Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Induces Apoptosis in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells Through Reactive Oxygen Species and DNA Degradation

Psidium guajav-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles as a multifunctional, microbicidal, antioxidant and antiproliferative agent against destructive pathogens

Bio-inspired zinc oxide nanoparticles are gaining immense interest due to their safety, low cost, biocompatibility, and broad biological properties. In recent years, much research has been focused on plant-based nanoparticles, mainly for their eco-friendly, facile, and non-toxic character. Hence, the current study emphasized a bottom-up synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from Psidium guajava aqueous leaf extract and evaluation of its biological properties. The structural characteristic features of biosynthesized ZnO NPs were confirmed using various analytical methods, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited a hydrodynamic shape with an average particle size of 11.6-80.2 nm. A significant antimicrobial efficiency with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 40 and 27 µg/ml for Enterococcus faecalis, followed by 30 and 40 µg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus, 20 and 30 µg/ml for Staphylococcus mutans, 30 µg/ml for Candida albicans was observed by ZnO NPs. Additionally, they showed significant breakdown of biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans indicating their future value in drug-resistance research. Furthermore, an excellent dose-dependent activity of antioxidant property was noticed with an IC50 of 9.89 µg/ml. The antiproliferative potential of the ZnO NPs was indicated by the viability of MDA MB 231 cells, which showed a drastic decrease in response to increased concentrations of biosynthesized ZnO NPs. Thus, the present results open up vistas to explore their pharmaceutical potential for the development of targeted anticancer drugs in the future.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Promise Anticancer and Antibacterial Activity in Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal cancer in gynaecology. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the most often used cancer-fighting strategies. Post-surgery infection is fairly prevalent, especially among people with insufficient immunity. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOnps) have amazing biomedical features as anticancer and antibacterial agents.

METHODS

We investigated the behaviour of ZnOnps synthesized by green methods on ovarian cancers using established human ovarian cancer cell lines, besides the antibacterial action toward models of gram + ve and gram -ve bacteria. The cytotoxic effect of ZnOnps was calculated using a Sulforhodamine B (SRB) trial. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were tested as models for gram + ve and gram -ve bacteria. The selected bacteria were subjected to concentrations of 20, 40, 80, and 100 μg/ml.

RESULTS

The synthesized ZnOnps induced 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) at a concentration of 27.45 μg/ml. The diameter of inhibition ranged between 20.16 ± 0.16 and 27 ± 0.57 mm for S. aureus and 25.66 ± 0.33 to 31 ± 0.33 mm for E. coli. ZnOnps antagonistic effect statistically differed with neomycin, cefaclor, and cefadroxil.

CONCLUSIONS

Green synthesis of ZnOnps is easily prepared, low cost, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Their cytotoxic action on SKOV3 cells and their antibacterial characteristics pave the way to be an alternative therapy for ovarian cancer and S. aureus and E. coli infection.

Metal-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites as promising frontier in cancer chemotherapy

Cancer is a disease associated with complex pathology and one of the most prevalent and leading reasons for mortality in the world. Current chemotherapy has challenges with cytotoxicity, selectivity, multidrug resistance, and the formation of stemlike cells. Nanomaterials (NMs) have unique properties that make them useful for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cancer research. NMs can be engineered to target cancer cells for early detection and can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. Several of NMs can also be used for photothermal therapy to destroy cancer cells or enhance immune response to cancer by delivering immune-stimulating molecules to immune cells or modulating the tumor microenvironment. NMs are being modified to overcome issues, such as toxicity, lack of selectivity, increase drug capacity, and bioavailability, for a wide spectrum of cancer therapies. To improve targeted drug delivery using nano-carriers, noteworthy research is required. Several metal-based NMs have been studied with the expectation of finding a cure for cancer treatment. In this review, the current development and the potential of plant and metal-based NMs with their effects on size and shape have been discussed along with their more effective usage in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Alleviative Efficacy of Vitamins A, C, and E Against Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles-Induced Hepatic Damage by Reducing Apoptosis in Rats

Nanoparticles are vastly exploited in today's technology. However, it is realized that exposure to high concentrations of nanoparticles (NPs) may have adverse effects on human health. According to previous reports, zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs cause toxic effects in tissues via inducing apoptosis. The current work was designed to evaluate possible protective activities of vitamins (Vits) A, C, and E against ZnO NPs-induced apoptosis in the liver of rats. To this aim, fifty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into nine groups (n = 6 rats for each group), namely, Control1 (water), Control2 (olive oil), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg), ZnO (200 mg/kg), ZnO + VitA, ZnO + VitC, and ZnO + VitE. To investigate apoptosis, the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) were examined by qRT-PCR and western blot techniques. The mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α as well as the activity of caspase 3,7 were also measured. The results revealed that ZnO NPs considerably enhance the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression as well as the activity of caspase 3,7 compared to the control group. Furthermore, the findings implied that the elevated level of TNF-α may link with ZnO NPs-mediated apoptosis in the liver of rats. More importantly, Vits A, C, and E exhibited ameliorative properties against apoptosis-inducing effects of ZnO NPs. Thus, administration of Vits A, C, and E may be effective in preventing liver damage and apoptosis caused by ZnO NPs.

Husk-like Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis through ROS Generation in Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells: Effect of Incubation Period on Sol-Gel Synthesis and Anti-Cancerous Properties

This study effectively reports the influence of experimental incubation period on the sol-gel production of husk-like zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) and their anti-cancerous abilities. The surface morphology of ZNPs was studied with the help of SEM. With the use of TEM, the diameter range of the ZNPs was estimated to be ~86 and ~231 nm for ZNP^A and ZNP^B, prepared by incubating zinc oxide for 2 and 10 weeks, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation showed that ZNPs had a pure wurtzite crystal structure. On prolonging the experimental incubation, a relative drop in aspect ratio was observed, displaying a distinct blue-shift in the UV-visible spectrum. Furthermore, RBC lysis assay results concluded that ZNP^A and ZNP^B both demonstrated innoxious nature. As indicated by MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, and chromatin condensation investigations against the human epidermoid carcinoma (HEC) A431 cells, ZNP^B demonstrated viable relevance to chemotherapy. Compared to ZNP^B, ZNP^A had a slightly lower IC₅₀ against A431 cells due to its small size. This study conclusively describes a simple, affordable method to produce ZNP nano-formulations that display significant cytotoxicity against the skin cancer cell line A431, suggesting that ZNPs may be useful in the treatment of cancer.

An Overview of the Importance of Transition-Metal Nanoparticles in Cancer Research

Several authorities have implied that nanotechnology has a significant future in the development of advanced cancer therapies. Nanotechnology makes it possible to simultaneously administer drug combinations and engage the immune system to fight cancer. Nanoparticles can locate metastases in different organs and deliver medications to them. Using them allows for the effective reduction of tumors with minimal toxicity to healthy tissue. Transition-metal nanoparticles, through Fenton-type or Haber-Weiss-type reactions, generate reactive oxygen species. Through oxidative stress, the particles induce cell death via different pathways. The main limitation of the particles is their toxicity. Certain factors can control toxicity, such as route of administration, size, aggregation state, surface functionalization, or oxidation state. In this review, we attempt to discuss the effects and toxicity of transition-metal nanoparticles.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Inhibits Tumorigenesis of Renal Cell Carcinoma by Modulating Lipid Metabolism Targeting miR-454-3p to Repressing Metabolism Enzyme ACSL4

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects the life quality of patients with advanced diseases despite good prognosis and exhibits abnormal lipid metabolism. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONs) are metal oxide nanoparticles that are regarded as promising therapeutic candidate for multiple diseases. This study was for exploring the function of ZONs in RCC.

Methods

We established in vitro cell model and in vivo xenograft model to determine the antitumor effect of ZONs. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assay. Protein and RNA levels were checked by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR assay. ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), triglyceride, and total cholesterol were quantified to assess lipid oxidation and synthesis. Oil red O staining was performed to check lipid droplets accumulation. The ACSL4 and miR-454-3p expression in tumor samples and normal tissues were evaluated. The luciferase reporter gene assay was performed for checking the interaction between miR-454-3p and ACSL4 3'UTR region.

Results

ZONs suppressed the proliferation and viability of RCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. ZONs suppressed accumulation of ROS, MDA, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and lipid droplets in RCC cells, along with upregulated miR-454-3p. miR-454-3p targeted the 3'UTR region to suppress its expression. In patient samples, ACSL4 expression was notably elevated and indicated poor prognosis of RCC patients.

Conclusion

ZONs treatment notably impeded proliferation, lipid accumulation, and oxidation in RCC cells, through upregulating miR-454-3p to suppression the function of ACSL4. Our data suggested that ZONs are promising and effective agent for RCC treatment.

Serum zinc concentrations and prediabetes and diabetes in the general population

The association between serum zinc and diabetes development remains uncertain. We examined the associations between serum zinc and prediabetes and diabetes, and adult participants (≥ 20 years) from the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Serum zinc concentrations were measured with inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry. Prediabetes and diabetes were defined through questionnaires and fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A_1c levels. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were adopted to explore the dose-response relationships between serum zinc concentrations and prediabetes and diabetes. Comparing the highest to lowest quartile of serum zinc concentrations, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of prediabetes and diabetes was 3.24 (2.33-4.52, P_{for trend} < 0.01) and 1.64 (1.27-2.11, P_{for trend} < 0.01), respectively. In stratified analysis by sex, the association between serum zinc concentrations and prediabetes was found in both men (3.83 (2.60-5.66), P_{for trend} < 0.01) and women (2.41 (1.51-3.87), P_{for trend} < 0.01), and the association between serum zinc concentrations and diabetes was also found in both men (2.05 (1.34-3.13), P_{for trend} < 0.01) and women (1.65 (1.07-2.56), P_{for trend} = 0.15). The association between serum zinc and prediabetes was consistent in stratified analyses by body mass index and hypertension, and the association with diabetes was also found in subjects with hypertension. Restricted cubic splines showed that the relationships between serum zinc concentrations and prediabetes and diabetes were linear, respectively. In conclusion, serum zinc concentrations were positively associated with prediabetes and diabetes in the general population, and the associations were linear. The findings need to be confirmed by prospective cohort studies.