Multiple effects of vanadyl sulphate and nano formulations on cancer cell's viability, morphology and intracellular localization in vitro

Vanadium compounds have been widely investigated in cancer research as ideal agents for cancer treatment. Most of the chemotherapeutic agents used during cancer therapy exert numerous strong side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop new drugs without side effects and cytotoxic at low concentrations. The main issue of novel approaches on cancer therapy includes increasing drug delivery, selecting and developing anticancer agents with low side effects. The current research investigates the potential therapeutic effects of vanadyl sulphate and newly synthesized vanadyl sulphate loaded solid lipid nanoformulation (SLN) as cytotoxic, antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) including morphological and ultrastructural changes. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT colorimetric assay. Morphological changes on nuclei, cell membrane and cytoskeleton as well the changes in intracellular calcium concentration were investigated using confocal microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for detecting ultrastructural changes. Apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest potential were investigated using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Both vanadyl sulphate and vanadyl sulphate loaded SLN, the latter being more effective, induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells being cytotoxic and antiproliferative by causing morphological and ultrastructural damages. E-cadherin, Cyclin B1 and D1 expression was augmented in treated MCF-7 cells. Our findings are encouraging for further investigations for use of vanadium compounds in cancer therapy.