In vitro hepatotoxicity evaluation of methotrexate-loaded niosome formulation: fabrication, characterization and cell culture studies

Background/aim: Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist that widely used to treat osteosarcoma, leukemia, breast cancer, and autoimmune inflammatory diseases. The most important concerns with MTX are its poor solubility high toxicity, particularly in liver cells. To enhance minimize we encapsulated niosomes investigated hepatotoxicity mechanisms using genetic biomarkers. Materials methods: Niosomes were successfully prepared modified thin film method, the monodisperse smallsized formulation was subsequently characterized. In vitro cytotoxicity studies performed both hepatocarcinoma (HEP3G) healthy (AML12) cell lines. Specifically, immunofluorescence assay evaluation of expression levels apoptotic, antioxidant, heat shock protein, oxidative stress genes performed. Results: had particle size 117.1 ± 33 nm, surface charge -38.41 0.7 mV, an encapsulation efficiency 59.7% 2.3%. results showed niosomal exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic effects HEP3G than AML12. analyses increased resulted mainly from slight apoptosis. Conclusion: These demonstrated drug delivery systems could be new potential for minimizing MTX-related hepatotoxicity.