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Combination of Goniothalamin and Sol-Gel-Derived Bioactive Glass 45S5 Enhances Growth Inhibitory Activity via
Siti Aishah Abu Bakar1,2, Abdul Manaf Ali2, Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd Noor3
1Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Background:
Combination of natural products with chemically synthesised biomaterials as cancer therapy has attracted great interest lately. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the combined effects of goniothalamin and bioactive glass 45S5 (GTN-BG) and evaluating their anticancer properties on human breast cancer cells MCF-7.
Methods:
The BG 45S5 was prepared using the sol-gel process followed by characterisation using PSA, BET, SEM/EDS, XRD, and FTIR. The effects of GTN-BG on the proliferation of MCF-7 were assessed by MTT, PrestoBlue, and scratch wound assays. The cell cycle analysis, Annexin-FITC assay, and activation of caspase-3/7, caspase-8, and caspase-9 assays were determined to further explore its mechanism of action.
Results:
The synthesised BG 45S5 was classified as a fine powder, having a rough surface, and contains mesopores of 12.6 nm. EDS analysis revealed that silica and calcium elements are the primary components of BG powders. Both crystalline and amorphous structures were detected with 73% and 27% similarity to Na2Ca2(Si2O7) and hydroxyapatite, respectively. The combination of GTN-BG was more potent than GTN in inhibiting the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. G0/G1 and G2/M phases of the cell cycle were arrested by GTN and GTN-BG. The percentage of viable cells in GTN-BG treatment was significantly lower than that in GTN. In terms of activation of initiator caspases for both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, caspase-8 and caspase-9 were found more effective in response to GTN-BG than GTN.
Conclusion:
The anticancer effect of GTN in MCF-7 cells was improved when combined with BG. The findings provide significant insight into the mechanism of GTN-BG against MCF-7 cells, which can potentially be used as a novel anticancer therapeutic approach.
Insights
Goniothalamin combined with bioactive glass 45S5 (GTN-BG) enhances anticancer effects against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). This novel combination therapy shows improved efficacy and provides insight into its apoptotic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Therapy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Combination therapy using natural products and synthetic biomaterials is a growing area in cancer treatment.
- Goniothalamin (GTN) is a natural product with potential anticancer properties.
- Bioactive glass 45S5 (BG) is a synthetic biomaterial investigated for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of goniothalamin and bioactive glass 45S5 (GTN-BG).
- To evaluate the anticancer properties of GTN-BG on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7).
- To explore the mechanism of action of GTN-BG in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Bioactive glass 45S5 (BG) was synthesized via sol-gel and characterized using various techniques (PSA, BET, SEM/EDS, XRD, FTIR).
- Anticancer effects were assessed using MTT, PrestoBlue, and scratch wound assays.
- Cell cycle analysis, Annexin-FITC assay, and caspase activation assays (caspase-3/7, -8, -9) were performed to elucidate the mechanism.
Main Results:
- Synthesized BG 45S5 was a fine powder with mesopores, primarily composed of silica and calcium.
- GTN-BG demonstrated superior inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation compared to GTN alone.
- GTN-BG induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and G2/M phases and significantly reduced cell viability.
- GTN-BG effectively activated initiator caspases (-8 and -9) in both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways.
Conclusions:
- The combination of goniothalamin with bioactive glass 45S5 significantly enhances anticancer effects on MCF-7 cells.
- GTN-BG exhibits potent anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis through caspase activation.
- This study offers valuable insights into the mechanism of GTN-BG, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer.
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