Avaliação do potencial antitumoral do extrato nanoencapsulado de Maytenus ilicifolia em células de melanoma cutâneo SK-MEL-28

Abstract

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a neoplasm generated by the malignant transformation of epidermal melanocytes, characterized by insidious and rapid progression, heterogeneous evolution among patients, and has shown resistance to several therapeutic strategies. The search for phytochemicals that act as modulators of oxidative stress, inflammation, and modulators of the components of the purinergic system has motivated research to treat melanoma. In this sense, Maytenus ilicifolia belongs to the Celastraceae family, and is a plant native to southern Brazil, popularly known as espinheira-santa. Is popularly used in teas from its leaves, bark and roots, with potential medicinal action as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-ulcer and antioxidant. However, the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of some phytochemicals limit research. In this sense, nanotechnology represents a promising strategy to protect phytochemicals sensitive to degradation, improving the bioavailability, efficacy, stability and selectivity of active ingredients. Thus, we evaluated the influence of the nanoencapsulated extract of Maytenus Ilicifolia obtained from the leaves of the plant on SK-MEL-28 cutaneous melanoma cells as an antitumor agent. We obtained a hexane extract rich in tocopherols, phytosterols and terpenoids, which was nanoincorporated in the form of a nanoemulsion, which reached a size of 142.9 ± 7.42 nm, polydispersity index of 0.273 ± 0.01, zeta potential of -6 .6 ± 0.24 mV and pH of 5.55 ± 0.05. The nanoemulsions remained stable for 30 days under refrigeration and at room temperature. So, assays were conducted to evaluate cell viability, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and purinergic system. The nanoemulsions containing the extract at concentrations 25 μg and 50 μg did not demonstrate cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. However, nanoemulsions without the extract, and at concentrations 75 μg and 100 μg were able to increase cytotoxicity and promote changes in morphology and cell death due to oxidative stress. Therefore, the nanoemulsion from the extract can be considered an important formulation to be explored by nanomedicine