The effect of curcumin nanocrystals on VDR gene expression in oral cancer cells (HN5)

Abstract

Introduction: Herbal medicines are of special importance in the treatment and prevention of diseases such as cancer. Curcumin is a plant active ingredient with various therapeutic effects, but due to its hydrophobicity, its bioavailability is low. The synthesis of nanoparticles improves the bioavailability of hydrophobic materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preparation of curcumin nanoparticles and the effect of curcumin and nano-curcumin on human HN5 oral cancer cells by evaluating the toxicity of gene expression.

Materials and Methods: In this study, curcumin nanocrystals were prepared and their physicochemical properties were investigated. Then, to evaluate the cytotoxicity of curcumin and nano-curcumin in 24 and 48 hours used from MTT test and the expression of VDR gene was evaluated by Real Time RT-PCR. For statistical analysis of data, t-test and ANOVA were performed by SPSS software version 17 and a significant level of p≤0.05 was considered.

Results: The particle size of nano-curcumin was reported to be 112 nm. The results of MTT assay for routine cytotoxicity showed that curcumin and nano-curcumin had toxic effects on HN5 cells at different concentrations for 24 and 48 hours. IC50 of curcumin was was 12.5 and 15, respectively in 24 and 48 hours (p <0.05). IC50 of nanocurcumin was was 25 and 17.5, respectively in 24 and 48 hours (p <0.05). MTT test results show that the effect of curcumin and nano-curcumin on HN5 cells was concentration and time dependent. VDR gene expression was significantly reduced in HN5 cells treated with curcumin and nano-curcumin (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Curcumin alone does not increase the expression of VDR gene and their combination with calcitriol may increase the expression of VDR. Suitable for the design of anti-cancer drugs, especially in combination with vitamin D and chemical anti-cancer drugs.