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

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 (zeta), 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.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that Hesperidin nanoemulsions (HP-NEM) selectively exhibit cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 cells through apoptosis induction, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and downregulation of miR-21 and miR-155 expression, without harming normal cells. This suggests the potential use of HP-NEM as a therapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment.