Platinum nanoparticles induced genotoxicity and apoptotic activity in human normal and cancer hepatic cells via oxidative stress-mediated Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase-3 expression

Bio synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and multifaceted therapeutic applications of BSA-Resveratrol coated platinum nanoparticles

This study examines the manufacturing, characterization, and biological evaluation of platinum nanoparticles, which were synthesized by Enterobacter cloacae and coated with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Resveratrol (RSV). The formation of PtNPs was confirmed with the change of color from dark yellow to black, which was due to the bioreduction of platinum chloride by E. cloacae. BSA and RSV functionalization enhanced these nanoparticles' biocompatibility and therapeutic potential. TGA, SEM, XRD, and FTIR were employed for characterization, where PtNPs and drug conjugation-related functional groups were studied by FTIR. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of PtNPs and Pt-BSA-RSV NPs, while TGA and SEM showed thermal stability and post-drug coating morphological changes. Designed composite was also found to be biocompatible in nature in hemolytic testing, indicating their potential in Biomedical applications. After confirmation of PtNPs based nanocaompsite synthesis, they were examined for anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Pt-BSA-RSV NPs showed higher concentration-dependent DPPH scavenging activity, which measured antioxidant capability. Enzyme inhibition tests demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory activity against COX-2 and 15-LOX enzymes. In in vitro anticancer studies, Pt-BSA-RSV NPs effectively killed human ovarian cancer cells. This phenomenon was demonstrated to be facilitated by the acidic environment of cancer, as the drug release assay confirmed the release of RSV from the NP formulation in the acidic environment. Finally, Molecular docking also demonstrated that RSV has strong potential as an anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent. Overall, in silico and in vitro investigations in the current study showed good medicinal applications for designed nanocomposites, however, further in-vivo experiments must be conducted to validate our findings.

LncRNA Miat knockdown enhances pirarubicin-mediated anticancer sensitivity in breast cancer cells

Pirarubicin (THP) is a widely used antitumor agent in clinical practice, but its reduced sensitivity during treatment has limited its use. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of LncRNA Miat knockdown in improving THP sensitivity. We assessed the role of Miat overexpression/knockdown on THP-mediated 4T1 anticancer activity by CCK8, TUNEL, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, Transwell, Ca2+ , real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The results showed that Miat expression was higher in 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells than in HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cells, while THP decreased Miat expression in 4T1. Miat knockdown in combination with further reduced cell viability, promoted apoptosis and inhibited migration compared to THP alone. This may be related to the reduction of calcium ions in 4T1. In conclusion, Miat knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of THP to 4T1 by inhibiting calcium channels.

Nanocomposites of iron oxide, sodium alginate, and eugenol induce apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in Hep3 cells and in vivo hepatotoxicity in the zebrafish model

Hepatic cancer is among the most recurrently detected malignancies worldwide and one of the main contributors to cancer-associated mortality. With few available therapeutic choices, there is an instant necessity to explore suitable options. In this aspect, Nanotechnology has been employed to explore prospective chemotherapeutic approaches, especially for cancer treatment. Nanotechnology is concerned with the biological and physical properties of nanoparticles in the therapeutic use of drugs. In the current work, formulation, and characterization of α-Fe2O3-Sodium Alginate-Eugenol nanocomposites (FSE NCs) using several approaches like SEM and TEM, UV-visible, FTIR, and PL spectroscopy, XRD, EDAX, and DLS studies have been performed. With an average size of 50 nm, the rhombohedral structure of NCs was identified. Further, their anticancer activity against Hep3B liver cancer cell lines has been performed by cell viability, dual staining, DCFH-DA, Annexin-V/-FITC/PI, cell cycle analysis methods, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling proteins were studied to assess the anticancer effects of the NCs in Hep3B cells. Also, anti-cancer activity on animal modeling in-vivo using zebra fishes to hematological parameters, liver enzymes, and histopathology study effectiveness was noticed. Moreover, the NCs reduced the viability, elevated the ROS accumulation, diminished the membrane integrity, reduced the antioxidants, blocked the cell cycle, and triggered the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling axis that eventually resulted in cell death. As a result, FSE NCs possess huge potential for use as a possible anticancer candidate.

Nano-Pt induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy in human NSCLC cells

Given that currently used classical chemotherapeutic drugs lack the ideal therapeutic effect and produce severe side effects, platinum nanomaterials (Pt-NMs) have gradually gained attention, and their antitumor effect has been initially explored. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the action of Pt-NMs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells remain unclear. Moreover, the interaction between Pt-NMs and autophagy in inducing apoptosis of NSCLC cells remains unexplored. In this study, we explored the anti-NSCLC effect of amine-caged Pt nanoclusters (Nano-Pt) using cell cycle, migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy assays. We found that Nano-Pt significantly inhibited cell viability, reduced migration ability, caused DNA damage, induced S phase (period of DNA synthesis in the cell cycle) arrest, and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Nano-Pt also reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased permeability transition, and promoted apoptosis by upregulating Bax and PARP expression. Nano-Pt-induced apoptosis was accompanied by protective autophagy, which could be enhanced by autophagy inhibitors. Our findings on the biological behavior and the interaction between autophagy and apoptosis can provide the clear anti-NSCLC molecular mechanism of Nano-Pt, which have a promising potential for the development of novel Pt-based antitumor chemotherapy drugs with excellent curative efficacy and fewer side effects.

In vitro impact of platinum nanoparticles on inner ear related cell culture models

So far, it was supposed that the increase of electrical impedance following cochlear implant (CI) insertion was due to technical defects of the electrode, inflammatory and/or formation of scar tissue along the electrode. However, it was recently reported that corrosion of the platinum electrode contacts may be the reason for high impedances. It could be shown that platinum particles were stripped from the electrode surfaces. Its potential cytotoxic effects within the inner ear remains to be examined. In this study in vitro cell culture models of the mouse organ of Corti cell line (HEI-OC1) and the spiral ganglion (SG) cells derived from the cochleae neonatal rats were used to investigate the effects of the polyvinylpyrrolidone coated platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPPVP, 3 nm) on cell metabolism, neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth. Our data revealed no decrease of the metabolic activity of the HEI-OC1 cells at Pt-NPPVP concentrations between 50-150 μg/ml. Also, staining with Calcein AM/EthD demonstrated prevalent presence of vital cells. As shown by transmission electron microscopy no Pt-NPPVP could be found at the cell surface or in the cytosol of the HEI-OC1 cells. Similarly, the SG cells exposed to 20-100 μg/ml Pt-NPPVP did not show any reduced survival rate and neurite outgrowth following staining of the neurofilament antigen even at the highest Pt-NPPVP concentration. Although the SG cells were exposed to Pt-NPPVP for further 72 h and 96 h immunocytochemical staining of the glial cells and fibroblasts presented normal cell morphology and growth independently of the cultivation period. Our data indicates that the used Pt-NPPVP do not trigger the cellular uptake and, thus, presumable do not initiate apoptotic pathways in cells of the organ of Corti cell line or the auditory nerve. The protection mechanisms to the Pt-NPPVP interactions remain to be clarified.

Green Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

The diverse biological properties of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) make them ideal for use in the development of new tools in therapy, diagnostics, and other biomedical purposes. "Green" PtNPs synthesis is of great interest as it is eco-friendly, less energy-consuming and minimizes the amount of toxic by-products. This review is devoted to the biosynthesis properties of platinum nanoparticles based on living organisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants) use. The participation of various biological compounds in PtNPs synthesis is highlighted. The biological activities of "green" platinum nanoparticles (antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, etc.), the proposed mechanisms of influence on target cells and the potential for their further biomedical application are discussed.

Copper Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in SW480 Human Colon Cancer Cell Line

Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs) have various applications in biomedicine, owing to their unique properties. As the effect of CuNPs on the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the human colorectal cancer cell line SW480 has not yet been studied, we investigated the toxicity and mechanism of action of these NPs in SW480 cells. MTT assay was performed to assess the effect of the particles on the viability of SW480 cells. The levels of oxidative stress were assessed after 24 h of treatment with CuNPs by evaluating the Reactive Oxygen Specious (ROS) production. The antioxidant enzyme activity was assessed using a colorimetric method. To investigate the effect of NPs on cellular apoptosis, Hoechst33258 staining was performed, and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 was evaluated by qRT-PCR. The MTT assay results showed that CuNPs inhibited the viability of SW480 cells. Moreover, the increase in ROS production at all three concentrations (31, 68, and 100 μg/ml) was significant. It has been observed that CuNPs lead to increased expression of Bax and p53, and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Hoechst staining was performed to confirm apoptosis. In conclusion, the induction of apoptosis demonstrated the anticancer potential of the CuNPs.

Platinum-based drug-induced depletion of amino acids in the kidneys and liver

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II; CDDP) is a widely used cytostatic agent; however, it tends to promote kidney and liver disease, which are a major signs of drug-induced toxicity. Platinum compounds are often presented as alternative therapeutics and subsequently easily dispersed in the environment as contaminants. Due to the major roles of the liver and kidneys in removing toxic materials from the human body, we performed a comparative study of the amino acid profiles in chicken liver and kidneys before and after the application of CDDP and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs-10 and PtNPs-40). The treatment of the liver with the selected drugs affected different amino acids; however, Leu and Arg were decreased after all treatments. The treatment of the kidneys with CDDP mostly affected Val; PtNPs-10 decreased Val, Ile and Thr; and PtNPs-40 affected only Pro. In addition, we tested the same drugs on two healthy cell lines, HaCaT and HEK-293, and ultimately explored the amino acid profiles in relation to the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and methionine cycle, which revealed that in both cell lines, there was a general increase in amino acid concentrations associated with changes in the concentrations of the metabolites of these cycles.

Recent trends in the application of nanoparticles in cancer therapy: The involvement of oxidative stress

In the biomedical area, the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology has the potential to bring numerous unique applications, including better tactics for cancer detection, diagnosis, and therapy. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been the topic of many research and material applications throughout the last decade. Unlike small-molecule medications, NPs are defined by distinct physicochemical characteristics, such as a large surface-to-volume ratio, which allows them to permeate live cells with relative ease. The versatility of NPs as both therapeutics and diagnostics makes them ideal for a broad spectrum of illnesses, from infectious diseases to cancer. A significant amount of data has been participated in the current scientific publications, emphasizing the concept that NPs often produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to a larger degree than micro-sized particles. It is important to note that oxidative stress governs a wide range of cell signaling cascades, many of which are responsible for cancer cell cytotoxicity. Here, we aimed to provide insight into the signaling pathways triggered by oxidative stress in cancer cells in response to several types of nanomaterials, such as metallic and polymeric NPs and quantum dots. We discuss recent advances in developing integrated anticancer medicines based on NPs targeted to destroy malignant cells by increasing their ROS setpoint.

Cytotoxicity of Metal-Based Nanoparticles: From Mechanisms and Methods of Evaluation to Pathological Manifestations

Metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) are particularly important tools in tissue engineering-, drug carrier-, interventional therapy-, and biobased technologies. However, their complex and varied migration and transformation pathways, as well as their continuous accumulation in closed biological systems, cause various unpredictable toxic effects that threaten human and ecosystem health. Considerable experimental and theoretical efforts have been made toward understanding these cytotoxic effects, though more research on metal-based NPs integrated with clinical medicine is required. This review summarizes the mechanisms and evaluation methods of cytotoxicity and provides an in-depth analysis of the typical effects generated in the nervous, immune, reproductive, and genetic systems. In addition, the challenges and opportunities are discussed to enhance future investigations on safer metal-based NPs for practical commercial adoption.

Platinum Nanoparticles in Biomedicine: Preparation, Anti-Cancer Activity, and Drug Delivery Vehicles

Cancer is the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, excluding infectious disease. Because of their lack of specificity in chemotherapy agents are used for cancer treatment, these agents have severe systemic side effects, and gradually lose their therapeutic effects because most cancers become multidrug resistant. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are relatively new agents that are being tested in cancer therapy. This review covers the various methods for the preparation and physicochemical characterization of PtNPs. PtNPs have been shown to possess some intrinsic anticancer activity, probably due to their antioxidant action, which slows tumor growth. Targeting ligands can be attached to functionalized metal PtNPs to improve their tumor targeting ability. PtNPs-based therapeutic systems can enable the controlled release of drugs, to improve the efficiency and reduce the side effects of cancer therapy. Pt-based materials play a key role in clinical research. Thus, the diagnostic and medical industries are exploring the possibility of using PtNPs as a next-generation anticancer therapeutic agent. Although, biologically prepared nanomaterials exhibit high efficacy with low concentrations, several factors still need to be considered for clinical use of PtNPs such as the source of raw materials, stability, solubility, the method of production, biodistribution, accumulation, controlled release, cell-specific targeting, and toxicological issues to human beings. The development of PtNPs as an anticancer agent is one of the most valuable approaches for cancer treatment. The future of PtNPs in biomedical applications holds great promise, especially in the area of disease diagnosis, early detection, cellular and deep tissue imaging, drug/gene delivery, as well as multifunctional therapeutics.

Rapid microwave-assisted biosynthesis of platinum nanoparticles and evaluation of their antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 and A549 cell lines

In this study, platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were synthesized by a green method using an aqueous extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with assistance of microwave irradiation (850 W) and their physicochemical characteristics were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Antioxidant activities, hemocompatibility, and cytotoxic effects of the prepared Pt NPs were then evaluated. The attained results showed that the newly formed Pt NPs possess a size range between 7.4 and 11.2 nm. These spherical-shaped NPs were slightly aggregated and held various functional groups on their surface. The antioxidant activity of Pt nanostructures was comparable to that of butylated hydroxyl anisole at concentrations higher than 320 µg/mL. At the same concentration of 640 μg/mL, the scavenging activities were 3.36 ± 0.9% (hexachloroplatinic acid) and 52.13 ± 0.43% (Pt NPs). The results of hemolytic assay revealed satisfactory hemocompatibility of the Pt NPs even at the concentration as high as 4 mg/mL (hemolysis percent equal to 3.5 ± 1.3%). The cytotoxicity studies revealed that MCF-7, A549, and 3T3 cell lines treated with hexachloroplatinic acid and cisplatin for 24 h and 48 h showed a higher percentage of cell death compared with the Pt NPs. After 24 h, for A549, 3T3, and MCF-7 cells exposed to Pt NPs, the cell viability was measured to be 80 ± 3.2%, 96 ± 1%, and 89 ± 2.6%, respectively, at concentration of 640 µg/mL. Further investigations are required to elucidate the mechanisms behind the biological activities of as-synthesized Pt NPs.

Pueratin improves diminished ovarian reserve by inhibiting apoptosis

Pueratin (Pue) is an extract from Pueraria lobata, and exhibits therapeutic effects for the treatment of inflammation. However, the beneficial effects and mechanisms underlying Pue in the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Pue on Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in rats with DOR, associated with infertility within clinical practice, induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). A model of DOR was established in female Sprague Dawley rats by an intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg VCD daily for 45 days. From day 1, the Sprague Dawley rats were orally administered with drugs daily for 45 days. They were divided into normal, model, Pue-low dose (L), Pue-medium dose (M) and Pue-high dose (H) groups (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg Pue, respectively). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E₂) levels were subsequently detected using ELISA. H&E staining and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate histopathological changes and apoptosis levels in the ovary, respectively. Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression levels in rat ovaries were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Compared with those in the model group, FSH and LH levels in the Pue-L, -M and -H groups were significantly decreased, whilst E₂ levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). After intragastric administration, the volume of the ovaries and uteri of rats in the Pue groups was increased compared with the model group, and the numbers of primordial follicles and primary follicles were also increased. The number of apoptotic cells and the expression of Bax were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), compared with the model group. In addition, Bcl-2 protein expression and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were found to be significantly increased in the Pue-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), compared with the model group. In conclusion, Pue treatment improved ovarian function by regulating hormone balance in addition to Bcl-2 and Bax expression.

Baohuoside I Inhibits the Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Apoptosis Signaling and NF-kB Pathway

Baohuoside I is a flavonoid isolated from Epimedium koreanum Nakai and has many pharmacological activities. However, its role in liver cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Baohuoside I on the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cell lines QGY7703, and underlying mechanisms. QGY7703 cells were used as the model to assess the function of Baohuoside I in vitro. The effects of Baohuoside I on QGY7703 cells' growth, proliferation, and invasiveness were confirmed by CCK-8, lactate dehydrogenase release, and invasion assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the levels of cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 were quantified by western blot. Western blot analysis, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and Q-PCR were used to measure the expression of affected molecules. In QGY7703 cells, Baohuoside I induced the expression of molecules related to NF-κB pathway. The toxicity of Baohuoside I on QGY7703 cells was also confirmed in vivo, in a tumor model. Baohuoside I had a significant toxic effect on QGY7703 cells from a concentration of 10 μM. This compound significantly inhibited the proliferation of QGY7703 cells by inducing apoptosis and downregulating NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, Baohuoside I is a novel candidate drug and opens new possibilities of clinical strategies for HCC treatment.

Platinum Nanoparticles Enhance Exosome Release in Human Lung Epithelial Adenocarcinoma Cancer Cells (A549): Oxidative Stress and the Ceramide Pathway are Key Players

Background

Several studies have demonstrated various molecular mechanisms involved in the biogenesis and release of exosomes. However, how external stimuli, such as platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), induces the biogenesis and release of exosomes remains unclear. To address this, PtNPs were synthesized using lutein to examine their effect on the biogenesis and release of exosomes in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cancer cells (A549).

Methods

The size and concentration of isolated exosomes were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis system (NTA). Morphology and structure of exosomes were examined using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Quantification of exosomes were analyzed by EXOCET^TM assay and fluorescence polarization (FP). The expression of typical markers of exosomes were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

A549 cells cultured with PtNPs enhance exosome secretion by altering various physiological processes. Interestingly, A549 cells treated with PtNPs increases total protein concentration, biogenesis and release of exosomes associated with PtNPs-induced oxidative stress. GW4869 inhibits PtNPs induced biogenesis and release of exosomes and also acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neutral sphingomyelinase activity (n-SMase), and exosome counts. A549 cells pre-treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly inhibited PtNPs induced exosome biogenesis and release. These findings confirmed that PtNPs-induced exosome release was due to the induction of oxidative stress and the ceramide pathway. These factors enhanced exosome biogenesis and release and may be useful in understanding the mechanism of exosome formation, release, and function.

Conclusion

PtNPs provide a promising agent to increase exosome production in A549 cells. These findings offer novel strategies for enhancing exosome release, which can be applied in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Importantly, this is the first study, to our knowledge, showing that PtNPs stimulate exosome biogenesis by inducing oxidative stress and the ceramide pathway.

Carcinostatic effects of alkanoyl ascorbate plus platinum nano-colloid and stabilization of the esterolytically resultant ascorbate by hydrogen

Carcinostatic effects of combined use of ascorbic acid (Asc), 2-O-phospho- or 6-O-palmitoyl ascorbate (Asc2Phos, Asc6Palm) or diverse alkanoyl Asc, and nano-sized platinum-poly(N-vinyl-pyrrolidone) colloid (PVP-Pt; 2-nm diameter) were examined on human esophagus carcinoma-derived cells KYSE70. Cell viability was repressed by 'Asc6Palm + PVP-Pt' mixture more markedly than by Asc6Palm or PVP-Pt alone, together with cell shrinkage and fragmentation, in contrast to no additive carcinostatic effect of 'Asc + PVP-Pt' or 'Asc2Phos + PVP-Pt'. The effects might be partly due to efficiency for intracellular uptake of PVP-Pt, as previously shown by our studies that Pt atoms composed of PVP-Pt were incorporated into human tongue carcinoma cells by 9.6-fold compared to normal human tongue epitheliocytes. Asc6Palm was advantageous for intracellular uptake, in terms of the proper balance for molecular hydrophilicity-lipophilicity (BMHL), whereas 6-O-stearoyl (C₁₈) Asc or 2,6-O-dipalmitoyl (2 × C₁₆) was demonstrated to be less carcinostatic owing to a lower BMHL. Although esterolytically converted from Asc6Palm, Asc was necessitated to be retained for efficient carcinostasis, and demonstrated by HPLC-coulometric ECD analysis to be appreciably stabilized in electrolytically generated hydrogen (dissolved hydrogen: 0.575 mg/L)-water, but scarcely in hydrogen-gas-bubbled water (0.427 mg/L), Mg stick-derived hydrogen (0.044 mg/L) water, or tap water, suggesting that hydrogen-rich water suppresses oxidative decomposition of Asc. Thus, Asc6Palm plus PVP-Pt with hydrogen-rich water supplement might be applicable for carcinostatic therapy.