Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is believed to be responsible for the control mechanisms of cellular defense response and master regulator of antioxidant system by adjustment of endogenous antioxidants, phase II detoxifying enzymes and transporters, so inhibition of Nrf2 could be considered molecule target to overcome drug resistance and cancer progression. By harnessing liposome as an advanced nanoparticles transporter, we formulated Quinacrine known as nrf2 inhibitor into nano-carrier, and sensitized A-549 lung tumor cells to Cisplatin. The aim of this work was to prepare liposome nano-carriers to enhance the bioavailability of Quinacrine and to improve passive targeting in A549 cells. Quinacrine formulation into liposome exposed a mean particle size of 80±5 nm in passive targeting and 110±3 after decoration with chitosan oligosaccharides (COS), respectively. The highest amount of cell death (p<0.05) occurred with the co-incubation of the A549 cells with new formulation and Cisplatin. Additionally, Quinacrine-loaded liposomes declined Nrf2 expression more than Quinacrine alone (p<0.05). Correspondingly, the expression of Nrf2 downstream genes, MRP1, Trx, and bcl2 decreased significantly. Taking all the data into consideration, liposomes containing Quinacrine could ameliorate the effectiveness of Cisplatin by raising the permeability of cancer cells to the abovementioned chemical treatment and might be then given as a candidate to boost the therapeutic protocols in cancer patients.
Keywords: A549 cells; Cisplatin; Drug delivery; Nrf2; Quinacrine-loaded liposomes.