Spectroscopic, density functional theory, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activities of sulfasalazine and naproxen drugs combination

Abstract

In this study, we reported preparation and characterization of a new nano product consisting of the combination of two anti-inflammatory drugs: naproxen and sulfasalazine (Sulfoxen) where both are currently used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The nano combination product and its structural characterization were obtained by the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively.The hydrogen bonding between the COOH groups of naproxen (NPX) and sulfasalazine (SSZ) drugs were evaluated by the experimental and theoretical spectra. FESEM and AFM techniques represent that the most particles of Sulfoxen have a solid dense cubical or cuboidal structure and they also have size range of 50–100 nm. The objective was to prepare the nano-formulation of the Sulfoxen with improved antioxidant properties with respect to the two compounds administered separately. We have evaluated the anti-cancer effect of Sulfoxen in comparison to sulfasalazine and naproxen drugs on MCF-7 and KYSE30 cell lines. Interestingly, exposure of the zebrafishes to Sulfoxen (12.5 mM) did not exhibit lethal toxicity compared to the control groups. Therefore, Sulfoxen could contribute to more studies for the possible future clinical use.