Comparative study on the effect of nano-curcumin complexes as antitumor in mice

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Comparative study on the effect of nano-curcumin complexes as antitumor in mice
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Radwa Wahid Mohamed, Tahani Elsayed Mohamed, Gehan Salah Eldin Moram,Abdelfattah Mohsen Badawy and Mohamad Fahmy Zaky


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Comparative study on the effect of nano-curcumin complexes as antitumor in mice

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201819-13845

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This study investigates the antitumor efficacy of various nano-curcumin complexes in comparison to native curcumin using animal models. The research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs), hydrazine sulfate-copper nanoparticles (HS-Cu-NPs), and curcumin-capped copper nanoparticles (Cur-Cu-NPs), among others. Using a breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7), the study evaluates the in vivo and in vitro effects of these compounds on tumor growth, tumor markers, apoptosis, and immunological responses in tumor-bearing mice.

Antitumor Efficacy of Nano-Complexes

The research highlights that all nano-complexes significantly reduced tumor markers and inflammation while enhancing caspase-3 activity and P53 gene expression. Among the synthesized complexes, Cur-Cu-NPs emerged as the most effective treatment, demonstrating a substantial reduction in tumor weight and volume in comparison to CuO-NPs and HS-Cu-NPs. The study also indicated that the administration of these nano-complexes resulted in inhibited tumor growth, improved survival rates, and a noteworthy decrease in serum CA 15-3 levels, which is a tumor marker linked to breast cancer.

Mechanism of Action

An important finding of the study is how these nano-complexes induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Specifically, the activity of caspase-3, an apoptosis marker, was significantly elevated in tumor tissues treated with the nano-complexes. P53 gene expression analysis revealed that treatment with Cur-Cu-NPs and Cur-NCs reinstated P53 levels, suggesting that curcumin plays a vital role in regulating cell cycle and apoptosis pathways. The study underscores the involvement of oxidative stress as a mechanism through which CuO-NPs and HS-Cu-NPs induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells, as indicated by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Inflammation and Immunological Impact

The research also explored the immunological effects of the treatments, focusing on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The untreated tumor-bearing mice exhibited elevated levels of these inflammatory markers. However, treatment with Cur-Cu-NPs notably decreased CRP and IL-6 levels, suggesting that this nano-complex has anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to its antitumor effects. Chemical treatments (CuO-NPs and HS-Cu-NPs) also demonstrated a reduction in these markers, but Cur-Cu-NPs were superior in the overall inflammatory response attenuation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study provides robust evidence that nano-curcumin complexes, particularly Cur-Cu-NPs, could serve as promising anticancer agents, demonstrating significant cytotoxicity against breast carcinoma cells while exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. The findings contend that these complexes not only hinder tumor progression but also improve survival rates through mechanisms centered around apoptosis and the modulation of immune responses. This research encourages further exploration into the clinical applications of curcumin-based nanocomplexes as effective and safer alternatives for cancer treatment, with an emphasis on their protective capabilities against tumor development and their antioxidant properties.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the aim of the study on nano-curcumin complexes?

The study aimed to compare the antitumor activity of various nano-curcumin complexes, including CuO-NPs, HS-Cu-NPs, Nano-Cur, Cur-Cu-NPs, and Native-Cur, against breast carcinoma in mice.

How were the nano-complexes administered to mice in the study?

Nano-complexes were administered intratumorally or orally at doses like 10 mg/Kg and 50 mg/Kg, depending on the specific complex and experimental group being tested.

What significant outcomes were observed in the in vivo study?

In vivo results indicated significant tumor weight and volume reduction, increased survival time, and heightened caspase-3 activity in treated groups compared to untreated tumor-bearing mice.

What effects did the nano-complexes have on tumor markers?

The nano-complex treatments led to significant reductions in serum tumor markers like CA 15-3, while also decreasing alkaline phosphatase activity compared to untreated groups.

What did the study conclude about the efficacy of Cur-Cu-NCs?

The study concluded that Cur-Cu-NCs were the most effective in inhibiting tumor growth, displaying notable anticancer effects and reduced toxic effects on normal liver function.

How did the study assess the cytotoxic effects of the complexes?

Cytotoxic effects were assessed using the Sulphorhodamine-B assay on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell lines, measuring the survival fraction after exposure to different concentrations of nano-complexes.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Comparative study on the effect of nano-curcumin complexes as antitumor in mice”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
In the context of biological research, 'activity' refers to the effectiveness of a substance, such as nano-curcumin, in exerting a therapeutic effect, particularly against cancerous cells. The study focuses on how these treatments influence cell growth and apoptosis, which are critical measures of their potential as antitumor agents.

2) Study (Studying):
'Studying' pertains to the systematic investigation conducted through experiments. It encompasses all methodologies applied to understand nano-complexes' mechanisms of action against cancer cells, aiming to derive substantial conclusions to guide future research and clinical trials.

3) Cancer:
Cancer represents a major health challenge, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. The study's focus on breast carcinoma highlights the importance of developing targeted therapies, like the nano-complexes tested, to inhibit tumor proliferation, enhance apoptosis, and potentially improve patient outcomes through innovative medicinal approaches.

4) Table:
In scientific research, 'table' refers to a method of presenting data succinctly. The tables within the study summarize results such as tumor weight, longevity, and serum markers, allowing for quick comparison and interpretation of the effects of different treatments and their relevance to the overall findings.

5) Line:
In the study, 'line' specifically refers to the MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line used for in vitro experimentation. Cell lines are essential tools for cancer research, as they enable the assessment of drug efficacy and mechanisms of action in a controlled environment, simulating tumor biology.

6) Species:
The term 'species' relates to the specific biological classification of organisms used in the study. In this case, mice (Swiss albino) serve as the experimental model to assess the in vivo effects of the treatments, providing insights into their potential effects across different biological systems.

7) Water:
'Water' is a crucial solvent in biological experiments, used for dissolving and administering nano-complexes in injectable or oral formulations. Its role ensures that the compounds maintain their stability and bioavailability, which are fundamental for examining their therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles.

8) Inflammation:
Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or disease, often observed in tumor microenvironments. The study investigates how different treatments affect inflammation markers, as chronic inflammation can promote tumor growth; therefore, targeting inflammation is critical in cancer therapy strategies.

9) Life:
The concept of 'life' in this research pertains to the survival of tumor-bearing mice, measured through mean survival time (MST) and overall life span. Effective cancer therapies aim to extend life while improving quality, thus providing a significant endpoint for evaluating treatment efficacy.

10) Egypt:
Egypt represents the geographical and institutional context for the study, as it was conducted at Ain Shams University. The local relevance emphasizes the importance of developing region-specific therapies and contributes to understanding cancer treatment dynamics in Egyptian populations.

11) Toxicity:
Toxicity indicates the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. In the research, assessing the toxicity of nano-complexes helps determine safe dosage levels and their potential side effects, which are crucial for advancing therapeutic applications without causing harm to patients.

12) Salt (Salty):
In this study, 'salt' specifically refers to the sodium forms of curcumin used to enhance solubility and bioavailability. Salt forms can improve the pharmacokinetics of medicinal compounds, thereby potentially increasing their therapeutic efficacy when incorporated into drug formulations.

13) Drug:
The term 'drug' encompasses any biological agent, such as the tested nano-complexes, utilized for therapeutic purposes to combat diseases like cancer. Investigating the effectiveness of these compounds as potential drugs opens up possibilities for novel cancer treatments and personalized medicine.

14) Surface:
'Surface' refers to the exterior aspects of nanoparticles, which can significantly impact their interactions with biological systems. The physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles, including their surface characteristics, are crucial for optimizing drug delivery systems and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

15) Measurement:
'Measurement' relates to the quantitative evaluation of various parameters in the study, including tumor size, serum marker levels, and biochemical changes. Precise measurements are essential for validating the effects of treatments and allowing for statistical comparisons across experimental groups.

16) Animal:
'Animal' pertains to the use of live Swiss albino mice in the study to model cancer growth and treatment effects. Animal models are indispensable in biomedical research for assessing the overall impact of experimental drugs in vivo before human clinical trials.

17) Death:
Death in this context refers to the endpoint observed in the animal model regarding tumor progression or treatment failure. Tracking mortality rates is fundamental in evaluating the efficacy of cancer therapies and understanding their implications for survival in affected individuals.

18) Blood:
Blood plays a critical role in the study for monitoring systemic effects of treatments on tumor-bearing mice, specifically through biochemical assays. Analyzing blood parameters helps in assessing the overall health status and the biochemical response of the animal to the treatments.

19) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation denotes changes occurring within cells, particularly with tumorigenesis in cancer research. The study may focus on how nano-complexes challenge or alter the cancer cell transformation process, particularly in terms of apoptosis and the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes.

20) Transmission:
'Transmission' in this research could refer to the ways in which treatments are administered to the experimental subjects, whether intratumorally or orally. Understanding how drug delivery mechanisms affect the efficacy of cancer treatments is paramount in therapeutic development.

21) Observation:
Observation signifies the act of monitoring experiments and recording data about the effects of treatments. Rigorous observation is essential for identifying significant patterns and outcomes, shaping the conclusions drawn about the efficacy and safety of the tested compounds.

22) Turmeric:
Turmeric, the plant source of curcumin, is central to the study as it relates to the preparation of nano-curcumin. The research emphasizes its pharmacological properties and the potential health benefits derived from its active compounds in cancer treatment.

23) Science (Scientific):
Science embodies the systematic study of the natural world; in this context, the investigation into cancer therapies represents scientific exploration to understand and manipulate biological processes for health benefits. Discoveries in cancer biology can lead to innovative approaches for treatment.

24) Kappa:
Kappa refers to the kappa light chain gene in immunology, significant for studying cancer's immunological aspects. Investigating its expression can provide insights into how treatments impact immune responses, potentially revealing new avenues for therapeutic strategies against tumors.

25) Sam (Sham):
Sham refers to a control group in experiments, used to establish a baseline for comparison with treated groups. Sham operations help to clarify the specific effects of the treatment while controlling for psychological or procedural influences on the experimental results.

26) Diet:
Diet encompasses the nutritional intake of the experimental animals, which may influence their overall health and response to cancer treatments. Monitoring dietary effects is crucial for unbiased interpretations of treatment outcomes in scientific research.

27) Pur:
'Poor' commonly describes the inadequate bioavailability of certain drugs, like curcumin, which is a challenge in their therapeutic application. Addressing the issue of poor absorption in drug formulation can enhance the success of cancer treatments significantly.

28) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa refers to the scientific name of turmeric, the plant from which curcumin, the focus of the study, is derived. This botanical is known for its medicinal properties, particularly its anti-cancer potential, making it vital for the research outcomes.

29) Human body:
The human body represents the target system for therapeutic agents. Research findings on nano-complexes aim to translate animal model results to human applications, focusing on enhancing drug delivery, safety, and efficacy for better cancer management.

30) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulation' deals with the buildup of therapeutic agents within target tissues. Understanding how drugs accumulate in tumor sites informs dosing strategies and could optimize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects in cancer treatments.

31) Discussion:
Discussion involves interpreting and analyzing the findings of the study, placing them in the broader context of cancer therapy. This section enhances understanding of the implications of results and suggests future research directions to advance therapeutic approaches.

32) Depression:
Depression in this context may refer to the psychological effects experienced by cancer patients. The study indirectly highlights how effective treatments could alleviate such psychological burdens, improving overall quality of life and mental well-being among affected individuals.

33) Mutation:
Mutation refers to genetic alterations that can lead to cancer development. Understanding the relationship between treatment effects on mutations can help identify mechanisms of tumor growth and inform targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer research.

34) Relative:
Relative commonly refers to comparisons made within experimental data, such as changes in tumor volume or marker levels in treated versus control groups. Such comparisons are fundamental for establishing the effectiveness of the treatment modalities under investigation.

35) Quality:
Quality refers to the effectiveness and safety of the treatments tested in the study. High-quality treatments can significantly enhance patient outcomes, and assessing the quality of drug formulations ensures that they meet necessary clinical standards.

36) Disease:
Disease, particularly cancer, signifies the primary condition being addressed in this research. The study's focus on innovative treatments aims to provide effective strategies to combat various forms of cancer, contributing to the broader fight against this global health challenge.

37) Company:
Company may refer to the entities or institutions involved in the research and development process for new cancer treatments. Collaborations between academic institutions and private companies can accelerate the translation of research findings to clinical applications.

38) Family:
Family, in relation to botanical classification, pertains to turmeric's plant lineage (Zingiberaceae). Understanding the plant's family helps pharmacognosists in identifying similar medicinal properties among related species, which may further enhance therapeutic options against cancer.

39) Nausea:
Nausea is a common side effect associated with cancer treatments. The study indirectly aims to identify treatments that minimize nausea through effective cancer therapy, improving patients' quality of life during treatment regimens.

40) Reason:
Reason involves the rationale behind conducting the study, exploring the benefits of using nano-complexes in cancer treatment. Clearly establishing a reason contributes to the research's foundation, guiding hypotheses and objectives for impactful findings.

41) India:
India, the source of turmeric (Curcuma longa), highlights the significance of traditional medicine in modern research. Exploring compounds from indigenous plants like turmeric may lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapies, promoting globally relevant health initiatives.

42) Field:
'Field' refers to the area of research or practice, particularly in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Advancements in these fields aim to enhance understanding and treatment approaches for diseases like cancer, contributing to improved patient care.

43) Hela (Helá):
HeLa cells are a widely utilized immortal cell line derived from cervical cancer, serving as a model system in various research including cancer studies. Their use in experiments helps drive insights on tumor biology and effective treatment strategies.

44) Cage:
Cage refers to the controlled environment housing the experimental animals. Proper enclosure ensures the health, well-being, and standardized conditions necessary for obtaining reliable data during testing of the nano-complexes against tumors.

45) Wall:
Wall denotes the cellular barriers that treatments, like nano-complexes, must penetrate to exert their effects. Understanding these barriers is crucial for drug development, as successful delivery to target sites is key to therapeutic effectiveness.

46) Pain:
Pain represents a critical symptom in cancer that treatments aim to alleviate. Focusing on pain management in conjunction with effective tumor reduction contributes to improving the quality of life for patients undergoing therapy.

47) Post:
Post relates to the phase following tumor induction in animal models, guiding evaluations of treatment effects on tumor progression and overall health outcomes. Understanding post-treatment results is vital for therapeutic efficacy assessments and subsequent clinical implications.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Comparative study on the effect of nano-curcumin complexes as antitumor in mice’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Experimental design, Reactive oxygen species, C-Reactive Protein, Mean survival time, Interleukin-6, Chemotherapy side effects, Biochemical analyses, Caspase-3 activity, Tumor bearing mice, Copper oxide nanoparticles, Oxidative stress marker.

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