Melatonin–selenium nanoformulation: a promising therapeutic strategy against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Combination therapy has emerged as a standard strategy for enhancing the efficacy of anticancer treatments. The purpose of our study was to assess the melatonin-selenium nanoparticles’ anticancer potential (MSeNPs) in a murine model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Assessments included cell viability, hematological parameters, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, cell cycle dynamics, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings demonstrate that MSeNPs inhibit tumor growth and enhance antioxidant defenses. MSeNPs significantly reduce IL-6 levels, alleviating EAC-associated inflammation. Furthermore, MSeNPs induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and Ki-67 downregulation, resulting in decreased cell proliferation and significant G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, accompanied by marked suppression of the S phase. In conclusion, these results highlight the synergistic therapeutic advantage of MSeNPs, indicating greater efficacy than monotherapies with melatonin, selenium, or selenium nanoparticles alone. MSeNPs hold promise as a potent, multi-targeted agent for future cancer therapies.