and 1000 µg/kg mice weight) to check the mice liver and kidney pathomorphological alterations and to determine the antioxidant enzymes' expression profile (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and glutathione peroxidase) in the mentioned tissues. Finally, the liver lipid peroxidation of mice was analyzed. The results of MTT and cell death-defining tests indicate the significant reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptotic death in MCF-7 cells (enhanced sub-G1 peaks, Bax overexpression, Bcl-2 downregulation, and increased apoptotic cells). The antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in the mice liver and kidney cells were found to be upregulated (p < .05) in response to the increasing doses of ferutinin. Besides, the lipid peroxidation of the liver tissue of mice was significantly reduced. According to the results, we suggest that ferutinin has the potential to be served as a selective anticancer compound for breast cancer treatment.

Citrus lemon essential oil nanoemulsion (CLEO-NE), a safe cell-depended apoptosis inducer in human A549 lung cancer cells with anti-angiogenic activity.

Aims: Citrus lemon essential oil (CLEO) has been introduced as a strong antioxidant mixture. However, it is not efficient enough due to its hydrophobic nature. Nanoemulsions improve the drugs' bio-compatibility in aqueous conditions.Methods: The CLEO nanoemulsion (CLEO-NE) was formulated by ultrasound-based-emulsification and they were characterised. The anti-angiogenic and antioxidant activities were studied by the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH) assays, respectively. Finally, the apoptotic property of CLEO-NE on both HFF and A549 was evaluated by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay and real time-PCR (measuring Cas-3 gene expression).Results: The 30.2-nm CLEO-NE droplets significantly increased Cas-3 in A549 cells and decreased angiogenesis in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (p < 0.01).Conclusion: In conclusion, CLEO-NE has the potential to be used as a safe cell-depended anticancer agent for human lung cancer. However, further genes and cell lines have to be studied to clarify its targeted-anticancer activity.

Anticancer properties of green-synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles using Hyssopus officinalis extract on prostate carcinoma cells and its effects on testicular damage and spermatogenesis in Balb/C mice.

The unclear bio-safety issue and potential risk of nanoparticles (NPs) on various organelles can be considered as a major challenge. In the present study, we have assessed the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) extract and their effects on PC3 cell line and BALB/c mice model. The cytotoxicity of the ZnO-NPs was assessed on PC3 cell line by MTT test after characterisation. Apoptotic effect of ZnO-NPs was determined by in vitro AO/PI staining. The histopathological assessments and determination of LH and FSH levels carried out as in vivo analysis in BALB/c adult male mice. The expression of major genes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation (Adam3, Prm1, Spata19, Tnp2, Gpx5) were also analysed. The obtained result demonstrated that the IC50 for PC3 cell line treated with green-synthesised ZnO-NPs during 24 and 48 hr was reported 8.07 and 5 µg/ml respectively. Meanwhile, the induced apoptosis was recorded 26.6% ± 0.05, 44% ± 0.12 and 80% ± 0.07 of PC3 cells. The results of gene expression analysis revealed that the increase in the concentration of ZnO-NPs significantly (p < .05) down-regulated the Adam3, Prm1, Spata-19, Tnp2 and Gpx5 genes. The overall results of this research elucidated that ZnO-NPs impaired spermatogenesis, sperm maturation process and sperm motility.

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using anjbar (root of Persicaria bistorta) extract and their cytotoxic effects on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using biomass is now one of the best methods for synthesising NPs due to their nontoxic and biocompatibility. Plants are the best choice among all biomass to synthesise large-scale NPs. The objectives of this study were to synthesise zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Anjbar (root of Persicaria bistorta) [An/ZnO-NPs] and investigate the cytotoxic and anti-oxidant effects. For this purpose, the An/ZnO-NPs were synthesised by using Bistort extract and characterised using UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effects of the An/ZnO-NPs on MCF-7 cells were followed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays at 24, 48, and 72 h. Nuclear morphology changed and apoptosis in cells was investigated using acridine orange/propodium iodide (AO/PI) staining and flow cytometry analysis. The pure biosynthesised ZnO-NPs were spherical in shape and particles sizes ranged from 1 to 50 nm. Treated MCF-7 cells with different concentrations of ZnO-NPs inhibited cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner with IC50 about 32 µg/ml after 48 h of incubation. In flow cytometry analysis the sub-G1 population, which indicated apoptotic cells, increased from 12.6% at 0 µg/ml (control) to 92.8% at 60 µg/ml, 48 h after exposure. AO/PI staining showed that the treated cells displayed morphologic evidence of apoptosis, compared to untreated groups.

Synthesis of Carum Carvi essential oil nanoemulsion, the cytotoxic effect, and expression of caspase 3 gene.

Scientists are attempting to find novel methods to overcome cancers. Nanoemulsion systems as the novel drug delivery tools have been widely used in cancer therapy. In this study, the Carum Carvi oil nanoemulsions (CCONE) were prepared and its cytotoxic activity was studied on human colon cancer HT-29 cells using MTT assay. Flow cytometry and Real-time qPCR were triggered to evaluate the nanoemulsions' apoptotic properties. The results showed a significant negative association between the HT-29 cancer cell viability and CCONE doses of treatments compared with Huvec normal cells (p value < 0.001). The IC50 values were estimated 12.5 µg/ml and 50 µg/ml for HT-29 and Huvec, respectively. Moreover, we observed that increasing concentrations of nanoemulsions significantly upregulate Caspase-3 gene expression. The results showed the CCONE is an efficient novel apoptosis inducer for human colon cancer cells without any undesirable side effects. However, further in vitro and in vivo researches are required. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cancer is a complex and usually untreatable disorder. Several types of cancer therapy strategies have been applied widely to overcome cancers. Chemotherapy has been used in various types of cancers. In most cases, not only it had not been effective on cancer cells but also been distractive within normal tissues. According to results, Carum Carvi essential oil nanoemulsions have apoptotic and cytotoxic effects on colon cancer cells (HT-29). When it comes to cancer of any kind, it's important to realize that no dietary supplement can fully treat, cure, or prevent cancer. However, there are some supplements that can potentially decrease the risk of cancer. Nanoemulsions present several advantages including the ability to incorporate hydrophilic, amphiphilic, and lipophilic excipient ingredients, high physical stability, and rapid gastrointestinal digestibility. The Carum Carvi essential oil nanoemulsion can also be applied as an effective food supplement due to its potent apoptotic activity.

Putative mechanism for anticancer properties of Ag-PP (NPs) extract.

One of the most important challenges in treating cancer is the invasion and the angiogenesis of cancer cells. The synthesis of green nanoparticles (NPs) and their use in therapeutic fields is one of the most effective methods with minimal side effects in cancer treatment. In this study, cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effects of silver NPs (AgNPs) coated with palm pollen extract [Ag-PP(NPs)] were evaluated. For this purpose, the cells were treated with NPs and then were subjected to trypan blue testing (48 h). Then, the cancer invasion was evaluated by the scratch procedure and the expressions of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGF-R) genes were estimated using real-time PCR assay. Also, the angiogenesis effect of the NPs was investigated with chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The Ag-PP(NPs) induced cytotoxicity on MCF7 cells. The findings also showed that Ag-PP(NPs) inhibit invasive cancer cells and reduce the expression of VEGF and VEGF-R and significantly reduced the number and vessels lengths and the lengths and weights of the embryos in CAM assay. Ag-PP(NPs) with the induction of cytotoxic effects, metastatic inhibition and anti-angiogenesis properties should be considered as an appropriate option for treatment of cancer.

Apoptotic efficacy and antiproliferative potential of silver nanoparticles synthesised from aqueous extract of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.).

Currently, nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs) are recognised due to their extensive applications in medicine and the treatment of certain diseases, including cancer. Silver NPs (AgNPs) synthesised by environmentally friendly method exhibit a high medical potential. This study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of AgNPs synthesised from sumac (Anacardiaceae family) fruit aqueous extract (AgSu/NPs) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The anti-proliferative effect of AgSu/NPs was determined by MTT assay. The apoptotic properties of AgSu/NPs were assessed by morphological analysis and acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) and DAPI staining. The mechanism of apoptosis induction in treated cells was investigated using molecular analysis. Overall results of morphological examination and cytotoxic assay revealed that AgSu/NPs exert a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of MCF-7 cells (IC50 of ∼10 µmol/48 h). AO/PI staining confirmed the occurrence of apoptosis in cells treated with AgSu/NPs. In addition, molecular analysis demonstrated that the apoptosis in MCF-7 cells exposed to AgSu/NPs was induced via up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. These findings suggested the potential use of AgSu/NP as cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic efficacy and its possible application in modern medicine for treating certain disorders, such as cancer.

Treatment of the breast cancer by using low frequency electromagnetic fields and Mn(II) complex of a Schiff base derived from the pyridoxal.

The breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. In this project, the breast cancer was transplanted in vivo with the TUBO cells. Then, the cancerous mice were treated by radiation of low frequency electromagnetic fields and injection of the Mn(II) complex of the N,N'-dipyridoxyl(1,2-diaminobenzene) Schiff base. Three different concentrations of the Mn(II) complex were used. Cytotoxicity and morphological alterations caused by the Mn(II) complex in the TUBO breast cancer cell line have been evaluated. Apoptotic properties of the Mn(II) complex was studied using the flow cytometry. The Mn(II) complex has a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Also, both of the Mn(II) complex and low frequency electromagnetic field induced apoptosis, which was confirmed by flow cytometry. Both of them result in considerable changes in the treated tissues such as decrease of the tumor mass, induction of apoptosis and decrease in number of the blood vessels.

Sumac silver novel biodegradable nano composite for bio-medical application: antibacterial activity.

The development of reliable and ecofriendly approaches for the production of nanomaterials is a significant aspect of nanotechnology nowadays. One of the most important methods, which shows enormous potential, is based on the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extract. In this paper, we aimed to develop a rapid, environmentally friendly process for the synthesis silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of sumac. The bioactive compounds of sumac extract seem to play a role in the synthesis and capping of silver nanoparticles. Structural, morphological and optical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The formation of Ag-NP was immediate within 10 min and confirmed with an absorbance band centered at 438 nm. The mean particle size for the green synthesized silver nanoparticles is 19.81 ± 3.67 nm and is fairly stable with a zeta potential value of -32.9 mV. The bio-formed Ag-NPs were effective against E. coli with a maximum inhibition zone of 14.3 ± 0.32 mm.