Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in Combination with 5-FU Exert Antitumor Effects Superior to Those of the Active Drug in a Colon Cancer Cell Model

Abstract

(1) Background: Colon cancer is one of the most common cancer types, and treatment options, unfortunately, do not continually improve the survival rate of patients. With the unprecedented development of nanotechnologies, nanomedicine has become a significant direction in cancer research. Indeed, chemotherapeutics with nanoparticles (NPs) in cancer treatment is an outstanding new treatment principle. (2) Methods: Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized and characterized. Caco-2 colon cancer cells were treated during two different periods (24 and 72 h) with Fe3O4 NPs (6 μg/mL), various concentrations of 5-FU (4–16 μg/mL), and Fe3O4 NPs in combination with 5-FU (4–16 μg/mL) (Fe3O4 NPs + 5-FU). (3) Results: The MTT assay showed that treating the cells with Fe3O4 NPs + 5-FU at 16 µg/mL for 24 or 72 h decreased cell viability and increased their LDH release (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, at the same treatment concentrations, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was decreased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), and total oxidant status (TOS) increased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, after treatment with Fe3O4-NPs + 5-FU, the IL-10 gene was downregulated and PTEN gene expression was upregulated (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) compared with those of the control. (4) Conclusions: Fe3O4 NPs exert a synergistic cytotoxic effect with 5-FU on Caco-2 cells at concentrations below the active drug threshold levels.

Green Synthesis of Chitosan-Capped Gold Nanoparticles Using Salvia officinalis Extract: Biochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities

“…Normal cells and the cytotoxic selectivity of nanogold and chitosan-encapsulated AuNPs against cancer cell lines, in addition to the synergistic effect of a combination of gold NPs and chitosan-capped AuNPs with a chemical drug (5-Fu), significantly reduced MCF7 and HFs cell viability at a concentration at which the active drug did not induce an effect. Our results were in agreement with other studies and demonstrate that administering Fe 3 O 4 NPs in combination with 5-Fu NPs will lower the dosage of the drug needed to produce noticeable antitumor action [84]. The latter outcome is relevant since 5-Fu has a high level of toxicity, which can be decreased, for example, by employing metal-organic frameworks for its immobilization for anticancer activity enhancement [85][86][87].…”

A Rodent Model of Human-Dose-Equivalent 5-Fluorouracil: Toxicity in the Liver, Kidneys, and Lungs

“…Over the years, the World Health Organization (2020) [6] has been including 5-FU in the list of the most important and necessary drugs in the basic health system, given its low cost and efficiency [7]. Additionally, the use of 5-FU has been studied in new approaches, such as 5-FU nanoparticles associated with other molecules [8,9], as well as in applications for treating other diseases, including vitiligo [10]. Thus, it is evident that the side effects of 5-FU must be elucidated in order to improve safety and treatment effectiveness.…”

Avermectin B1a Shows Potential Anti-Proliferative and Anticancer Effects in HCT-116 Cells via Enhancing the Stability of Microtubules

“…The standard approach for treating colon cancer involves chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, which are tailored to the specific type and stage of the disease. Surgery is the primary treatment method for most cases of colon cancer, while chemotherapy is considered the most effective treatment [ 24 ]. However, chemotherapy can have severe side effects that significantly decrease a patient’s quality of life.…”