Amelioration of pterostilbene antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and oxidant potentials in human breast cancer mcf7 cells using zein nanocomposites

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explain the influence of zein nanosphere (ZN NS) formulation on the pharmacotherapeutic profile of PTS in MCF7 cells. Methods: Liquid–liquid phase separation was used to formulate PTS-ZN NSs. The formulations developed were evaluated for particle-size analysis, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro diffusion. Also, assays of cytotoxicity, uptake, cell-cycle progression, annexin V, apoptotic gene mRNA expression and biochemical assays were carried out. Results: The PTS-ZN NS formulation selected showed 104.5±6.2 nm, 33.4±1.8 mV, 95.1% ±3.6%, and 89.1%±2.65% average particle size, zeta-potential, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro diffusion, respectively. With MCF7 cells, IC50 was reduced approximately 15-fold, with increased cellular uptake, accumulation in the G2 /M phase, increased percentage of cells in the pre-G1 phase, amelioration of early and late apoptosis, raised mRNA expression of CASP3 and CASP7, lower expression of cyclin-CDK1, and enhanced oxidant potential through decreased glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and enhanced reactive oxygen–species generation and lipid-peroxidation products. Conclusion: PTS-ZN NSs indicated enhanced antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and oxidant potential toward MCF7 cells compared to free PTS. Ameliorated results of nanosized carriers, cellular uptake, and sustained diffusion may contribute to these outcomes.