Effect of Paclitaxel-loaded Nanoparticles on the Viability of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

Abstract

<br/><b>Objective</b>: To explore effects of paclitaxel-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) particles on the viabilityof human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: The viability of HepG2 cellswas assessed using MTT under different concentrations of prepared paclitaxel-loaded particles and paclitaxel(6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L), and apoptosis was analyzed using Hochest33342/Annexin V-FITC/PI combinedwith an IN Cell Analyzer 2000. <br/><b>Results</b>: Paxlitaxel-loaded nanoparticles were characterized by narrow particlesize distribution (158.6 nm average particle size). The survival rate of HepG2 cells exposed to paclitaxel-loadedPLGA particles decreased with the increase of concentration and time period (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the dose- andtime-dependence indicating sustained release (P<0.05). Moreover, apoptosis of HepG2 cells was induced, againwith an obvious dose- and time-effect relationship (P<0.05). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Paclitaxel-loaded PLGA particles caninhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of HCC HepG2 cells. This new-type of paclitaxel carrier bodyis easily made and has low cost, good nanoparticle characterization and sustained release. Hence, paclitaxelloadedPLGA particles deserve to be widely popularized in the clinic.