Anti-proliferation and anti-angiogenesis of curcumin-K30 solid dispersion.

Objective: To evaluate the anti-proliferation and anti-angiogenesis effect of curcumin-K30 solid dispersion (Cur-K30) on tumors in vivo.

Methods: Growth inhibition rates of the tumor cells was measured with MTT method. Tumor inhibition was detected by tumors transplanted subcutaneously in mice treated with Cur-K30 [50, 100, and 200 mg/(kg · d)]. The expressions of CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed by immunohistochemical study, and analyzed by Imageproplus software.

Results: Cur-K30 had inhibitory effect on different tumor cell lines in a dose dependent manner with IC₅₀ values from 6.6 to 12.12 μg/mL. The in vivo study showed that the inhibitory rates of the 200 mg/(kg · d) Cur-K30 group on H22, B16, and SW480 were 43.2%, 53.1%, and 59.8%, respectively, which were all much higher than the inhibitory rates of curcumin suspension group with the same dose. Compared with the control group, the expression of CD34 and VEGF in SW480 tumors was down-regulated in the 200 mg/(kg · d) Cur-K30 group (P <0.01).

Conclusion: The proliferation inhibition of Cur-K30 is higher than curcumin in vivo, and the most significant effect is obtained in SW480 tumors transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice. Down-regulation of VEGF and decreased microvascular density may contribute to the anti-tumor effect of Cur-K30.