Investigating the Role of Acacia Nilotica Nanoparticles on Promoting Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cell Line (MDA-MB-231)
Hussah M. Alobaid *
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Faten Y. Zalah
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Afrah F. Alkhuriji
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fatma Elzahraa H. Salem
Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
Hany M. Yehia
Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145, Saudi Arabia and Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Home Economics, Helwan University, Helwan 11111, Egypt.
Manal F. Elkhadragy
Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
MDA-MB-231 is a model of a human breast cancer cell line. It represents a suitable cell line for breast cancer research worldwide, including anti-cancer studies. Natural products are rich in phytochemicals that have anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to characterize the Acacia nilotica nanoparticles (AN-NPs) from the extract of Acacia nilotica (AN) using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta sizer, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Cytotoxic activity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The morphological changes of the cells were examined using an inverted microscope. The results showed that at serial concentrations (5, 10, 20, 50 and 70 µg/ml) of AN extract and AN-NPs, a cytotoxic effect and morphological degeneration and damage of the cells were observed. The effect varied depending on the exposure time and AN extract and/or AN-NP concentration on MDA-MB-231. The results showed cytotoxic effects, morphological degeneration, damage and more efficacy against breast cancer cells. We can conclude that AN extract and AN-NP are an effective choice for the development of pharmacological treatments against cancer.
Keywords: Acacia nilotica, breast cancer, inflammation, MDA-MB-231, nanoparticles