Exploring nano curcumin as a potential therapeutic alternative for glioblastoma multiforme via downregulation of growth factors and induction of apoptosis

Glioma is a type of brain tumor that start from neuroglial stem cells. Despite advancements in surgery and additional adjuvant therapy such as Temozolomide (TMZ), treating this tumor continues to present a challenge with notable side effects, such as toxicity and resistance to treatment. Therefore, the investigation of natural remedies becomes intriguing. This study examines the potential of nano-particle-formulated curcumin, a compound derived from Curcuma longa L as a promising antitumor agent. The research was carried out in vitro by treating Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell with various concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) of nano-particle of curcumin (NC) and TMZ 300 μM. qRT-PCR was employed to assess the relative expression of mRNA Caspase 3 (Casp-3), Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2 (IGFBP-2), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases (ERK). While the proportion of live, necrotic and apoptotic cells was employed utilizing flow cytometry. GBM shows a high expression of growth factors and a low expression of apoptotic gene. The treatment using NC reduced the expression of IGFBP-2, EGFR, and ERK genes, while increasing Casp-3. GBM cells shows higher apoptotic activities and lower necrotic activities after the addition of NC. In comparison to TMZ, NC demonstrates a promise as an anti-tumor agent, particularly for brain tumors, with the optimal dosage identified to be 25 μg/mL.