Berberine Loaded Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis in Human Fibrosarcoma Cells

Abstract

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is a target compound for anticancer effects against several cancer cells. However, the poor solubility of berberine in water could cause insufficient bioavailability. In the present study, berberine loaded nanoparticles (nanoberberine) were synthesized to improve its dispersion in water and consequently to increase its pharmacokinetic profile. The data showed that the nanoberberine was successfully synthesized in spherical shape at nano size with approximately 60 nm of mean size. Furthermore, cell viability assay was performed and showed that nanoberberine inhibited proliferation of human fibrosarcoma cell in a dose-dependent manner and its effect is better than that observed with berberine treatment. Nanoberberine treatment at a concentration of 20 μg/mL resulted in only 33.5% viable cells compared to 53.6% of berberine treated samples. The effect of nanoberberine and berberine on promoting apoptosis on HT1080 cells was determined through DNA staining and Annexin V/ Propidium Iodide (PI) double staining. Our results indicated that nanoberberine treatment induced chromatin condensation and loss of plasma membrane properties more pronounced than those induced by berberine free form. These findings suggest that nanoberberine enhanced HT1080 cancer cells undergone apoptosis and improved its bioavailability compared to the original form.