Copper Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in SW480 Human Colon Cancer Cell Line

Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs) have various applications in biomedicine, owing to their unique properties. As the effect of CuNPs on the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the human colorectal cancer cell line SW480 has not yet been studied, we investigated the toxicity and mechanism of action of these NPs in SW480 cells. MTT assay was performed to assess the effect of the particles on the viability of SW480 cells. The levels of oxidative stress were assessed after 24 h of treatment with CuNPs by evaluating the Reactive Oxygen Specious (ROS) production. The antioxidant enzyme activity was assessed using a colorimetric method. To investigate the effect of NPs on cellular apoptosis, Hoechst33258 staining was performed, and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 was evaluated by qRT-PCR. The MTT assay results showed that CuNPs inhibited the viability of SW480 cells. Moreover, the increase in ROS production at all three concentrations (31, 68, and 100 μg/ml) was significant. It has been observed that CuNPs lead to increased expression of Bax and p53, and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Hoechst staining was performed to confirm apoptosis. In conclusion, the induction of apoptosis demonstrated the anticancer potential of the CuNPs.