Nanocurcumin-mediated down-regulation of telomerase via stimulating TGF beta 1 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background: Curcumin, extracted from turmeric, represents enormous potential to serve as an anticancer agent. Telomerase is viewed as a prominent molecular target of curcumin, and transforming growth factor- beta 1 [TGF beta 1] has proven to be a major inhibitory signaling pathway for telomerase activity. In the current study, we aimed to explore suppressive effects of nanocurcumin on telomerase expression through TGF beta 1 pathway in a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line [Huh7]

Methods: MTT assay was used to determine the effect of nonocurcumin on viability of Huh7 cells. RT-PCR was used to analyze the gene expression patterns

Results: MTT assay revealed that nanocurcumin acts in a dose- and time-dependent manner to diminish the cell viability. RT-PCR analysis indicated that nanocurcumin results in augmentation of TGF beta 1 72 hours post treatment and leads to the reduction of telomerase expression 48 and 72 hours post exposure. Also, up-regulation of Smad3 and E2F1 and down-regulation of Smad7 confirmed the effect of nanocurcumin on intermediate components of TGF beta 1 pathway. Furthermore, transfection of the proximal promoter of telomerase triggered a significant reduction in luciferase activity

Conclusion: The data from the present study lead us to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying nanocurcumin-mediated regulation of telomerase expression, thereby presenting a new perspective to the landscape of using nanocurcumin as a cancer-oriented therapeutic agent

Preparation and evaluation of rifampicin and co-trimoxazoleloaded nanocarrier against brucella melitensis infection

Background: Brucellosis or Malta fever is a contagious infection common between human and domestic animals. Many antibiotics are used for brucellosis treatment, but they are not efficient and put heavy burden on society. Co-trimoxazole and rifampicin are two candidates for brucellosis treatment. In this study, we aimed to enhance the efficacy of these antibiotics using designed nanoparticles

Methods: Different concentrations of cotrimoxazole and rifampicin were used for loading onto a nanostructure of synthesized monomethoxy poly[ethylene glycol]-oleate [mPEG-OA]. The solubility, cytotoxicity, and efficacy of these nano-packed antibiotics on Brucella-infected murine phagocytic cells were examined, as compared with free antibiotics. Then the release nanoparticles was increased approximately 3.5 and 1.5fold, respectively, which is considerable in comparison with free insoluble ones

Results: Despite acceptable loading percentage, the application of co-trimoxazole-loaded nanoparticle on Brucella-infected J774A.1 murine macrophage-like cells did not lead to reduction in the number of bacteria; however, the efficacy of rifampicin on Brucella-infected murine phagocytic cells enhanced

Conclusion: In the current study, the efficacy of rifampicin on reducing the number of Brucella melitensis increased by the novel synthesized nanostructure. In contrast, since co-trimoxazole efficacy did not enhance by loading onto nanoparticles, the co-trimoxazole inefficiency is most likely not due to its low penetration or insolubility, and probably there are other factors that remain to be clarified in the future investigations

[Synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using microorganisms and its advantages]

Nanotechnology is on of the growing branches of science that involves the production, manipulation and use of materials ranging in size from less than a micron. Although nanomaterials may be synthesized using chemical systems, but on interesting way for scientists is the production of such materials by living organisms particularly microorganisms and biological processes in the synthesis of nanoparticles. In this review, we reviewed on the rule of microorganisms and plants in the synthesis of nanoparticles and also different usages of these materials