EFFECTS OF DEXTRAN-GRAFT-POLYACRYLAMIDE/ZnO NANOPARTICLES ON PROSTATE CANCER CELL LINES IN VITRO

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) combined with carriers enhance the anticancer effect of nanocomposites.
• Dextran-graft-polyacrylamide (D-g-PAA/ZnO) NPs are investigated for their potential in cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mechanisms of cytotoxic action of dextran-graft-polyacrylamide (D-g-PAA/ZnO) NPs against prostate cancer cell lines in vitro.
• To evaluate the impact of D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs on apoptosis-related protein expression and cell morphology.

Main Methods:

• Prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU-145, PC-3) were treated with D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs.
• Immunocytochemical analysis was used to study the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, p53, and Ki-67.
• Cytomorphological changes were observed after 24-hour incubation with the nanocomposite.

Main Results:

• D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs treatment increased Bax and p53 expression.
• A decrease in Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression was observed.
• Morphological changes indicative of apoptosis, such as cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation, were registered.

Conclusions:

• Dextran-graft-polyacrylamide (D-g-PAA/ZnO) nanocomposite treatment initiated apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cells in vitro.
• These findings suggest the potential of D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.