Cytotoxicity assessment of nanoliposomal Paclitaxel and nanoliposomal Hydroxyurea in MCF-7 cells

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

Nanotechnology has revolutionized diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Breast cancer is one
of the most prevalent cancers among women. Paclitaxel and hydroxyurea are important drugs
in treatment of breast cancer but their use is limited due to a series of significant side effects.
On the other hand, nanoliposomes are widely used as nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery.
In this study, cytotoxic effects of nanoliposomal hydroxyurea and nanoliposomal Paclitaxel
were investigated. Liposomes were prepared using reversed phase evaporation.Cytotoxicity of
liposomal formulations of the drugs was determined using Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium
bromide (MTT) method. Results showed an IC50 level of 86.25 μl/ml for nanoliposomal
Hydroxyureaand and 43.78 μl/ml for nanoliposomal Paclitaxel. In general, it can be concluded
that that cytotoxicity of nanoliposomal drugs are higher than that of standard formulations.

Keywords

• nanotechnology
• breast cancer
• Paclitaxel
• Hydroxyurea
• Liposome
• Cytotoxicity

---