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Functionalization of Silver Nanoparticles Loaded with Paclitaxel-induced A549 Cells Apoptosis Through ROS-Mediated
Jianjun Zou1, Bing Zhu2, Yinghua Li2
1Guangzhou Chest Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
Background:
Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most important and effective anticancer drugs for the treatment of human cancer. However, its low solubility and severe adverse effects limited clinical use. To overcome this limitation, nanotechnology has been used to overcome tumors due to its excellent antimicrobial activity.
Objective:
This study was to demonstrate the anticancer properties of functionalization silver nanoparti- cles loaded with paclitaxel (Ag@PTX) induced A549 cells apoptosis through ROS-mediated signaling pathways.
Methods:
The Ag@PTX nanoparticles were charged with a zeta potential of about -17 mv and charac- terized around 2 nm with a narrow size distribution.
Results:
Ag@PTX significantly decreased the viability of A549 cells and possessed selectivity between cancer and normal cells. Ag@PTX induced A549 cells apoptosis was confirmed by nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, Ag@PTX enhanced the anti-cancer activity of A549 cells through ROS-mediated p53 and AKT signalling pathways. Finally, in a xenograft nude mice model, Ag@PTX suppressed the growth of tumors.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that Ag@PTX may be a candidate as a chemopreventive agent and could be a highly efficient way to achieve anticancer synergism for human cancers.
Insights
Functionalized silver nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (Ag@PTX) demonstrate potent anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells via ROS-mediated pathways. This novel Ag@PTX formulation shows promise for enhanced cancer treatment with reduced toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Biology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Paclitaxel (PTX) is a crucial anticancer drug, but its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and severe side effects.
- Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer properties of paclitaxel-loaded silver nanoparticles (Ag@PTX).
- To elucidate the mechanisms of Ag@PTX-induced apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells, focusing on ROS-mediated signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of Ag@PTX nanoparticles (approx. 2 nm size, -17 mv zeta potential).
- Assessment of A549 cell viability, apoptosis (nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation), and selectivity against normal cells.
- In vivo evaluation in a xenograft nude mice model to assess tumor growth suppression.
Main Results:
- Ag@PTX significantly reduced A549 cell viability with selectivity for cancer cells.
- Apoptosis induction was confirmed through morphological and biochemical markers.
- ROS-mediated activation of p53 and AKT pathways was observed, enhancing anti-cancer activity.
- Ag@PTX effectively suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model.
Conclusions:
- Ag@PTX nanoparticles exhibit significant anticancer efficacy and selectivity.
- The study highlights ROS-mediated signaling as a key mechanism for Ag@PTX-induced apoptosis.
- Ag@PTX represents a potential chemopreventive agent and a strategy for achieving anticancer synergism.
