Anti-cancer effects of green synthesized gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of Annona muricata. L against squamous cell carcinoma cell line 15 through apoptotic pathway

S Jeslin Mary ¹, Veeran Veeravarmal ², Prasanth Thankappan ¹

⁰Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Sree Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.

Dental Research Journal +

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March 13, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study developed safer gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Annona muricata leaf extract for tongue cancer treatment. The green synthesized AuNPs effectively induced cancer cell death and apoptosis, showing promise as a novel anticancer agent.

Area Of Science

Nanomedicine
Green Synthesis
Cancer Research

Background

Oral cancer, particularly tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), presents a significant health challenge with poor prognosis and severe side effects from conventional treatments.
Nanomedicine offers a platform for targeted therapies, but nanoparticle synthesis safety is a concern.
Annona muricata leaf extract was utilized for a safer, phytoconstituent-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Purpose Of The Study

To synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Annona muricata leaf extract via a green chemistry approach.
To evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of these synthesized AuNPs against human tongue SCC cell lines.
To elucidate the mechanism of action by analyzing key apoptosis-related gene expression.

Main Methods

Green synthesis of AuNPs using Annona muricata leaf extract, followed by characterization.
In vitro assays including MTT, wound healing, and clonogenic assays on SCC-15 cells.
Gene and protein expression analysis of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 to understand the mechanism of cell death.

Main Results

Synthesized AuNPs demonstrated significant dose-dependent anticancer activity against SCC-15 cells, inducing apoptosis.
A notable decrease in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression was observed.
A significant increase in pro-apoptotic genes p53 and Bax was confirmed, indicating apoptosis induction.

Conclusions

Gold nanoparticles synthesized from Annona muricata leaf extract exhibit promising anticancer properties against SCC.
These green synthesized AuNPs represent a potential novel therapeutic agent for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Further investigation is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of these AuNPs.

Keywords:

Anticancer agent apoptosis nanoparticles oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma