Expression changes of apoptotic and metastatic genes in MCF-7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells under the influence of niosomes containing farnesol and gingerol

Farnesol and gingerol are two powerful plant active ingredients that have proven anti-cancer and antioxidant effects. In this study, the expression changes of Caspase 8, Matrix metalloproteinases 2, Matrix metalloproteinases 9 and Vascular endothelial growth factor genes were studied in MCF-7 and SKBR3 cancer cell lines treated with niosomes containing farnesol and gingerol.

MCF-7 and SKBR3 cells were treated with niosome containing farnesol and gingerol, combination of two drugs, single drug niosome formulation and free drug for 48 hours. Gene expression changes were investigated using Real-Time PCR technique and statistical analysis was done at 0.05 level with GraphPad Prism software.

Niosome codelivery containing two drugs (N-Far/Gin) caused a significant increase in the level of caspase 8 gene expression and also a significant decrease in the regulation of the expression of Matrix metalloproteinases 2, Matrix metalloproteinases 9, and Vascular endothelial growth factor genes (P<0/001). It had a higher significance level than the treatment with other formulations.

It seems that farnesol and gingerol-loaded niosomes have great anti-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic potential in the prevention of breast cancer. Further in vivo experiments and clinical studies can elucidate the potential of N-Far/Gin to be applied as a medicinal agent in breast cancer treatment.