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ROS Modulating Inorganic Nanoparticles: A Novel Cancer Therapeutic Tool
Maria John Newton Amaldoss1,2,3, Charles Christopher Sorrell4
1Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Abstract:
The term "reactive oxygen species" (ROS) refers to a family of extremely reactive molecules. They are crucial as secondary messengers in both physiological functioning and the development of cancer. Tumors have developed the ability to survive at elevated ROS levels with significantly higher H2O2 levels than normal tissues. Chemodynamic therapy is a novel approach to cancer treatment that generates highly toxic hydroxyl radicals via a Fenton/Fenton-like reaction between metals and peroxides. Inorganic nanoparticles cause cytotoxicity by releasing ROS. Inorganic nanoparticles can alter redox homoeostasis by generating ROS or diminishing scavenging mechanisms. Internalized nanoparticles generate ROS in biological systems independent of the route of internalisation. This method of producing ROS could be employed to kill cancer cells as a therapeutic strategy. ROS also play a role in regulating the development of normal stem cells, as excessive ROS disturb the stem cells' regular biological cycles. ROS treatment has a significant effect on normal cellular function. Mitochondrial ROS are at the centre of metabolic changes and control a variety of other cellular processes, which can lead to medication resistance in cancer patients. As a result, utilising ROS in therapeutic applications can be a double-edged sword that requires better understanding.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are vital signaling molecules in physiology and cancer. While chemodynamic therapy uses ROS to kill cancer cells, their complex role requires further understanding for safe therapeutic use.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical signaling molecules in normal physiology and cancer development.
- Tumors exhibit higher tolerance to elevated ROS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels compared to normal tissues.
- Chemodynamic therapy leverages the Fenton/Fenton-like reaction to generate toxic hydroxyl radicals for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of ROS in cancer, encompassing both their contribution to tumor progression and their therapeutic potential.
- To investigate how inorganic nanoparticles influence cellular redox homeostasis through ROS generation or modulation of scavenging mechanisms.
- To understand the impact of ROS on normal stem cell development and cellular functions, and its implications for therapeutic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on ROS, cancer biology, and chemodynamic therapy.
- Analysis of nanoparticle-induced ROS generation in biological systems.
- Examination of ROS involvement in stem cell regulation and metabolic reprogramming in cancer.
Main Results:
- Inorganic nanoparticles can induce cytotoxicity by generating ROS, impacting redox balance.
- Internalized nanoparticles generate ROS, offering a potential strategy for cancer cell killing.
- Mitochondrial ROS are implicated in metabolic shifts, cellular processes, and drug resistance in cancer.
Conclusions:
- ROS play a complex, double-edged role in cancer therapy, necessitating a deeper understanding.
- Modulating ROS via inorganic nanoparticles presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
- Further research is crucial to harness ROS therapeutically while mitigating off-target effects on normal cells and stem cells.
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