Y₂O₃ Nanoparticles and X-ray Radiation-Induced Effects in Melanoma Cells

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Nanoparticles offer potential for enhanced radiotherapy and real-time dose monitoring.
• Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles are utilized in material science but their combined effects with radiation on cells are under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y2O3 NPs) combined with superficial X-ray radiation on melanoma cells.
• To evaluate cellular responses including mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and DNA damage.

Main Methods:

• Melanoma cells were exposed to varying doses of X-ray radiation (2-6 Gy) and Y2O3 NP concentrations (25-100 µg/mL).
• Cellular responses were assessed using mitochondrial activity assays, ROS production measurements, colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, and γ-H2AX foci quantification for DNA damage.
• Proteomic profiling was employed to analyze cellular alterations.

Main Results:

• X-ray radiation and Y2O3 NPs independently induced ROS production in a dose/concentration-dependent manner.
• At 6 Gy, X-ray radiation significantly affected mitochondrial activity.
• A synergistic effect between Y2O3 NPs and radiation was observed, decreasing cell proliferation and increasing DNA damage (γ-H2AX foci).
• Combined exposure (50 µg/mL Y2O3 NPs and 6 Gy X-ray) led to significant mitochondrial and DNA alterations.

Conclusions:

• Yttrium oxide nanoparticles enhance the cytotoxic effects of X-ray radiation on melanoma cells.
• The combination therapy shows potential for improving radiotherapy efficacy through synergistic DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Further research into Y2O3 NPs could optimize targeted cancer treatments.