Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Tamoxifen and Their Anticancer Potential against Human Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) serve as molecular carriers for in vivo and in vitro delivery. Initial studies have suggested that nanotubes in drug delivery can enhance the therapeutic response to anti-cancer drugs. The present study intended to investigate the effect of CNTs carrying tamoxifen (TAM-CNTs) on the induction of apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Materials & Methods: The cells were treated with various concentrations of TAM and TAM-CNTs. The IC50 for these compounds was determined using a MTT assay. The cells were then treated with a lower concentration of IC50. The BAX and BCL-2 genes expression were evaluated by Real-Time PCR and Western blot. Flow cytometry was employed for evaluating apoptosis induction by TAM and TAM-CNTs. Results: The IC50 value of TAM and TAM-CNTs in a 48-hour period was 66.19 mg/mL and 36.59 mg/mL, respectively. The results demonstrated that BAX in the cells treated with TAM and TAM-CNTs was upregulated 3.64 and 7.88 times, respectively (P <0.05). Conversely, BCL-2 was downregulated 3.98 and 5.31 times (P <0.05). Furthermore, Western blot experiments confirmed the expression of BAX and BCL-2 proteins based on their gene expression. Flow cytometry results indicated that the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells in the control group, TAM-treated, and TAM-CNTs-treated cells was 95.3%, 64.9%, and 13.75%, respectively. This suggests that TAM-CNTs significantly diminishes cell viability compared to TAM (P <0.001). Conclusion: The findings revealed that TAM accompanied by CNTs exhibits a greater cytotoxic and apoptotic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells.

Keywords

• tamoxifen
• carbon nanotubes
• nano-delivery system
• apoptosis