Anti-Proliferative Effect of Nano-Niosomal Formulation of Curcumin Against Glioblastoma Stem/Like Cells

The glioblastoma cancer stem cells (GSCs) can contribute to tumor initiation, recurrence and also resistance to current treatments. In the present study, curcumin was encapsulated in a noisome nanoparticle, termed niosomal-curcumin (N-CM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of N-CM on GSCs in comparison with free curcumin (CM). Materials and Methods: The cancer stem cellswere isolated from the glioblastoma tumor tissue of a 50-year-old man. To evaluate cytotoxicity effects of N-CM, proliferation, viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and ROS generation were assessed on GSCs. Results: N-CM significantly decreased cell viability in a dosedependentlymanner. N-CM treatment leads to higher accumulation of cells in the SubG1 phase (apoptotic) in comparison with CM. N-CM trigger apoptosis through the increasing Bax while decreasing Bcl2 expression. We also indicated an elevated amount of oxygen freeradicals, and a declined expression of NF-κB and IL-6, which may be explained cytotoxicity of N-CM against GSCs. Conclusion: These results introduce N-CM as a potent anti-tumor agent.