Investigation of in-vitro Anti-Cancer and Apoptotic Potential of Garlic-Derived Nanovesicles against Prostate and
Vinayak Sharma1, Eshu Singhal Sinha1, Jagtar Singh1
1Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Objective:
Investigate the anti-cancerous potential of garlic-derived nanovesicles (GDNVs), exploring their cytotoxic effects on HeLa and PC-3 cell lines, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including apoptosis induction and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Methods:
GDNVs were isolated using differential centrifugation and ultracentrifugation. Characterization was performed through dynamic light scattering (DLS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cytotoxicity assessments on HeLa and PC-3 cell lines using MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was evaluated through nuclear morphology changes and quantification of apoptotic cells using DAPI and PI/annexin V analysis. Western blot of apoptosis-related proteins (bcl-2, bax, caspase-3) was analysed. Anti-metastatic potential was assessed using wound healing assay and EMT transition inhibition.
Results:
Garlic-derived nanovesicles (GDNVs), characterized by a size of 134.2 nm, demonstrated a substantial and dose- as well as time-dependent anti-proliferative impact on HeLa and PC-3 cell lines. The induction of apoptosis was unequivocally established through discernible modifications in nuclear morphology. The apoptotic cell count in HeLa and PC-3 cells increased by 42.4 ± 4.2% and 38.2 ± 3.2%, respectively. Comprehensive Western blot demonstrated alterations in the expression of key apoptotic regulators, namely bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3, providing robust evidence for the initiation of apoptosis. Furthermore, GDNVs exerted a significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.001) on the migratory potential of both HeLa and PC-3 cells. Moreover, there was a discernible association between GDNVs and the suppression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), emphasizing their role in impeding the metastatic potential of these cancer cell lines.
Conclusion:
This study establishes, for the first time, the anti-cancerous potential of GDNVs. The observed dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effects, selective cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and anti-migratory potential highlight GDNVs as a promising candidate for cancer treatment.
Insights
Garlic-derived nanovesicles (GDNVs) show significant anti-cancer effects by killing cancer cells and preventing their spread. This study highlights GDNVs as a promising new treatment for cancer.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeted drug delivery systems are crucial for improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Natural compounds offer a rich source for developing innovative anti-cancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer potential of garlic-derived nanovesicles (GDNVs).
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of GDNVs on HeLa and PC-3 cancer cell lines.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action, including apoptosis induction and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of GDNVs using ultracentrifugation, DLS, FESEM, and FTIR.
- Assessment of cytotoxicity via MTT assay on HeLa and PC-3 cells.
- Evaluation of apoptosis induction using DAPI, PI/annexin V, and Western blot analysis of apoptosis-related proteins (bcl-2, bax, caspase-3).
- Analysis of anti-metastatic potential through wound healing assays and EMT inhibition studies.
Main Results:
- GDNVs exhibited dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effects on HeLa and PC-3 cells.
- Apoptosis was induced in cancer cells, with increased apoptotic cell counts (42.4% in HeLa, 38.2% in PC-3).
- Western blot confirmed modulation of apoptosis-related proteins (bcl-2, bax, caspase-3).
- GDNVs significantly inhibited cancer cell migration (p < 0.001) and suppressed EMT, reducing metastatic potential.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the anti-cancer properties of garlic-derived nanovesicles (GDNVs).
- GDNVs show selective cytotoxicity, induce apoptosis, and inhibit cancer cell migration and metastasis.
- GDNVs represent a promising therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment.
