Pathological and Molecular Studies on Antitumor effect of Curcumin and Curcumin Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Curcumin is widely known for its anticancer property but low aqueous solubility limits its use. In this study curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were used to overcome the defects of curcumin. The present study aimed at comparing the antitumor effect of nanocurcumin and curcumin. In vitro studies in DAL, A72 and HT29 cell lines confirmed the cytotoxic effect and in vivo studies were carried out in Dalton's Ascites Lymphoma in mice. Antitumor effect was assessed by various parameters like cell block technique, AO/PI staining, TUNEL assay, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and Real time PCR. AO/PI staining and TUNEL assay revealed increased number of apoptotic cells in curcumin and nanocurcumin group. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the nuclear migration of Nf-kB in tumor control whereas it showed cytoplasmic expression in treatment group. Immunocytochemistry revealed increase in expression of Bax and Caspase 8 whereas Bcl2, Cyclin D1 and PCNA showed lesser expression in nanocurcumin as compared to curcumin group. The expression pattern of miR181a, pre-miR-182, miR155 and some of the potential targets in the apoptotic pathway were analyzed by real time PCR. The qPCR analysis revealed the down regulation of miR 181a, 155, pre-miR182, Nf-kB and Bcl2 as well as up regulation of p53, Caspase 8 and caspase 9 in treatment group in which nanocurcumin group showed better effect as compared to curcumin group. The curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles delivered curcumin to cancer cells effectively and increased the therapeutic effect by applying its functions through miRNAs, induction of apoptosis as well as inhibition of metastasis. Thereby it is useful in providing target specific therapy and reduces the side effects of common methods.