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Published on: January 8, 2016
In Vitro Therapeutic Potential of Tio2 Nanoparticles Against Human Cervical Carcinoma Cells
Muthuraman Pandurangan1, Gansukh Enkhtaivan1, Jung A Young1
1Department of Bioresources and Food Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
Cellular and physiological responses to the degradation products of titanium implants are key indicators to determine the quality of biocompatibility of implant devices. The present study investigated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle-induced cytotoxicity, apoptotic morphological modification, and apoptotic-related gene expressions in the human cervical carcinoma cells. TiO2 nanoparticle-induced cytotoxicity on cancer cells was determined by the sulphorhodamine-B assay. Apoptotic morphological modification such as nuclear fragmentation, rounding, cytoplasm shrinkage, loss of adhesion, and reduced cell volume were observed by an inverted, fluorescence, and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The DNA fragmentation study showed the occurrence of necrosis and apoptosis in nanoparticle-treated cells. The qPCR study showed the increased p53 and bax mRNA expression in the nanoparticle-treated cells compared to control. In addition, caspase 3 activity was increased in nanoparticle-treated cells, which indicates the increased auto-catalysis. Taking all these data together, it may suggest that TiO2 nanoparticle could inhibit the growth of HeLa cells.
Insights
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells. These findings suggest TiO2 nanoparticles may inhibit cancer cell growth, impacting implant biocompatibility research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biocompatibility of medical implants is crucial and assessed by cellular responses to degradation products.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are common in implants, necessitating understanding their biological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa).
- To evaluate TiO2 nanoparticle-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and related gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity assessed using the sulphorhodamine-B assay.
- Apoptotic morphological changes observed via microscopy (inverted, fluorescence, CLSM).
- DNA fragmentation, qPCR for gene expression (p53, bax), and caspase 3 activity measured.
Main Results:
- TiO2 nanoparticles induced significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HeLa cells.
- Observed morphological changes included nuclear fragmentation and loss of adhesion.
- Increased p53 and bax mRNA expression and caspase 3 activity confirmed apoptosis induction.
Conclusions:
- TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrate cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human cervical carcinoma cells.
- These findings suggest TiO2 nanoparticles have the potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.
- Understanding these cellular responses is vital for assessing titanium implant biocompatibility.

