Mechanism of non-thermal atmospheric plasma in anti-tumor: influencing intracellular RONS and regulating signaling...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Plasma Physics
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) exhibits significant anti-tumor properties, including inhibition of proliferation and metastasis, and promotion of apoptosis.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are recognized as key NTAP effector components, but their precise anti-tumor mechanisms require systematic elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically summarize the mechanisms underlying NTAP's anti-tumor effects.
• To elucidate how NTAP influences intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) concentrations.
• To detail the dysregulation of key signaling pathways (NRF2, PI3K, MAPK, NF-κB) induced by RONS and their link to anti-tumor outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on NTAP and cancer.
• Analysis of mechanisms for NTAP-induced RONS generation.
• Examination of RONS-mediated signaling pathway alterations in tumor cells.

Main Results:

• NTAP treatment leads to increased intracellular RONS concentration through direct and indirect mechanisms.
• Elevated RONS dysregulate critical cellular pathways, including NRF2, PI3K, MAPK, and NF-κB.
• Dysregulation of these pathways correlates with observed anti-tumor effects like reduced proliferation, metastasis, and enhanced apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of NTAP's anti-tumor mechanisms involves RONS generation and subsequent pathway modulation.
• This systematic summary provides a foundation for advancing NTAP research and its clinical translation in oncology.