The evaluation of the effect of β-glucan nanoparticle coated with doxorubicin on colon cancer cells

: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known as a significant global health issue, making it crucial to improve diagnostic and treatment methods. Although there have been notable improvements in treatments against cancer, further research is required. In colon cancer, nearly all patients eventually experience drug resistance and stop responding to the approved drugs, making treatment difficult.β-glucan, an immunomodulatory agent, has exhibited promising anti-tumor efficacy in preclinical studies involving colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer, while also mitigating the adverse reactions associated with chemotherapy and enhancing patients’ quality of life. The purpose of this research was to explore the potential of using doxorubicin-coated β-glucan nanoparticles for the management of CRC. Methods. We created β-glucan nanoparticles and utilized X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy to analyze their structural and physical characteristics. By utilizing Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, we verified the presence of doxorubicin (DOX) on the nanoparticles, and showed that its release is affected by pH. The impact of these nanoparticles on the survival of HTC۱۱۶ cells was determined through MTT assays, and the effects on the expression of genes related to angiogenesis and apoptosis were investigated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results. The therapies effectively inhibited the growth of HTC۱۱۶ cells and the use of DOX-loaded β-glucan nanocarriers further boosted the effectiveness of DOX in inhibiting cell proliferation through a complementary approach. Additionally, the β-glucan nanoparticles suppressed the expression of VEGF, VASP, AMPK, and HIF-۱α genetic materials. The treatment groups also increased the expression of caspase-۸, while decreasing the Bax/Bcl-۲ ratio, facilitating the onset of apoptosis. Conclusion. Nanoparticles containing β-glucan, used as carriers for DOX, have the potential to offer precise drug delivery by responding to changes in pH levels. Additionally, they have displayed enhanced effectiveness in killing cells by altering angiogenesis and inducing apoptosis but Further investigation is required.

کلیدواژه ها:

Colorectal cancer ، β-glucan ، Nanoparticles ، Doxorubicin ، Angiogenesis signaling