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Preparation and in vitro anti-tumor properties of toad venom extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles
Su-Juan Zhang1, Yong-Tai Zhang, Ji-Hui Zhao
1School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
In this study, we prepared solid lipid nanoparticles (TV-SLNs) loaded with toad venom extract and investigated their anti-tumor effects in vitro in HeLa and SKOV-3 cells. TV-SLNs were prepared using a cold homogenization technique, and the formulation was optimized by central composite design and response surface methods. The anti-tumor activities of TV-SLNs were evaluated by analyzing cell division and cell cycle distribution by using the MTT assay and flow cytometry. After incubation with TV-SLNs, the growth of both HeLa and SKOV-3 cells was inhibited significantly. The percentage of HeLa cells in G0/G1 phase decreased, whereas that in the S and G2/M phases increased. Thus, the S and G2/M phases were blocked after the incubation of HeLa cells with TV-SLNs for 24 h. In contrast, the percentage of SKOV-3 cells in G0/G1 phase increased and then decreased in S and G2/M phases, with the G0/G1 phase being blocked after incubation with TV-SLNs for 24 h. Our results demonstrate that TV-SLNs inhibited the fissiparism of HeLa and SKOV-3 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner. TV-SLNs may be effective as a novel TV vaginal delivery system for the treatment of cervical and ovarian cancers.
Insights
Solid lipid nanoparticles (TV-SLNs) loaded with toad venom extract show significant anti-tumor effects against HeLa and SKOV-3 cancer cells. These TV-SLNs effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and division in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising drug delivery platform for various therapeutic agents.
- Toad venom extract (TV) possesses known bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties.
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize toad venom extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TV-SLNs).
- To investigate the in vitro anti-tumor effects of TV-SLNs on HeLa (cervical) and SKOV-3 (ovarian) cancer cells.
- To evaluate the impact of TV-SLNs on cancer cell cycle progression and division.
Main Methods:
- TV-SLNs were formulated using a cold homogenization technique.
- Formulation optimization was achieved through central composite design and response surface methodology.
- Anti-tumor activity was assessed using MTT assays and flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle distribution.
Main Results:
- TV-SLNs demonstrated significant inhibition of HeLa and SKOV-3 cell growth.
- HeLa cells exhibited an increase in S and G2/M phases, indicating cell cycle arrest.
- SKOV-3 cells showed G0/G1 phase arrest after TV-SLN treatment.
- Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation was observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- TV-SLNs effectively inhibit the proliferation of cervical and ovarian cancer cells in vitro.
- The mechanism involves distinct cell cycle arrest in HeLa and SKOV-3 cells.
- TV-SLNs represent a potential novel vaginal delivery system for cervical and ovarian cancer treatment.
