Exploration of tumor growth regression of quinoa and chia oil nanocapsules via the control of PIK3CA and MYC expression, anti-inflammation and cell proliferation inhibition, and their hepatorenal safety in rat breast cancer model

Abstract

Background The second most common cancer in the world is breast cancer. Chemotherapy is used to treat breast cancer, but instances of multidrug resistance, targets that are not selective, and physicochemical issues raise doubts about its efficacy. So, the exploration of chemopreventive agents from efficient natural sources has been required. The chia and quinoa seeds have health-promoting activities that include cardio-protective, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Given the paramount importance of their oils and their potential bioactivities, this work aimed to assess the repressive effect of their oil nanocapsules against mammary tumors in rats. Rat models of chemically induced mammary tumors were gavaged with chia and quinoa nanocapsules for one month. The repressive effect of nanocapsules was studied by quantifying TNF-α, assessing the gene expression of proto-oncogenes (PIK3CA and MYC) using qRT-PCR, and analyzing the cell cycle in mammary tissue. Results The studies clarified that the inhibition of tumors in response to quinoa and chia nanocapsules was associated with a reduction in TNF-α levels, proliferation capability, and motivation for apoptosis. Furthermore, quinoa and chia nanocapsule management repressed the activation of the MYC and PIK3CA genes. As well as nanocapsules modulated the liver enzymes and kidney function alterations induced in mammary tumor animals. Meanwhile, both oils' nanocapsules do not have an impact on the liver and kidneys of healthy rats. Conclusions The findings indicate that quinoa and chia nanocapsules are safe and can reduce tumor growth, suggesting a potential natural therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

Effect of Germination on the Physicochemical Properties, Functional Groups, Content of Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity of Different Varieties of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Grown in the High Andean Zone of Peru

“…Studies have reported important health benefits associated with quinoa consumption, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, hypo-cholesterolemic, prebiotic, and antidiabetic properties [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. These benefits are attributed to bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and dietary fiber [18][19][20][21].…”