Gemini curcumin inhibits 4T1 cancer cell proliferation and modulates the expression of apoptotic and metastatic genes on Balb/c Mice model

Abstract Background/aim: Despite the attractive anticancer effects, poor solubility and low bioavailability have restricted the clinical application of curcumin. Recent findings show that gemini nano-curcumin (Gemini-Cur) significantly improves cellular uptake of curcumin and its anticancer effect in tumor cells. Here, we aimed to assess the suppressive effect of Gemini-Cur on 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro and, subsequentlly on BALB/c mouse models. Materials and methods Fluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize cellular uptake and morphological changes of 4T1 cells during treatement with Gemini-Cur and void curcumin. MTT and annexin V/FITC assays were performed to study the toxic effect of Gemini-Cur on mouse cancer cells. For in vivo studies, BALB/c tumor-bearing mice were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Gemini-Cur in comparison with mice receiving free curcumin and nanoparticles. Results Our data showed that Gemini-Cur enters the cells and inhibits proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Annexin V/FITC confirmed apoptotic effect on 4T1 cells. In vivo studies also illustrated that tumor growth is suppressed in Gemini-Cur treated mice rather than controls. Expression studies demonstrated the modulation of apoptotic and metastatic genes including Bax, Bcl-2, MMP-9, VEGF and COX-2 in treated mice. Discussion Taken together, these data demonstrate the promising anticancer properties of Gemini-Cur on mice models. However, further studies in molecular and cellular levels are required to conclude this therapeutic advantage.