Investigation of the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of propylthiouracil-loaded mesoporous nanoparticles on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

This study investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of propylthiouracil (PTU) loaded on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells. EAT cells were incubated with PTU, blank MSN, and PTU + MSN combinations for 24, 48, and 72 h, and cytotoxicity was assessed using the XTT assay, with IC50 values calculated. The combination treatment showed lower IC50 values and stronger time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects compared with single treatments. qPCR analyses suggested that PTU + MSN treatment was associated with increased Bax expression and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression, indicating activation of apoptotic signaling. Elevated caspase-9 and p53 expression suggested involvement of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, while increased caspase-8 expression indicated possible contribution of the extrinsic pathway. Reduced mTOR and p70S6K expression was associated with suppression of cell proliferation and survival signaling. Overall, these findings suggest that MSN-based delivery may enhance the anticancer effects of PTU, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy in cancer research.