Effects of curcumin nanoparticles on proliferation and VEGF expression of human retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of curcumin(Cur) nanoparticles loaded with chitosan derivatives grafted by deoxycholic acid(Chit-DC) on human retinal pigment epithelial(h RPE) cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) m RNA expression.● METHODS: Cur nanoparticles were synthesized with Chit-DC as the carrier and Cur as the supported drug. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of Cur/Chit-DC, Chit-DC, and Cur on the proliferation of h RPE cells for different times. The changes of Cur/Chit-DC and Cur on h RPE cell cycle were determined by flow cytometry. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to detect the m RNA expression levels of VEGF in h RPE cells treated with Cur, Chit-DC and Cur/Chit-DC at 10 μg/m L for 24 h. ● RESULTS: Different concentrations of Chit-DC nanoparticle treated h RPE cells had no significant difference in terms of optical density(OD) values compared with the control group at 24 h and 48 h. Moreover, there was no change in the cell morphology under a light microscope. After 24 h treatment with Cur/Chit-DC and Cur, the percentage of G0-G1 phase cells increased and the percentage of S phase cells decreased in all concentration groups. Cur/Chit-DC and Cur in all concentration groups inhibited the proliferation of h RPE cells in a time and dose dependent manner, and reduced the expression level of VEGF m RNA. ● CONCLUSION: The Cur/Chit-DC nanoparticles can release Cur continuously and have sustained release function. Both Cur/Chit-DC nanoparticles and Cur could inhibit h RPE cells cultured in vitro, and could reduce the expression level of VEGF m RNA in h RPE cells.