Biogenic silver nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity in bladder cancer

Luiz Alberto Bandeira Ferreira1, Fernanda Garcia-Fossa1, Allan Radaic1

  • 1Nano-cell Interactions Lab., Department Biochemistry & Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Insights

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNP) show promise for treating bladder cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth. In vivo studies demonstrated significant tumor regression in mice, suggesting AgNP as a potential alternative therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Bladder cancer treatment options have remained stagnant for decades.
  • Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) exhibit antineoplastic properties, but their role in bladder cancer is largely unexplored.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of AgNP in bladder cancer is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro and in vivo antitumoral mechanisms of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNP) synthesized from Fusarium sp.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of AgNP in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Main Methods:

  • In vitro cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, cell migration, and proliferation assays using the 5637 bladder carcinoma cell line.
  • In vivo studies involving chemically induced bladder cancer in C57BL/6JUnib mice treated with AgNP via intravesical administration.
  • Tumor regression and histological analysis of urothelium following AgNP treatment.

Main Results:

  • AgNP demonstrated dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity against bladder cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting migration and proliferation.
  • Intravesical administration of AgNP resulted in significant tumor regression (57.13%) in a mouse model of NMIBC.
  • A low concentration of AgNP (0.05 mg/mL) led to partial tumor regression and benign urothelial lesions in treated animals.

Conclusions:

  • Biogenic silver nanoparticles exhibit significant antitumoral activity against bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo.
  • AgNP represent a promising and potentially cost-effective alternative for bladder cancer treatment.
  • Further research into the molecular mechanisms and clinical application of AgNP in bladder cancer is warranted.

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