METHODS: We used a combination of proliferation and apoptosis assays to assess the effect of JB on AML cell lines and patient samples, with BH3 profiling being performed to identify early effects of the drug (4 h). Phosphokinase arrays were adopted to identify potential driver proteins in the cellular response to JB, the results of which were confirmed and extended using western blotting and inhibitor assays and measuring levels of reactive oxygen species.
RESULTS: AML cell growth was significantly impaired following JB exposure in a dose-dependent manner; potent colony inhibition of primary patient cells was also observed. An apoptotic mode of death was demonstrated using Annexin V and upregulation of apoptotic biomarkers (active caspase 3 and cleaved PARP). Using BH3 profiling, JB was shown to prime cells to apoptosis at an early time point (4 h) and phospho-kinase arrays demonstrated this to be associated with a strong upregulation and activation of both total and phosphorylated c-Jun (S63). The mechanism of c-Jun activation was probed and significant induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was demonstrated which resulted in an increase in the DNA damage response marker γH2AX. This was further verified by the loss of JB-induced C-Jun activation and maintenance of cell viability when using the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC).
CONCLUSIONS: This work provides the first evidence of cytotoxicity of JB against AML cells and identifies ROS-induced c-Jun activation as the major mechanism of action.
OBJECTIVE: Quercetin-decorated liposomes of curcumin (QCunp) are perceived to be able to overcome these biopharmaceutical drawbacks.
METHODS: Curcumin liposomes with/without quercetin were prepared by lipid hydration technique. The liposomes were characterized for their particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug loading and release characteristics. The toxicity of the liposomes were evaluated in-vitro and their invivo efficacy were tested against Dalton's ascites lymphoma in mice.
RESULTS: Liposomes designed showed particle size of 261.8 ± 2.1 nm with a negative zeta potential of -22.6±1.6 mV. Quercetin decorated liposomes were more effective in increasing the life span and body weight of lymphoma inflicted mice compared to those without quercetin. Similarly, the presence of quercetin also contributed to enhanced cytotoxicity of the liposomal formulation towards HT-29 cells and HCT-15 cells.
CONCLUSION: Newer liposomal design exhibited promising potential to emerge as alternative anticancer therapeutics.