Evaluation of Lomustine-Loaded Iron Nanoparticles on Caspase-6 Gene Expression and Cell Viability in U87Mg Cell Line

Every year, many people around the world die from cancers. Among all types of cancers, brain cancer has been recognized as one of the most deadly cancers due to the late detection and limitations of current therapies, and thus it remains an unresolved problem. Glioblastoma occurs in different parts of the central nervous system and is one of the most important causes of cancer death in people. In addition, there are many problems for the treatment of cancer cells. One of the limiting factors is the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is an effective method for overcoming this problem.

In this study, iron oxide-NPs were synthesized and loaded on the folic and lomustine. Further, the size and morphology of NPs were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Then, the U87-MG cell line was cultured in the Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and treated with nano, nano-folic, nano-lomustine (LUM), LUM, and complex, followed by evaluating 50% inhibitory concentration, tetrazolium assay, and caspase-6 activity.

Our results showed that cell viability decreased in LUM container groups by increasing the incubation time. Based on the caspase-6 activity analysis, the mortality rate increased in LUM container groups after 3 days. These findings indicated that LUM, complex, and nano-LUM increase cell death in U87MG.

Finally, the results suggested that LUM in NPs could be applied as a safer form of drug delivery for targeting cancer.