The Effect of Encapsulated Apigenin Nanoparticles on HePG-2 Cells through Regulation of P53

Abstract

Apigenin (Ap) is one of the most important natural flavonoids that has potent anticancer activity. This study was designed, for the first time, to load Ap into chitosan to improve its hydrophobicity and then it was coated with albumin-folic acid to increase its stability and bioavailability and to target cancer cells. The newly developed encapsulated Ap (Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs) was characterized and tested in vitro. The zeta potential of −17.0 mV was within the recommended range (−30 mV to +30 mV), indicating that encapsulated apigenin would not quickly settle and would be suspended. The in vitro results proved the great anticancer activity of the encapsulated apigenin on HePG-2 cells compared to pure Ap. The treated HePG-2 cells with Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs demonstrated the induction of apoptosis by increasing p53 gene expression, arresting the cell cycle, increasing caspase-9 levels, and decreasing both the MMP9 gene and Bcl-2 protein expression levels. Moreover, the higher antioxidant activity of the encapsulated apigenin treatment was evident through increasing SOD levels and decreasing the CAT concentration. In conclusion, the Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs were easy to produce with low coast, continued drug release, good loading capacity, high solubility in physiological pH, and were more stable than the formerly Ap-loaded liposomes or PLGA. Moreover, Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of HCC.

Simultaneous Administration of Bevacizumab with Bee-Pollen Extract-Loaded Hybrid Protein Hydrogel NPs Is a Promising Targeted Strategy against Cancer Cells

“…The result showed significant conjugation of FA with protamine because of the amino contents of protamine and the good carboxylic activation of FA. A similar result was obtained in our previous publications, confirming that FA dissolved by NaOH can conjugate strongly through amide bond interaction with opposite polymers such as chitosan and protamine and can form ester bonds with polyethylene glycol terminal OH [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Fighting Non-Small Lung Cancer Cells Using Optimal Functionalization of Targeted Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Natural Sources Might Provide Potential Therapeutic and Cancer Bio Image Strategies

“…The cellular uptake of CB-CQDs, N-CQDs, and FA-NCQDs was detected after their incubation for 24 h. A549 cells exposed to these materials exhibited fluorescence emission at blue, red, and yellow channels. Additionally, A549 cells exposed to folic acid conjugated N-CQDs showed good emission because folic acid might increase their cellular adsorption and facilitate their accumulation inside cytoplasm due to its functional attachment with folate receptors ( Figure 8 ) [ 37 ]. Fluorescence intensity was measured using the Image J program, and the corrected total cell fluorescence (CTCF) was detected.…”

Starch-Based Hydrogel Nanoparticles Loaded with Polyphenolic Compounds of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract Have Hepatoprotective Activity in Bisphenol A-Induced Animal Models

“…Upon completing the extraction, 5 mL acetone was added and the stirring continued for an additional 30 min. The solution was further centrifuged and the supernatant was then collected [ 24 ].…”

“…The extraction of Moringa oleifera Lam Leaves was prepared by mixing 10 g of crushed Moringa oleifera Lam Leaves in 45 mL of ethanol (70%), which was stirred for 1 h at 70 • C. Upon completing the extraction, 5 mL acetone was added and the stirring continued for an additional 30 min. The solution was further centrifuged and the supernatant was then collected [24].…”