| خلاصه مقاله | The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-related protein 1 (KEAP1) signaling pathway is widely recognized for its pivotal role in cellular defense mechanisms, particularly in protecting cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. This pathway modulates the expression of various antioxidant enzymes and detoxification proteins, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis and reducing damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other harmful agents. Dysregulation of the Nrf2/KEAP1 axis has been implicated in the progression of several diseases, including cancer.
The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-related protein 1 (KEAP1) pathway is well known to protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. The current study introduced an effective nanomedicine composed of PEGylated gold nanoparticles (GNP -PEG) conjugated with cetuximab (Cet) that can induce ROSs mediating apoptosis pathways for CRC treatment.
The GNPs are synthesized, stabilized by polyethylene glycol (PEG), functionalized, and covalently conjugated with Cet. The physicochemical properties of engineered nanomedicine (GNP-PEG-Cet) were characterized by UV-vis spectrum. Then, the impact of GNP-PEG-Cet on cell viability, ROS production, and oxidative stress gene expression (Kaep1- Nerf2) were evaluated in the CRC cell line.
The engineered nanomedicine effectively induced apoptosis in SW-480 cells and significantly reduced cancer cell viability. In addition, the maximum production of ROS was obtained after the treatment of cells with an IC50 dose of GNP-PEG-Cet. Based on real-time PCR data, in the treated SW-480 cells with the GNP-PEG-Cet, the expression level of Keap1 was significantly increased, while the expression of Nerf 2, were found to be significantly decreased as compared to the untreated control cells. |