Hesperidin-loaded nanoemulsions improve cytotoxicity, induce apoptosis, and downregulate miR-21 and miR-155 expression in MCF-7

Abstract

Hesperidin, a ubiquitous plant-based flavanone, was encapsulated into nanoemulsions (HP-NEM) using a spontaneous emulsification method to improve its solubility and enhance bioavailability and efficacy in breast cancer treatment using MCF-7 cell lines. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of HP-NEM against MCF-7 and its impact on oncomiRs, microRNA-21, and microRNA-155 expression were also assessed. The optimised HP-NEM displayed a spherical shape with 305 ± 40.8 nm, 0.308 ± 0.04, and −11.6 ± 3.30 mV and 93 ± 0.45% for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta-potential (ζ), and encapsulation efficiency, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT assay showed selective toxicity of the HP-NEM against MCF-7 without affecting normal cells (HEK 293). Treatment with the HP-NEM induced cell death through apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and downregulated miR-21 and miR-155 expression in MCF-7. This study supports the use of HP-NEM as a potential therapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment.

Keywords:

• Breast cancer
• hesperidin
• nanoemulsions
• miR-21
• miRNA-155 downregulation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) thank the University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Health Sciences under [Grant number 636742], and the National Research Foundation of South Africa through Prof. Roshila Moodley [Grant number 114008], for their financial support.