Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles of Solanum nigrum and Its Anticancer Activity via the Induction of Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer

Metal-based approaches to fight cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide. The current treatments for this cancer consist of invasive methods such as chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation, immunotherapy and surgery, which could lead to severe side effects and hinder the patient's life quality. Although metal-based therapies, including cisplatin and ruthenium-based compounds, offer promising alternatives, they lack specificity and harm healthy cells. Combining metal nanoparticles with standard approaches has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and safety in the fight against CC. Overall, this review is intended to show the latest advancements and insights into metal-based strategies, creating a promising path for more effective and safer treatments in the battle against CC.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles: From Classification to Application and Toxicity

Nanoparticles are structures that possess unique properties with high surface area-to-volume ratio. Their small size, up to 100 nm, and potential for surface modifications have enabled their use in a wide range of applications. Various factors influence the properties and applications of NPs, including the synthesis method and physical attributes such as size and shape. Additionally, the materials used in the synthesis of NPs are primary determinants of their application. Based on the chosen material, NPs are generally classified into three categories: organic, inorganic, and carbon-based. These categories include a variety of materials, such as proteins, polymers, metal ions, lipids and derivatives, magnetic minerals, and so on. Each material possesses unique attributes that influence the activity and application of the NPs. Consequently, certain NPs are typically used in particular areas because they possess higher efficiency along with tenable toxicity. Therefore, the classification and the base material in the NP synthesis hold significant importance in both NP research and application. In this paper, we discuss these classifications, exemplify most of the major materials, and categorize them according to their preferred area of application. This review provides an overall review of the materials, including their application, and toxicity.

Fabrication of bimetallic Ag@ZnO nanocomposite and its anti-cancer activity on cervical cancer via impeding PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

INTRODUCTION

Bimetallic nanoparticles, specifically Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silver (Ag), continue to much outperform other nanoparticles investigated for a variety of biological uses in the field of cancer therapy. This study introduces biosynthesis of bimetallic silver/zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag@ZnO NCs) using the Crocus sativus extract and evaluates their anti-cancer properties against cervical cancer.

METHODS

The process of generating bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs), namely Ag@ZnO NCs, through the utilization of Crocus sativus extract proved to be uncomplicated and eco-friendly. Various methods, such as UV-vis, DLS, FTIR, EDX, and SEM analyses, were utilized to characterize the generated Ag@ZnO NCs. The MTT assay was employed to assess the cytotoxic properties of biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs against the HeLa cervical cancer cell line. Moreover, the impact of Ag@ZnO NCs on HeLa cells was assessed by examining cell survival, ROS production, MMP levels, and induced apoptosis. Through western blot analysis, the expression levels of the PI3K, AKT, mTOR, Cyclin D, and CDK proteins seemed to be ascertained. Using flow cytometry, the cancer cells' progression through necrosis and apoptosis, in addition to the cell cycle analysis, were investigated.

RESULTS

Bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs that were biosynthesized showed a high degree of stability, as demonstrated by the physicochemical assessments. The median size of the particles in these NCs was approximately 80-90 nm, and their zeta potential was -14.70 mV. AgNPs and ZnO were found, according to EDX data. Further, Ag@ZnO NCs hold promise as a potential treatment for cervical cancer. After 24 hours of treatment, a dosage of 5 µg/mL or higher resulted in a maximum inhibitory effect of 58 ± 2.9. The concurrent application of Ag/ZnO NPs to HeLa cells resulted in elevated apoptotic signals and a significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a result, the bimettalic Ag@ZnO NCs treatment has been recognized as a chemotherapeutic intervention by inhibiting the production of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR-mediated regulation of propagation and cell cycle-regulating proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

The research yielded important insights into the cytotoxic etiology of biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs against HeLa cells. The biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs have a significant antitumor potential, which appears to be associated with the development of oxidative stress, which inhibits the development of the cell cycle and the proliferation of cells. Therefore, in the future, biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs may be used as a powerful anticancer drug to treat cervical cancer.

Solamargine improves the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-L1 in lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting STAT1 activation

OBJECTIVE

The effect of solamargine on lung adenocarcinoma and its effect on STAT1 signaling pathway mediated immune escape were studied through network pharmacology and in vitro and in vivo experiments.

METHODS

The solamargine targets were screened using the TCMSP and the LUAD targets were screened using the GeneCard, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD and DrugBank databases. PPI network analysis and target prediction were performed using GO and KEGG. Colony formation assay, EDU staining, wound healing, transwell assay, Hoechst and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of solamargine on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of LUAD. Western blotting (WB) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect P-STAT1 and PD-L1 expression. And immunofluorescence was used to detect P-STAT1 expression. In vivo experiments, C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group, low concentration group, high concentration group, positive control group and combination group. Every other day, following seven consecutive doses, the size of the tumor was assessed. Finally, the expressions of P-STAT1, STAT1, PD-L1 and apoptosis index proteins were detected by WB.

RESULTS

The anti-LUAD effect of solamargine was found by wound healing, colony formation assay, transwell assay, hoechst and EdU staining. The results of network pharmacological analysis showed that solamargine could suppress STAT1 expression level. Further enrichment assay of STAT1 showed that STAT1 was associated with immune-related pathways. In addition, molecular signal analysis by WB and RT-qPCR indicated that solamargine could reduce the expression levels of P-STAT1 and PD-L1 in a concentration-dependent manner. According to the results of in vivo assays, combination of solamargine and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) durvalumab could significantly inhibit the growth of Lewis transplanted tumors in C57BL/6 mice, and no toxic side effect was recoded.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that solamargine could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of LUAD. It also could reduce the expression level of P-STAT1 protein and inhibit the expression level of PD-L1. At the same time, the combination with the ICIs can better block the expression of PD-L1 in cells, thereby inhibiting the immune escape pathway of tumor cells and achieving anti-tumor effects. This study proposed a novel combined therapeutic approach, involving the inhibition of STAT1 by solamargine in conjunction with ICIs.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Cancer Chemotherapy: Helpful Tools for Enhancing Chemo-sensitivity and Reducing Side Effects?

Cancer chemotherapy is still a serious challenge. Chemo-resistance and destructive side effects of chemotherapy drugs are the most critical limitations of chemotherapy. Chemo-resistance is the leading cause of chemotherapy failure. Chemo-resistance, which refers to the resistance of cancer cells to the anticancer effects of chemotherapy drugs, is caused by various reasons. Among the most important of these reasons is the increase in the efflux of chemotherapy drugs due to the rise in the expression and activity of ABC transporters, the weakening of apoptosis, and the strengthening of stemness. In the last decade, a significant number of studies focused on the application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment. Considering the anti-cancer properties of zinc, zinc oxide nanoparticles have received much attention in recent years. Some studies have indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles can target the critical mechanisms of cancer chemo-resistance and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. These studies have shown that zinc oxide nanoparticles can reduce the activity of ABC transporters, increase DNA damage and apoptosis, and attenuate stemness in cancer cells, leading to enhanced chemo-sensitivity. Some other studies have also shown that zinc oxide nanoparticles in low doses can be helpful in minimizing the harmful side effects of chemotherapy drugs. In this article, after a brief overview of the mechanisms of chemo-resistance and anticancer effects of zinc, we will review all these studies in detail.

Synthesis of Bimetallic Palladium/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites Using Crocus sativus and Its Anticancer Activity via the Induction of Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer

Palladium (Pd) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (Pd/ZnO NPs) bimettalic nanocomposites still lag much too far behind other nanoparticles investigated for various biological uses in the area of cancer treatments. Chemically created nanoparticles agglomerate under physiological conditions, impeding their use in biomedical applications. In this study, a straightforward and environmentally friendly method for creating bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) by combining palladium (Pd) and zinc oxide (ZnO) using Crocus sativus extract (CS-Pd/ZnO NCs) was reported; the bio-synthesize bimetallic palladium/zinc oxide nanocomposites and their antioxidant and anti-cancer properties were assessed. The developed Pd/ZnO NPs were characterized using different approaches, including UV-vis, DLS, FTIR, EDX, and SEM analyses. The present investigation shows how nanocomposites are made, their distinctive properties, antioxidant activity, anticancer mechanisms, and their potential therapeutic applications. DPPH and ABTS tests were used to investigate antioxidant activity. Further, the effects of CS-Pd/ZnO NCs on HeLa cells were assessed using the cell viability, ROS generation, MMP levels, and induced apoptosis. Apoptosis induction was measured using an Annexin V-fluorescein isothicyanate assay. Cell DNA was stained with propidium iodide to evaluate the impact upon this cell cycle. Time-dependent cell death was carried on by CS-Pd/ZnO NCs. The maximum inhibitory effect was 59 ± 3.2 when dosages of 4.5 µg/mL or higher were delivered after 24 h of treatment. Additionally, the CS-Pd/ZnO NCs caused HeLa cells to undergo apoptosis. Apoptotic HeLa cells were present in 35.64% of the treated cells at 4.5 µg/mL, and the cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase occurred concurrently. According to these findings, the CS-Pd/ZnO NCs may be a promising candidate for the creation of brand-new cervical cancer treatment.

The Application of Nanotechnological Therapeutic Platforms against Gynecological Cancers

Gynecological cancers (GCs), ovarian, cervical, and endometrial/uterine cancers, are often associated with poor outcomes. Despite the development of several therapeutic modalities against GCs, the effectiveness of the current therapeutic approaches is limited due to their side effects, low therapeutic index, short halflife, and resistance to therapy. To overcome these limitations, nano delivery-based approaches have been introduced with the potential of targeted delivery, reduced toxicity, controlled release, and improved bioavailability of various cargos. This review summarizes the application of different nanoplatforms, such as lipid-based, metal- based, and polymeric nanoparticles, to improve the chemo/radio treatments of GC. In the following work, the use of nanoformulated agents to fight GCs has been mentioned in various clinical trials. Although nanosystems have their own challenges, the knowledge highlighted in this article could provide deep insight into translations of NPs approaches to overcome GCs.

Preparation and investigation of a novel combination of Solanum nigrum-loaded, arabinoxylan-cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges for the treatment of cancer: in vitro, in vivo, and in silico evaluation

Introduction: Cancer contributes to a high mortality rate worldwide spanning its diversity from genetics to resistant therapeutic response. To date emerging strategies to combat and manage cancer are particularly focused on the development of targeted therapies as conventional treatments account for the destruction of normal cells as well. In this regard, medicinal plant-based therapies are quite promising in imposing minimal side effects; however, limitations like poor bioavailability and stability of bioactive phytochemicals are associated with them. In parallel, nanotechnology provides nominal solution to deliver particular therapeutic agent without compromising its stability. Methods: In this study, Solanum nigrum, an effective medicinal plant, loaded arabinoxylan cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (SN-AXCDNS) were designed to evaluate antitumor activity against breast cancer. Therefore, SN-AXCDNS were prepared by using cross-linker melt method and characterized by physicochemical and pharmacological parameters. Results: Hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were estimated as 226 ± 4 nm, -29.15 ± 5.71 mV and 93%, respectively. Surface morphology of nanocomposites showed spherical, smooth, and porous form. Antitumor pharmacological characterization showed that SN loaded nanosponge demonstrated higher cytotoxicity (22.67 ± 6.11 μg/mL), by inducing DNA damage as compared to void SN extract. Flow cytometry analysis reported that encapsulated extract promoted cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 (9.51%). Moreover, in vivo analysis demonstrates the reduction in tumor weight and 85% survival chances in nanosponge treated mice featuring its effectiveness. In addition, in silico analysis revealed that β-cyclodextrin potentially inhibits MELK in breast cancer cell lines (B.E = -10.1 Kcal/mol). Conclusion: Therefore, findings of current study elucidated the therapeutic potential of β-cyclodextrin based nanosponges to be an alternative approach regarding the delivery and solubilization of antitumor drugs.

Green synthesis of chitosan/silver nanocomposite using kaempferol for triple negative breast cancer therapy and antibacterial activity

The synthesis of polymer-encapsulated metal nanoparticles is a growing field of area due to their long-term uses in the development of new technologies. The present study describes the synthesis of chitosan/silver nanocomposite using kaempferol for anticancer and bactericidal activity. The formation of Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite was confirmed by the development of a brown color and UV-absorbance around 438 nm. The IR study was utilized to determine the existence of Kf and CS in the synthesized nanocomposite. TEM analysis demonstrated that the synthesized nanocomposite have a predominantly uniform spherical shape and size ranges 7-10 nm. EDX spectrum showed the existence of Ag, C, and N elements in the nanocomposite material. Further, Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite exhibited potential in vitro inhibitory property against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and their IC50 values was found to be 53 μg/mL. Moreover, fluorescent assays such as DAPI and AO/EtBr confirmed the apoptosis induction ability of Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite in MDA-MB-231 cells. The synthesized Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite showed significant and dose-depended antibacterial property against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Thus, the obtained findings demonstrated that the synthesized nanocomposite can be potentially used to improve human health as biocidal nanocomposite in biomedical sectors.

Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications: A Review

Nanotechnology has inscribed novel perception into the material science and one of the most extensively used nanomaterials is Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with healthcare and biomedical applications. Because of its outstanding biocompatibility, low toxicity, and low cost, ZnO NPs have become one of the most prominent metal oxide NPs in biological applications. This review highlights the different aspects of ZnO NPs, like their green synthesis as a substitute of conventional route due to avoidance of threat of hazardous, costly precursors and subsequent mostly therapeutic applications. Due to their wide bandwidth and high excitation binding energy, ZnO NPs have undergone extensive research. In addition to their potential applications as antibiotics, antioxidants, anti-diabetics, and cytotoxic agents, ZnO NPs also hold a promising future as an antiviral treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Zn has antiviral properties and may be effective against a variety of respiratory virus species, particularly SARS-CoV-2. This review includes a variety of topics, including the virus's structural properties, an overview of infection mechanism, and current COVID-19 treatments. Nanotechnology-based techniques for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 are also discussed in this review.

Targeting Apoptotic Pathway of Cancer Cells with Phytochemicals and Plant-Based Nanomaterials

Apoptosis is the elimination of functionally non-essential, neoplastic, and infected cells via the mitochondrial pathway or death receptor pathway. The process of apoptosis is highly regulated through membrane channels and apoptogenic proteins. Apoptosis maintains cellular balance within the human body through cell cycle progression. Loss of apoptosis control prolongs cancer cell survival and allows the accumulation of mutations that can promote angiogenesis, promote cell proliferation, disrupt differentiation, and increase invasiveness during tumor progression. The apoptotic pathway has been extensively studied as a potential drug target in cancer treatment. However, the off-target activities of drugs and negative implications have been a matter of concern over the years. Phytochemicals (PCs) have been studied for their efficacy in various cancer cell lines individually and synergistically. The development of nanoparticles (NPs) through green synthesis has added a new dimension to the advancement of plant-based nanomaterials for effective cancer treatment. This review provides a detailed insight into the fundamental molecular pathways of programmed cell death and highlights the role of PCs along with the existing drugs and plant-based NPs in treating cancer by targeting its programmed cell death (PCD) network.

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles using Acacia falcata leaf extract and study of their anti-cancerous activity against cancerous mammalian cell lines

This study deals with the synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAPnps) mediated by Acacia falcata leaf extract. Aggregates of needle-shaped crystalline nanostructures were confirmed by FE-SEM and TEM analysis. Well-defined rings in the SAED patterns corroborated the polycrystalline nature of the HAPnps. Individual elements present in the HAPnps were attested by the specific signals for Ca, P, and O in the EDS and XPS analyses. The distinct peaks observed in the XRD spectrum matched well with the HAP hexagonal patterns with a mean crystallite size of 55.04 nm. The FTIR study unveiled the coating of the nanoparticles with the biomolecules from Acacia falcata leaves. The suspension HAPnps exhibited polydispersity (0.446) and remarkable stability (zeta potential: - 31.9 mV) as evident from DLS studies. The pore diameter was 25.7 nm as obtained from BET analysis, suggesting their mesoporous nature. The HAPnps showed the cytotoxic effect on A549 lung and MDA-MB231 breast carcinoma cell lines, with an IC₅₀ value of 55 μg/mL. The distortion of the cell membrane and cell morphology, along with the chromatin condensation and cell necrosis on treatment with HAPnps were detected under fluorescence microscopy post acridine orange/ethidium bromide dye staining. This study reports the anti-cancerous potential of non-drug-loaded plant-mediated HAPnps. Therefore, the HAPnps obtained in this investigation could play a vital role in the biomedical field of cancer therapy.

Sustainable development through the bio-fabrication of ecofriendly ZnO nanoparticles and its approaches to toxicology and environmental protection

Mosquito control is becoming more difficult as a result of the rise in resistance to toxic chemical insecticides. The insecticides of bio-fabrication sources may serve as a convenient alternative to environmentally acceptable methods in the future. The larvicidal and pupicidal activities of bio-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the different instar larvae and pupae of Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Malaria vector) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (lymphatic filariasis) were investigated in this study. The results recorded from XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, and TEM analyses confirmed the bio-fabrication of ZnO NPs. Such nanoparticles were nearly spherical and agglomerated with a size of 34.21 nm. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract revealed the compound, stigmasterol (C29H48O) as major one. Mosquito larvae and pupae of targeted mosquito were tested against varied concentrations of the bio-fabricated ZnO NPs and methanol extract of Vitex negundo for 24 h. The maximum activity was recorded from ZnO NPs against the larvae and pupae of A. subpictus LC50 which were 1.70 (I), 1.66 (II), 1.93 (III), 2.48 (IV), and 3.63 mg/L (pupa) and C. quinquefasciatus LC50 were 1.95 (I), 2.63 (II), 2.90 (III), 4.32 (IV), and 4.61 mg/L (pupa) respectively. ZnO NPs exhibited strong DPPH radical and FRAP scavengers compared to the aqueous extract of V. negundo. Also, V. negundo leaf methanol extract (VNLME) and ZnO NPs were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on HeLa cells, which exhibited the IC50 values of 72.35 and 43.70μg/mL, respectively. The methylene blue (MB) dye, which is harmful to both aquatic and terrestrial life, was degraded using the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles. At 664 nm, 81.2% of the MB dye had degraded after 120 min of exposure to sunlight. Overall, our results revealed that ZnO NPs are the perfect biological agent and economical for the control of malaria, filariasis vectors, antioxidant, HeLa cells, and MB blue dye degradation under sunlight irradiation.

Graphical abstract

Potential role of PRKCSH in lung cancer: bioinformatics analysis and a case study of Nano ZnO

PRKCSH, also known as glucosidase II beta, functions as a contributor to lung tumorigenesis by regulating the cell cycle in a p53-dependent manner under severe environmental stress. However, the prognostic value and molecular mechanisms by which the level of PRKCSH is significantly increased in cancer cells are not clearly understood. Here, we first generated a biological profile of PRKCSH expression changes in cancers by analysing bioinformatic data from cancer databases. We found that higher PRKCSH expression was correlated with a poorer prognosis and greater infiltration of most immune cell types in patients with lung cancer. In particular, PRKCSH expression showed significant negative correlations with the level of STAT6 (r = -0.31, p < 0.001) in lung cancer tissues. We further found that PRKCSH deficiency promoted G2/M arrest in response to zinc oxide nanoparticle (Nano ZnO) treatment in A549 cells. With regard to the mechanism, PRKCSH deficiency may induce STAT6 translocation to the nucleus to activate p53 expression through binding to the p53 promoter region from -365 bp to +126 bp. Eventually, activated p53 contributed to Nano-ZnO-induced G2/M arrest in lung cancer cells. Taken together, our data provide new insights into immunotherapy target choices and the prognostic value of PRKCSH. Since the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint is crucial for lung cancer prognosis, targeting PRKCSH expression to suppress the activation of the STAT6/p53 pathway is a potential therapeutic strategy for managing lung cancer.