Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: In this study, the effects of curcumin- coated silver nanoparticles were examined on induction of apoptosis in ovarian cancer A2780 cell.
Material and Methods: Silver nanoparticles coated with curcumin were biosynthesized, then A2780 cells were treated with different concentration of silver nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity effects of silver nanoparticles in A2780 cells were assessed by MTT assay and apoptotic effects of these nanoparticles were examined using DAPI and acridine orange/ propidium iodide staining and caspase 3/9 activation assay. Changes in Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression were analyzed by Real Time PCR.
Results: Findings showed that silver nanoparticles inhibit A2780 cells proliferation in a dose dependent manner. 8 µg/ml 50% decreased cell viability at 24 hours, DAPI and, acridine orange propidium iodide staining represent that percentage of apoptotic cells in the treated groups was increased. The results of Real Time PCR showed that Bax gene expression in cells treated with silver nanoparticles increased, while Bcl-2 gene expression in the treated cells was decreased.
Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles coated with curcumin induce apoptosis in A2780 cancer cells. The use of the nanoparticles should be considered a promising strategy for the treatment of ovarian cancer.