ABSTRACT
Background: Developing the natural medicine that allow for the specific targeting cytotoxicity is a very important research area in the development of anti-tumor drugs. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the targeted inhibitory effects of luteolin-loaded Her-2-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) on gastric cancer cells and to delineate the mechanism underlying the inhibition of tumors by luteolin. Materials and Methods: Luteolin-loaded Her-2-PLGA NPs (Her-2-NPs) were prepared, physically and chemically characterized, and their effects on gastric cancer cells were investigated. The rate of NP uptake by cells and the cell morphology were observed using confocal microscopy; the rates of cell proliferation and apoptosis were identified using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry, respectively; and the mRNA and protein expression levels of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Results: Compared with nontargeted microspheres, Her-2-NPs led to significantly enhanced uptake of luteolin by SGC-7901 cells. Luteolin-loaded Her-2-NPs also significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, weakened their migratory ability, and increased both the mRNA and protein expression levels of FOXO1. Conclusion: Luteolin-loading of Her-2-NPs could potentially be used as a novel anti-cancer drugs for targeted cancer therapy.