Copper Nanoparticles As a Chemosensitizer: Enhancing Bleomycin Cytotoxicity Against Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells Publisher



Motafeghi F ; Ghassemi Barghi E ; Gholami Gharab J ; Ghassemibarghi N
Source: Nanomedicine Research Journal Published:2025

Abstract

Breast cancer, particularly hormone receptor-positive subtypes like MCF-7, remains a major clinical challenge due to chemoresistance, necessitating the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have emerged as promising agents in cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties, including oxidative stress induction and enhanced drug delivery. This study investigates the chemosensitizing effects of Nano-Cu in combination with Bleomycin on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The efficacy of the combination treatment was evaluated by assessing cell viability using the MTT assay. Oxidative stress was quantified by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels with the DCFH reagent, while lipid peroxidation (LPO) was analyzed by detecting malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The antioxidant defense system was assessed by measuring glutathione (GSH) levels. The results demonstrated that the combination of CuNPs and Bleomycin significantly reduced MCF-7 cell viability, suggesting potent cytotoxic effects. Additionally, the treatment induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased ROS production, elevated MDA levels, and reduced GSH levels. These findings highlight the potential of CuNPs as a chemosensitizer that enhances the efficacy of Bleomycin by promoting oxidative stress and inhibiting MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of CuNPs in overcoming chemoresistance and improving breast cancer treatment outcomes. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.