본 연구에서는 석류 유래 나노베지클이 유방암 세포인 MDA-MB-231 세포에 항 혈관 신생효과와 세포 증식을 억제하는지 확인하고자 하였다. 석류 주스로부터 분리한 석류 유래 나노베지클(PNVs)이 평균 직경이 162 nm의 이중막 구조인 나노베지클을 검증하였다. MDA-MB-231 세포에 석류 유래 나노베지클의 내재화를 확인하였다. 석류 유래 나노베지클이 MDA-MB-231 세포에 농도 의존적으로 세포 증식률을 감소시키는 것을 확인하였다. 또한, 석류 유래 나노베지클이 MDA-MB-231 세포에 침윤 및 전이를 억제하는 것을 확인하였다. 마지막으로 세포 발현 단백질을 증가시키고 MMP-2, MMP-9 단백질의 발현을 감소시키는 것을 검증하였다. 본 연구는 석류 유래 나노베지클이 인간 유방암 세포인 MDA-MB-231 세포의 세포 침윤 및 전이를 억제하고 세포사멸을 시켜 항암효과가 있음을 제시하고 있다. 따라서 석류 유래 나노베지클이 유방암 예방 및 치료에 이용 가능함으로 시사된다.
Purpose: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Koreans, with breast cancer being the most common among women. Breast cancer readily metastasizes, and the existing treatment processes impose a significant burden on patients. This study examined whether pomegranate-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PNVs) have anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell infiltration and metastasis while increasing apoptosis on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: Initially, exosome-like nanovesicles were isolated from pomegranate using ultracentrifugation. Subsequently, the size range of these nanovesicles was confirmed using nanoparticle tracking analysis. The ability of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to internalize these natural nanovesicles was assessed with flourescence microscope. The anti-cancer effects of the PNVs were confirmed by applying various concentrations of PNVs (10, 50, 100 μg/mL) to MDA-MB-231 cells and systematically assessing their impact on cell viability and migration. Results: The round shape of the lipid bilayer in the PNVs was confirmed, providing crucial insights into their structural properties. We demonstrate that PNVs-associated DiD dye can be efficiently internalized by the MDA-MB-231 cells. The data showed that the PNVs inhibited cell viability, invasion rates, and migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, PNVs were absorbed into the MDA-MB-231 cells, leading to an increased expression of apoptosis proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3 and phosphorus-JNK, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a reduction in cell infiltration and decreased expression of the transition markers MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins were observed. Conclusion: For the first time, this study suggests that PNVs may be useful in the prevention or treatment of breast cancer by inhibiting the infiltration and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells and inducing apoptosis.