![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Abstract Raptinal is a novel antineoplastic agent that induces an expeditious intrinsic apoptotic pathway,in addition to the shutdown of mitochondrial function for cancerous cells. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to provide a worthy approach to overcome tumors. In this study, both Raptinal and Raptinal loaded silver nanoparticles were tested for the first-time in hepatocellular carcinoma induced mice to evaluate its efficacy and targeting to HCC. 72 albino male mice of matched ages were classified into six groups, HCC was induced using Diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) /carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). Liver function was assessed in all groups using ALT, AST, total bilirubin and Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as well as histopathological examination. Quantitative gene expression of key apoptotic gene markers; p53, cytochrome c and caspase 3 were assessed in all liver homogenates. The results showed that Raptinal loaded-AgNPs group had a significant increase in both apoptotic genes of cytochrome c and caspase 3 at p=0.0001 compared to Raptinal free drug group. AFP levels were significantly decreased in Raptinal loaded on AgNPs group compared to both Raptinal free drug and HCC groups at p=0.0001. Degenerative changes in the hepatocytes with focal necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in histopathology confirm the biochemical analysis. Our study is considered one of the first studies using Raptinal In-vivo. Moreover, it showed that Raptinal and/or the combination between Raptinal and AgNPs showed a promising therapeutic agent in treating HCC. |