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Magnetite nanoparticles inhibit tumor growth and upregulate the expression of p53/p16 in Ehrlich solid carcinoma
Heba Bassiony1, Salwa Sabet1, Taher A Salah El-Din2
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Background:
Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely used as contrast agents and have promising approaches in cancer treatment. In the present study we used Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) bearing mice as a model to investigate MNPs antitumor activity, their effect on expression of p53 and p16 genes as an indicator for apoptotic induction in tumor tissues.
Method:
MNPs coated with ascorbic acid (size: 25.0±5.0 nm) were synthesized by co-precipitation method and characterized. Ehrlich mice model were treated with MNPs using 60 mg/Kg day by day for 14 injections; intratumorally (IT) or intraperitoneally (IP). Tumor size, pathological changes and iron content in tumor and normal muscle tissues were assessed. We also assessed changes in expression levels of p53 and p16 genes in addition to p53 protein level by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Our results revealed that tumor growth was significantly reduced by IT and IP MNPs injection compared to untreated tumor. A significant increase in p53 and p16 mRNA expression was detected in Ehrlich solid tumors of IT and IP treated groups compared to untreated Ehrlich solid tumor. This increase was accompanied with increase in p53 protein expression. It is worth mentioning that no significant difference in expression of p53 and p16 could be detected between IT ESC and control group.
Conclusion:
MNPs might be more effective in breast cancer treatment if injected intratumorally to be directed to the tumor tissues.
Insights
Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) demonstrated significant antitumor activity in Ehrlich solid carcinoma models. Intratumoral or intraperitoneal MNPs injections reduced tumor growth and increased apoptosis-related gene expression, suggesting potential for cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are utilized as contrast agents and in cancer treatment.
- Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) bearing mice serve as a model for evaluating MNPs' therapeutic potential.
- Assessing MNPs' impact on p53 and p16 gene expression indicates apoptotic induction in tumor tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the antitumor activity of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs).
- Evaluate the effect of MNPs on p53 and p16 gene expression in tumor tissues.
- Determine the optimal administration route for MNPs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized and characterized ascorbic acid-coated MNPs (25.0±5.0 nm) via co-precipitation.
- Administered MNPs (60 mg/Kg) intratumorally (IT) or intraperitoneally (IP) daily for 14 days in ESC mice.
- Assessed tumor size, pathological changes, iron content, and p53/p16 gene/protein expression via immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Both IT and IP MNPs injections significantly reduced tumor growth compared to controls.
- Increased p53 and p16 mRNA and p53 protein expression observed in treated tumors.
- No significant difference in p53 and p16 expression between IT ESC and control groups was noted.
Conclusions:
- Magnetite nanoparticles exhibit significant antitumor effects in the studied model.
- Intratumoral administration of MNPs may enhance their efficacy in breast cancer treatment.
- MNPs show promise as a therapeutic agent, particularly when targeted directly to tumor tissues.
