Squalene in Nanoparticles Improves Antiproliferative Effect on Human Colon Carcinoma Cells Through Apoptosis by Disturbances in Redox Balance

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences 2024-12, Vol.25 (23), p.13048
• Main Authors: Bidooki, Seyed Hesamoddin, Quero, Javier, Sánchez-Marco, Javier, Herrero-Continente, Tania, Marmol, Inés, Lasheras, Roberto, Sebastian, Victor, Arruebo, Manuel, Osada, Jesús, Rodriguez-Yoldi, María Jesús
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Apoptosis - drug effects; Bioavailability; Caco-2 Cells; Cancer; Carcinoma; Cell cycle; Cell death; Cell Proliferation - drug effects; Colon cancer; Colonic Neoplasms - drug therapy; Colonic Neoplasms - metabolism; Colonic Neoplasms - pathology; Colorectal cancer; Cytochrome; Cytochrome c; Drug dosages; Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Functional foods; Health aspects; Humans; Investigations; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Olive oil; Oxidation-Reduction - drug effects; Oxidative stress; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Patient compliance; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer - chemistry; Prevention; Reactive oxygen species; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Squalene - chemistry; Squalene - pharmacology; Toxicity
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms252313048

Squalene, a triterpene found in extra virgin olive oil, has therapeutic properties in diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cancer. However, its hydrophobic nature and susceptibility to oxidation limit its bioavailability outside of olive oil. To expand its applications, alternative delivery methods are necessary. The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of squalene encapsulated in PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid) nanoparticles (PLGA + Sq) on the proliferation of human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells, as well as its underlying mechanism of action. The findings demonstrated that PLGA + Sq exert no influence on differentiated cells; however, it is capable of reducing the proliferation of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. This effect was initiated by the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm and the subsequent activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, squalene exhibited pro-oxidant activity, as evidenced by an increase in intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels. The results of the squalene effect on genes associated with cell death, inflammation, and the cell cycle indicate that its antiproliferative effect may be post-transcriptional. In conclusion, PLGA + Sq demonstrate an antiproliferative effect on Caco-2 cells through apoptosis by altering redox balance, suggesting squalene's potential as a functional food ingredient for colorectal cancer prevention.