Possibilities in the application of solid lipid nanoparticles in combination with 5-fluorouracil to overcome the drugresistance of non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549

Abstract

Introduction: Multidrug resistance of non-small cell lung cancer cells is associated with a high percentage of therapeutic failures. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of solid lipid nanoparticles as a transporter of the conventionally used cytostatic (5-fluorouracil) to overcome the resistance of A549 cells. Material and methods: MTT assay was used to assess the differences in viability of cells treated with 5-fluorouracil alone or in combination with different types of solid lipid nanoparticles. Type of cell death and distribution of cell cycle phases were evaluated using flow cytometry. Results: The use of nanoparticles as a 5-fluorouracil transporter reduced the viability of A549 cells to a greater extent than the cytostatic alone. This was mainly due to the increase in apoptosis, but also necrosis and cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: Our results indicate the great potential of nanotechnology in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. By using nanoparticles, it is possible to sensitise tumour cells to cytostatics to which they are normally resistant. In addition, literature data confirm the safety of solid lipid nanoparticle application.