Anti-Gastric Cancer Activity of Mixed-Region Iranian Propolis Nanoparticles: Potential Therapeutic Applications.

Background: Propolis holds great potential in therapeutic development due to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and esters. However, its chemical composition has restricted its solubility and bioaccessibility. Here, we synthesized responsive Iranian propolis nanoparticles derived from 3 distinct regions of Iran, representing the first comparative investigation of their anticancer effects against AGS gastric cancer cells.

Methods: Propolis was collected from 3 different regions of Iran. Iranian propolis extract (IPE) was prepared using Bosio method. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. Using the probe sonication, Iranian propolis nanoparticles (IPNs) were prepared. Identification tests of IPNs were performed with dynamic light scattering (DLS)-Zetasizer methods. Next, the anticancer potential of IPNs was analyzed by measuring the cell survival rate on the AGS gastric cancer cell line by MTT assay. Also, the IPNs apoptotic activity was evaluated using Annexin V/FITC-propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometry.

Results: Analysis of the IPE showed the presence of paracoumaric acid and caffeic acid predominantly. An average IPNs size was obtained from 8 to 15 nm with good stability and cellular uptake. Compared with IPE, IPNs showed a greater effect on AGS gastric cancer cell survival inhibition after 24 and 48 h. The IC50 values of cancer cells treated with IPE and IPNs were calculated as 76.55 and 43.26 µg/ml for 24 h and 63.26 and 12.14 µg/ml for 48 h respectively. The flow cytometry results showed that the apoptosis induced by IPNs was greater than the control cells.

Conclusions: Our study indicated that the IPNs can be more effective than IPE in reducing AGS cell viability and increasing apoptosis. These results suggest the potential of IPNs as low-toxicity nanocarriers for gastric cancer therapy, although further in vivo studies are required to validate their therapeutic potential and assess their pharmacokinetic properties.