Comparative multi-pathway inhibition of breast cancer by micro-and nano-formulated Curcumin

Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death among women. There is an urgent need for new therapies with fewer side effects. This study evaluated the anticancer potential of curcumin micro- and nanocapsules on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms using bioinformatics analysis.

Curcumin micro- and nanocapsules were produced through mechanical encapsulation and tested on MCF-7 cells. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, apoptosis and cell cycle changes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and gene expression of C-myc, Ki-67, EGFR, VEGFR2, and Caspase-3 was evaluated by real-time PCR. Public datasets (TCGA and CPTAC) were analyzed to identify curcumin-related genes, pathways, and drug-target networks.

Both formulations reduced cell viability by 45-60% and significantly increased apoptosis, with nanocapsules being more potent. Nanocapsules caused G2/M phase arrest and a 3.8-fold rise in Caspase-3 expression, while microcapsules mainly induced G0/G1 arrest. Treatments suppressed the proliferation markers C-myc and Ki-67, along with EGFR and VEGFR2. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that these genes are key regulators in MAPK, PI3K/Akt, WNT, and HER2 pathways affected by curcumin.

Nano-formulated curcumin demonstrates strong, multi-target anticancer activity by blocking cell growth and angiogenesis while promoting apoptosis. These findings support its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic option for breast cancer.