ABSTRACT
Background: Gold Nanoparticles [GNPs] are used in imaging and molecular diagnostic applications. As the development of a novel approach in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance and a necessity, a simple and safe method for the synthesis of GNPs using plant extracts of Zataria multiflora leaves was applied in this study and the results on GNPs' anticancer activity against HeLa cells were reported
Methods: The GNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, DLS and Zeta-potential measurements. In addition, the cellular up-take of nanoparticles was investigated using Dark Field Microscopy [DFM]. Induction of apoptosis by high dose of GNPs in HeLa cells was assessed by MTT assay, Acridin orange, DAPI staining, Annexin V/PI double-labeling flow cytometry and caspase activity assay
Results: UV-visible spectroscopy results showed a surface plasmon resonance band for GNPs at 530 nm. FTIR results demonstrated an interaction between plant extract and nanoparticles. TEM images revealed different shapes for GNPs and DLS results indicated that the GNPs range in size from 10 to 42 nm. The Zeta potential values of the synthesized GNPs were between 30 to 50 Mev, indicating the formation of stable particles. As evidenced by MTT assay, GNPs inhibit proliferation of HeLa cells in dosedependent GNPs and cytotoxicity of GNPs in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell [BMSCs] was lower than cancerous cells. At nontoxic concentrations, the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles took place. Acridin orange and DAPI staining showed morphological changes in the cell's nucleus due to apoptosis. Finally, caspase activity assay demonstrated HeLa cell's apoptosis through caspase activation
Conclusion: The results showed that GNPs have the ability to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells
ABSTRACT
Studies confirmed anticancer properties of saffron extract. Angiogenesis, formation of new blood vessels which is necessary in many physiological stages and pathological events such as tumor growth. So it would be an effective strategy to inhibit angiogenesis to treat many cancers and metastasis. In this experimental study, effects of saffron on angiogenesis in chick chorioalantoic membrane [CAM] were investigated. Fifity ross fertilized eggs divided in 5 groups, including: control, sham exposed, experimental group 1, 2 and 3. In second day of incubation window was opened on eggs. In day 8 gelatin sponges contain gelatin and albumin was put on chorioalantoic membrane and was soaked with Saffron aqua extract in concentration 100, 400 and 800 micro g/ml. In 12th day all cases were photographed by photo stereomicroscope. Numbers and lengths of vessels around the sponges were measured by Image J software. Data were analyzed with SPSS-16 in significant level p<0.05. According to data analysis, changes had no correlation on the average length of blood vessels in the first experimental group [41.5 +/- 5.5 mm], compared with the control group, [44.5 +/- 2.4 mm]. While in the second and third experimental group [40.2 +/- 2.1 mm] and [38.4 +/- 3.8 mm] these changes were significant [p=0.001]. On the other hand, the average number of blood vessels in the first experimental group [22.07 +/- 5.2] in compare with the control group [27.46 +/- 4.4] shows a significant reduction [p=0.02], this decline between the second [18.80 +/- 4.4] and third [15.87 +/- 3.8] experimental groups was significant at the level of p=0.001. Saffron extract has a dose dependent inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in chick chorioalantoic membrane
ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis, which is required for embryonic development and many physiological events, plays crucial role in many pathological conditions such as tumor growth and metastasis. Recent studies indicate anticancer and antitumor properties of saffron against human cancers. Many processes are affected by Electromagnetic Field [EMF] and its effect on proliferation and gene expression were examined. In this experimental study, the synergic effects of saffron and EMF on VEGFR gene expression in MCF7 cells were investigated. Saffron was extracted using freeze dryer. MCF7 cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% FBS and incubated at 37 °C with 5% CO[2]. After 24 hr cells were treated with saffron extract at concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 microg/ml. Forty eight hr after treatment all flasks were exposed with EMF [50 Hz, 0.004 T]. Then total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthetized using specific primer. Synthetized products were analyzed by Real Time PCR to determine expression level of VEGFR[2]. Data were analyzed by SPSS [ANOVA and Tukey]. Critical inhibitory effect on VEGFR[2] gene expression was 20% at 400 microg/ml. Synergic use of EMF and saffron extract showed most reduction [38%] at 100 microg/ml. On the other hand synergic use of 200, 400 and 800 microg/ml saffron aqua extract and EMF decline noticeably the VEGFR[2] level of gene expression to 29, 35 and 36%, respectively. EMF itself also reduced VEGFR[2] up to 25% in comparison with control group which is remarkable at p<0.001. Results indicate a decrease in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor in the treated samples with saffron extract compared to control. This reduction in VEGFR[2] level induced by synergic treatment of saffron and EMF which reveals induction of inhibitory effects of saffron on angiogenesis and could be also considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment
ABSTRACT
An isolate from polluted soil identified as Aspergillus sp. MS-100 was able to consume vanadium oxide octaethyl porphyrin as a model for protoporphyrins in crude oil. The isolate degrades about 55% of vanadium oxide octaethyl porphyrin [VOOEP] under optimum conditions during 7 days. The release of more than 0.96 mgL-1 of free vanadium into the aqueous phase was confirmed using atomic absorption. By using the Taguchi experimental design method, the optimum values of pH, temperature and initial concentration of VOOEP were determined as 5.5, 30C, and 20 mg/l, respectively. The reduction of VOOEP in the culture medium was accelerated by Ag+ and inhibited by Zn2+ and EDTA. The Sn2+ and Pb2+ ions showed a stimulatory effect at 0.1 mM and an inhibitory effect at 1 mM