Cytotoxicity of ICD-85 NPs on human cervical carcinoma heLa cells through caspase-8 mediated pathway

ABSTRACT

The biological application of nanoparticles [NPs] is a rapidly developing area of nanotechnology that raises new possibilities in the treatment of human cancers. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and LDH assays. The apoptotic effect of free ICD-85 and ICD-85 NPs on HeLa cells was assessed using caspase-8 colorimetric assay. The MTT assay showed that ICD-85 NPs could enhance the in-vitro cytotoxicity against HeLa cells compared to the free ICD-85. The IC[50] value at 72 h was reduced from 25 +/- 2.9 Microg/mL for free ICD-85 to 15.5 +/- 2.4 Microg/mL for ICD-85 NPs. However, LDH assay demonstrated that ICD-85 has dose-dependent cytotoxicity on HeLa cells while ICD-85 NPs exhibited weaker cytotoxicity on same cells. The results also indicate that ICD-85-induced apoptosis on HeLa cells is associated with the activation of caspase-8. Moreover, caspase-8 assay analysis demonstrated that the ICD-85 NPs induced a higher apoptotic rate in HeLa cells compared to free ICD-85. Our results demonstrated that the encapsulation of ICD-85 enhances its anti-proliferative effects. Taken together, these results suggest that the delivery of ICD-85 in nanoparticles may be a promising approach for the treatment of the cancer