Silver Nanoparticles Induce HePG-2 Cells Apoptosis Through ROS-Mediated Signaling Pathways
Bing Zhu1,2, Yinghua Li2, Zhengfang Lin2
1Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, People's Republic of China.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|April 15, 2016
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) effectively inhibit human hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG-2) cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. This anticancer effect is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impacts key signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) show promise for treating hepatocarcinoma.
- The precise anticancer mechanisms of AgNPs remain largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of AgNPs on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG-2) cell proliferation.
- To explore the role of ROS-mediated signaling pathways in AgNP-induced apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- AgNPs were synthesized and characterized using TEM, EDX, and Zetasizer Nano.
- HePG-2 cells were treated with AgNPs to assess proliferation, apoptosis, and signaling pathway activation.
- Key molecular markers including caspase-3, PARP, ROS, MAPKs, AKT, and p53 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Synthesized 2 nm AgNPs enhanced cellular uptake via endocytosis.
- AgNPs significantly inhibited HePG-2 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.
- AgNP-induced apoptosis involved ROS overproduction, modulation of MAPK and AKT signaling, and p53 phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- AgNPs demonstrate potent anticancer activity against HePG-2 cells.
- The mechanism involves ROS generation, impacting critical cell signaling pathways and DNA damage response.
- Understanding these ROS-mediated pathways offers insights for AgNP-based cancer therapy.
