Inhibitory effect of dendrosomal-nanocurcumin on Burkitt's lymphoma cells by reducing EBV lytic gene expression

Introduction

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human oncogenic virus that targets B lymphocytes and is associated with some malignancies, such as Burkitt's lymphoma. Curcumin, as a natural product, has anticancer, antiproliferative, and antiviral properties. The combination of curcumin with some nanoparticles, such as dendrosom, can increase its solubility and anti-cancer effects. The present research aims to investigate the antiviral effect of Dendrosomal NanoCurcumin (DNC) on Burkitt's lymphoma cells (Daudi cell line) and the expression of EBV lytic genes and apoptosis.

Materials and methods

The cytotoxicity of curcumin, DNC, and dendrosome on Daudi cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) as a control was assessed using a (3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin/PI flow cytometry. RNA expression of BZLF1, BHRF1, and BRLF1 was assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. The t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The half-minimum concentration of cytotoxicity (CC50) for nanocurcumin was 30 μg/ml, for curcumin 50 μg/ml, and for dendrosome 987 μg/ml. DNC caused time and dose-dependent death in Daudi cancer cells compared to curcumin and showed no toxicity in control cells. Quantitative RT-PCR evaluation showed a significant decrease in BZLF1, BHRF1, and BRLF1 mRNA expression at 30 μg/ml concentration of DNC compared to the control. The data obtained from the relative measurement of gene expression showed a decrease in the expression of viral lytic genes (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, it is noted that carriers, such as dendrosome, enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, thereby increasing its antitumor properties and cell apoptosis. Noteworthy, DNC nanoparticles can serve as a promising drug candidate and supplement in the treatment of Burkitt's lymphoma and in improving patient survival by reducing the expression of EBV lytic phase viral genes.