Lai J.C.K., Gao W., Bhushan A., Leung S.
Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, US
Keywords: anti-cancer drugs, chitosan, gold nanoparticles, nanotoxicity, pancreatic cancer cells, silver
Because of chitosan’s roles in biomedical applications, this study investigated the effects of chitosan, chitosan in combination with silver or gold nanoparticles, and chitosan with nanoparticles and Adriamycin, Methotrexate or Cisplatin on human PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Our results demonstrated chitosan, chitosan in combination with nanoparticles, and the three chemotherapeutic drugs exerted differential inhibitory effects on the survival/proliferation of PANC-1 cells: their inhibitory effects were greater when employed in combination with chitosan and nanoparticles. Treatment with chitosan, chitosan in combination with nanosilver particles, and chitosan in combination with Adriamycin and nanosilver particles exerted differential effects on the expression of AKT, p-AKT, ERK, and p- ERK proteins (important cell survival/proliferation signals) in PANC-1 cells. Thus, these results suggested that chitosan and nanoparticles may have chemotherapeutic potential in designing of new and improved treatments for this cancer.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: TechConnect Briefs 2019
Published: June 17, 2019
Pages: 401 - 404
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Diagnostics & Bioimaging
ISBN: 978-0-9988782-8-7