Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In many cases,
cancer is related to the elevated expression of a significant cytokine known as tumor
necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Breast cancer in particular is linked to increased proliferation
of tumor cells, high incidence of malignancies, more metastases, and generally poor
prognosis for the patient. The research sought to assess the effect of silver nanoparticles
reduced with ethyl cellulose polymer (AgNPs-EC) on TNF-α expression in MCF-7
human breast cancer cells.
Methods: The AgNPs-EC were produced using the green synthesis reduction method, and
their formation was proofed via UV–VIS spectroscopy. Furthermore, AgNPs-EC were
characterized for their size, charge, morphology, Ag ion release, and stability. The MCF-7
cells were treated with AgNPs-EC. Then, the expression of TNF-α genes was determined
through PCR in real time, and protein expression was studied using ELISA.
Results: The AgNPs-EC were spherical with an average size of 150±5.1 nm and a zetapotential
of −41.4±0.98 mV. AgNPs-EC had an inhibitory effect on cytokine mRNA and
protein expression levels, which suggests that they could be used safely in the fight against
cancer. AgNPs-EC cytotoxicity was also found to be non-toxic to MCF-7.
Conclusion: Our data determined AgNPs-EC as a novel inhibitor of TNF-α production.
These results are promising for developing novel therapeutic approaches for the future
treatment of cancer with safe materials.
Keywords: silver nanoparticles, tumor necrosis factor-α, ethyl cellulose, MCF-7 cells