Model to study (Na+, K+)-ATPase activation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and MCF-10A mammary cells by the PEG-Melatonin conjugate

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) microsphere-modified release systems have been used for adsorption on molecules, proteins, and hormones. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a biogenic amine that regulates the activity of (Na+, K+)-ATPase. The non-tumorigenic nature of MCF10 cells can be a model for studying several biological systems, such as blood mononuclear cells. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin nanofractions adsorbed to PEG microspheres on ATPase enzymes in human blood mononuclear cells and MCF-10A mammary cells. Human blood mononuclear cells and MCF-10A mammary cells (ATCC) were used. The cells were tested for (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity. It was observed that there was an increase in the enzyme in mononuclear cells that were incubated with melatonin adsorbed to the PEG microsphere. There was an increase in the enzymatic activity in MCF-10A when melatonin adsorbed to the PEG microsphere. The PEG microsphere increased the specific activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in human blood mononuclear cells. In MCF-10A mammary cells, there was no change in the presence of the PEG microsphere and a reduction in the presence of melatonin. When these cells were incubated with melatonin adsorbed to the PEG microsphere, there was an increase in the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase. The differences in enzymatic activity suggest that both cell models can serve as models to evaluate the functional activity of cells, cytotoxicity, and interactions between cells in the presence of immunomodulatory agents, thereby contributing significantly to our understanding of these processes.