Cerium oxide nanoparticle (CeO‐NP) was synthesized using Origanum majorana L. leaf extract and characterized using particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects of CeO‐NP in human breast carcinoma cells (MDA‐MB‐231 cell line) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as normal cells were evaluated. To determine the probable molecular mechanism of action of CeO‐NP on cellular redox and anti‐inflammatory potential, the expressions of antioxidant‐related genes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in HUVEC cell line were also analyzed. The results indicated that spherically shaped nanoparticles with a size of 10–70 nm bound to functional phenolic and flavonoids from O. majorana L. leaf extract. The green synthesized CeO‐NP showed antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. The antioxidant activity was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than that of Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as a reference antioxidant. The obtained results elucidated that CeO‐NP possessed cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic effects of CeO‐NP were higher against MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells compared to HUVEC normal cells. In addition, this NP was capable to enhance the expression of CAT and SOD as main antioxidant‐related genes. Consequently, the higher cytotoxic effects of CeO‐NP against breast cancer compared to normal cells indicated the potential use of this NP as anti‐cancer agent. However, more research on its cytotoxicity against other cancer cells and mechanisms in which this NP exert its anti‐cancer properties should be performed.
Introduction: Free radicals have singlet electron in their outer layer rendering them high reactivity against biomolecules (i.e., DNA, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids). Oxidative stress is created when the production of free radicals exceeds their removal by antioxidant systems and is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory conditions, and various cancers. Regarding the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles (NPs) in human diseases, the purpose of this study was to synthesize cerium oxide NPs using Origanum majorana leaf extract. Methods: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 -NPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of O. majorana. The sizes of NPs were characterized by a particle size analyzer. The antioxidant properties of the CeO2 -NPs were determined by Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anti-inflammatory effects of the NPs were also determined by measuring gene expressions of IL-1β and IL-10 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The CeO2 -NPs were successfully synthesized using O. majorana leaf extract. The results of FRAP assay showed that the anti-oxidant activities of CeO2 -NPs at concentrations of 50, 100, and 400 μg/mL were 75%, 77.1%, and 94.5%, respectively. Moreover, interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene expressions increased by 4.6 folds while the expression of IL-1β gene decreased by 0.75-fold in HUVECs. Conclusion: The CeO2 -NPs synthesized using the aqueous extract of O. majorana demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, these NPs can be used as potential therapeutic agents in medicine.
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