Fig. 14

Analysis of apoptosis-related gene expression in A549 cells following treatment with Qur and Chr, delivered either in free form or as nanoformulations. (A) The mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic genes (Rbp, Cyclin D1, and Bcl2) was markedly decreased in the treated groups compared with the control. (B) Conversely, the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, Fas, and P53) was significantly increased after treatment with control, free Chr, free Qur, Chr–NPs, Qur –NPs, Chr–Qur, and Chr-Qur@MSNsChi NPs for 48 h. Error bars represent standard deviations. (*P value < 0.05, **P value < 0.001).