[Preparation of warangalone-loaded liposomes and its inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE To prepare warangalone-loaded thermosensitive liposomes (WLTSL) and evaluate its inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells in vitro. METHODS MTT assay was used to assess the changes in proliferation of 3 breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and SKBR3) following treatment with warangalone, soy isoflavone and genistein. Colony-forming assay and wound healing assay was used to assess colony forming activity and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with warangalone. The effect of warangalone on the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in MDA-MB-231 cells was examined with Western blotting. The thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) and WLTSL were prepared using a thin film hydration method, and the morphology, size, encapsulation efficiency and stability of the prepared liposomes were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering scanning and UV spectrophotometry. MTT assay was used to examine the inhibitory effect of WLTSL on mouse breast cancer cells (4T1) in vitro. RESULTS Warangalone showed stronger anti-proliferation effects than soy isoflavones and genistein in the 3 human breast cancer cell lines and significantly inhibited colony formation by MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with warangalone significantly inhibited migration of the breast cancer cells and down-regulated the cellular expressions of MMP2 and MMP9. The prepared TSL and WLTSL presented with a homogeneous, irregular spherical morphology, with a mean particle size of 56.23±0.61 nm, a polymer dispersity index of 0.241±0.014, a Zeta potential of -40.40±0.46 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency was 87.68±2.41%. WLTSL showed a good stability at 4 ℃ and 37 ℃ and a stronger inhibitory effect than warangalone in 4T1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Warangalone inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, and the prepared WLTSL possesses good physical properties and strong anti-breast cancer activity.