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Published on: March 15, 2024
Toxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on retinoblastoma mitochondria
Enayatollah Seydi1,2, Ghazaleh Tahmasebi3, Abdollah Arjmand4
1Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Purpose:
Retinoblastoma (RB) is one of the most important cancers in children with a higher rate of prevalence in developing countries. Despite different approaches to the treatment of RB, it seems necessary to discover a new approach to its treatment. Today, mitochondria are recognised as an important target in the treatment of cancer. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been studied by researchers due to their important biological effects.
Methods:
In this study, the effects of SPIONs on mitochondria isolated from Y79 retinoblastoma cells were investigated.
Results:
The results showed that SPIONs were able to increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and subsequently damage the mitochondrial membrane and release cytochrome c a as one of the important pro-apoptotic proteins of RB mitochondria. Furthermore, the results indicated a decrease in cell viability and an increase in caspase-3 activity in Y79 retinoblastoma cells.
Conclusions:
These events can lead to the killing of cancerous mitochondria. Our results suggest that SPIONs can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and death in RB mitochondria.
Insights
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) induce mitochondrial dysfunction and death in retinoblastoma (RB) cells. SPIONs increase reactive oxygen species, damage mitochondrial membranes, and trigger apoptosis, offering a potential new treatment strategy for this childhood cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Nanotechnology
- Cancer Biology
- Mitochondrial Medicine
Background:
- Retinoblastoma (RB) is a significant childhood cancer, particularly in developing nations.
- Targeting mitochondria presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) exhibit notable biological effects relevant to cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of SPIONs on mitochondria isolated from Y79 retinoblastoma cells.
- To explore SPIONs as a potential therapeutic agent for retinoblastoma by targeting mitochondrial pathways.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of mitochondria from Y79 retinoblastoma cells.
- Treatment of isolated mitochondria and intact cells with SPIONs.
- Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane integrity, and cytochrome c release.
- Evaluation of cell viability and caspase-3 activity.
Main Results:
- SPIONs significantly increased ROS levels in Y79 retinoblastoma cell mitochondria.
- SPIONs induced mitochondrial membrane damage and the release of cytochrome c, a key pro-apoptotic protein.
- A decrease in Y79 cell viability and a corresponding increase in caspase-3 activity were observed.
Conclusions:
- SPIONs effectively induce mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in retinoblastoma cells.
- These findings suggest SPIONs can trigger the death of cancerous mitochondria.
- SPIONs represent a potential therapeutic strategy for retinoblastoma by targeting mitochondrial integrity.
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