Nano-encapsulated curcumin-Fe3O4 inhibits proliferation and hTERT gene expression of A549 lung cancer cells

IntroductionStrong evidence of antitumor effects of curcumin such as activation of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis and prevention of metastasis has been confirmed. For targeted delivery of curcumin, it was used curcumin absorbed on the surface of nanomagnetic particles concomitant with biocompatible copolymer as a suitable replacement for routine chemotherapy approaches. The drug loaded nanoparticles can be used as specific drug vehicle which is controllable through application of an external magnetic field and be able to release the drug specifically at the favorite site. Also, targeted delivery of curcumin can improve availability and decrease amount of drug dosage and its side effects.MethodsCurcumin and Fe3O4 were encapsulated inside the PLGA-PEG co-polymer. Then, the curcumin loaded PLGA-PEG-Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized using SEM, FTIR and VSM. In the next step, the cytotoxic effect of curcumin -loaded PLGA-PEG-Fe3O4 was assessed using MTT assay. After that, gene expression levels of hTERT were measured through Real-time PCR.ResultsBy encapsulation of curcumin-Fe3O4, cytotoxicity of the drug substantially increased for all concentrations. Moreover, nano-encapsulated curcuminshowed time-dependent cytotoxic effect on A549 cell line during 24, 48, 72 hours in comparison to pure curcumin. In addition, expression level of the hTERT is reduced with increasing concentrations in both of pure and nano-encapsulated curcumin. In compared to pure form, nano-encapsulated curcumin caused further decline on expression levels of the gene.ConclusionCurcumin incorporating with Fe3O4 loaded into PLGA-PEG co-polymer, as an effective targeted carrier, can make a promising horizon in targeted lung cancer therapy.

Keywords:

Curcumin , Fe3O4 , PLGA-PEG , A549 , hTERT