Search

Background: Shikonin (SKN) is a widely used Chinese Traditional Medicine with anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Objectives: The research aimed to study the anti-cancer effect of SKN in diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced renal carcinoma in rats. Materials and Methods: The experimental animal groups consisted of Group I (Control), Group II (DEN + Fe-NTA), Group III (DEN + SKN), and Group IV (SKN alone). Retroperitoneal infusions were given for 24 weeks. Subsequently, tissues and blood samples were tested for biochemical, histopathologic, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot tests. Results: After 24 weeks, the antioxidant enzymes were found to increase in the SKN-treated groups. Histopathology revealed normal tissue morphology with a significantly reduced inflammatory response in SKN-treated animal groups compared to the control group. The serum levels of necrosis factor kappa B, PGE2, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were also down-regulated in the SKN-treated animal groups. The apoptotic proteins (Caspase-3, -9, and Bcl-2-associated X protein) were higher confirming SKN-induced apoptosis. Conclusion: Overall evidence suggests that SKN exhibits a reno-protective anti-cancer effect against DEN + Fe-NTA induced renal carcinoma in rats. Thus, SKN emerges as a therapeutic agent for kidney cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method is disclosed for the loading and release of doxepin by using gold nanoparticles. It is suggested that loading of doxepin occurs through two Van der Waals interactions between the drug molecules and Au nanoparticles as well as formation of an electronic bridge between them. This interaction increases the mean free-path of the free electrons on gold nanoparticles and makes an external plasmon resonance peak at the UV-Vis spectrum. An emitting green light can control the release process, in which its wavelength is close to the wavelength of surface plasmon resonance of Au NPs. Finally, the performed cellular cytoxicity of Au@doxepin NPs (loaded doxepin onto Au nanoparticles) against PC3 prostate cancer cells showed that this nanoparticle has an acceptable cytotoxicity in the concentration range of 5–40 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]