Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decrease the viability of cervical cancer cells by inducing the BAX gene and activating...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Cervical cancer (CC) is a major cause of mortality, often linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Not all CC cases are HPV-associated, indicating other contributing factors like oxidative stress.
• Imbalances in oxidant-antioxidant status are increasingly implicated in CC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the viability of cervical cancer cells (HeLa).
• To assess the impact of AuNPs on the antioxidant capacity of HeLa cells.
• To explore AuNPs as a potential therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer.

Main Methods:

• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of approximately 25.5 nm were synthesized and characterized.
• HeLa cells were treated with varying concentrations of AuNPs, and cell viability was measured using the MTT assay.
• Apoptosis-related gene expression (BAX, p53) and antioxidant enzyme activities (Catalase, SOD) were quantified using Real-time PCR and biochemical assays.

Main Results:

• AuNPs exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in HeLa cell viability, with an IC50 of 113 µg/ml.
• Treatment with AuNPs led to a significant upregulation of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene.
• Activities of antioxidant enzymes Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) were significantly increased following AuNP exposure.

Conclusions:

• Gold nanoparticles effectively induce cell death in HeLa cells, mediated by increased BAX gene expression.
• AuNPs modulate key antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a role in altering the cellular redox balance.
• These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of AuNPs for cervical cancer treatment by targeting critical cellular pathways.