Nutlin3a-Loaded Nanoparticles Show Enhanced Apoptotic Activity on Prostate Cancer Cells

Escape from apoptosis, one of the characteristic features of cancer cells, is a case that reduces the therapeutic efficacy of apoptosis-inducing molecules used in the cancer treatment. Stabilization of the P53 protein, which is responsible for the regulation of apoptosis mechanism in the cell, is therefore an important therapeutic goal. Nutlin3a inhibits the degradation of the P53 protein, triggers P53-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells and enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics. However, its low aqueous solubility is the major disadvantage when it comes to in vivo administration. In order to facilitate an aqueous formulation of Nutlin3a and to enhance its apoptotic activity on cancer cells, Nutlin3a was encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) prepared by Ouzo method. Physicochemical characterization was performed and activity of apoptosis induction on wild-type P53 expressing LNCaP prostate cancer cell line was evaluated. Nutlin3a-loaded cationic solid lipid nanoparticles were found to stabilize functional P53 at protein level. In addition, induction rate of apoptosis by nanoparticles was higher than Nutlin3a solution in DMSO, proving this nanoparticle formulation is a promising candidate for increasing the efficiency of Nutlin3a for P53(+) cancer cases. Thus, it is anticipated that the results will contribute to evaluate the use of lipid-based nanocarriers to enhance the therapeutic potential of small molecules that are important in cancer cure.