New 5-fluorouracil Anti-tumor Ferric Oxide Nanoparticles Inhibit Cervical Cancer by Regulating the Expression of Nuclear Factor Kappa B

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a classic chemotherapy drug. Iron oxide nanocarriers (Fe3O4-NPs) significantly increase 5-FU concentration at tumor sites by enhancing targeting and sustained-release properties, while reducing systemic toxicity. Objectives: Our research aims to explore the mechanism of the activity of novel 5-FU anti-tumor Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) in cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: Prepare novel 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs, analyze the nanomaterial properties through electron microscopy, the effect of 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Flow cytometry and MTT detected cell biological behavior. 5-FU solution (control group) or 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs were injected through the skin to treat skin metastases in nude mice, and the tumor volume was counted, and its size was measured. Results: The average diameter of the NPs is 310 nm, and 70% of the particles are less than 385 nm, showing strong homogeneity. 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs can inhibit NF-κB signaling molecule, a subunit of NF-κB transcription factor (P65) expression in cervical cancer cells, and the inhibition rate increases with the increase of 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs concentration. 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs can inhibit the increase in cervical cancer cell proliferation. Cell proliferation showed reduced surviving cells in 5-FU-NPs. Mouse cervical cell carcinoma also suggested that 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs can significantly inhibit the growth of tumor cells, and this mechanism is mainly through inhibition of NF-κB expression. Conclusion: 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs, new anti-tumor NPs, can inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis. 5-FU-Fe3O4-NPs, new anti-tumor NPs, can inhibit cell activities. It may slow down the proliferation of cervical cancer by regulating NF-κB signaling and have a significant anti-tumor effect.