Abstract |
Curcumin is a lipophilic anti- cancer compound extracted from turmeric. Our previous study demonstrated that the curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (Cur-NLC) exhibits superior anti- cancer activity in inhibiting proliferation as well as inducing apoptosis of human HepG2 cells compared to native curcumin. This study aims to unveil the mechanisms underlying the pro-apoptotic effect of Cur-NLC on HepG2 cells. Evidence indicates that low expression of death receptors (DRs) on cancer cell membranes leads to attenuated apoptosis signaling. This study showed that Cur-NLC significantly increased total expression of DR5 protein while simultaneously upregulated cell membrane expression of DR5. Cur-NLC significantly increased caspase-8 and caspase-3 activities, accompanied by increased apoptosis. Furthermore, enhanced apoptosis was inhibited in the presence of a pan- caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK. Therefore, Cur-NLC induced activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway via modulating the DR5/ caspase-8/-3 mediated apoptosis pathway in HepG2 cells, suggesting that Cur-NLC is a promising therapeutic agent or supplement for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Authors | Fengling Wang, Xi Ye, Dandan Zhai, Wenting Dai, Yifan Wu, Jin Chen, Weidong Chen |
Journal | Acta pharmaceutica (Zagreb, Croatia)
(Acta Pharm)
Vol. 70
Issue 2
Pg. 227-237
(Jun 01 2020)
ISSN: 1846-9558 [Electronic] Poland |
PMID | 31955141
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Drug Carriers
- Lipids
- Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
- TNFRSF10B protein, human
- Caspases
- Curcumin
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Topics |
- Apoptosis
(drug effects)
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
(diet therapy)
- Caspases
(metabolism)
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
(drug effects)
- Cell Survival
(drug effects)
- Curcumin
(pharmacology)
- Drug Carriers
(chemistry)
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
(drug effects)
- Hep G2 Cells
- Humans
- Lipids
(chemistry)
- Liver Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Nanostructures
(administration & dosage)
- Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
(metabolism)
- Signal Transduction
(drug effects)
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