Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Aspergillus terreus induces oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis through modulating apoptotic proteins in human cervical cancer HeLa cells

Abstract

Objectives This study was aimed to analyze the cytotoxicity of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in human cervical epithelial cancer HeLa. Methods The ZnO NPs was synthesized from the culture filtrated of Aspergillus terreus, and examined by UV-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The cytotoxicity of synthesized ZnO NPs was analyzed by the MTT assay, and the expression of apoptotic proteins was examined by Western blot analyses. Key findings The ZnO NPs exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on HeLa cells and induced the apoptosis as evidenced by reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and diminished mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was noticed in ZnO NPs treated HeLa cells. Western blot analyses explored that the Bcl-2 expression was significantly downregulated, whereas, the expression of p53, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cytochrome-c were significantly upregulated in ZnO NPs treated cells. Conclusion Consequently, the mycosynthesized ZnO NPs induces apoptosis in HeLa cells by persuading oxidative damage and modulating the apoptotic proteins. Therefore, A. terreus synthesized ZnO NPs could be used as an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cervical cancer treatment.

Effect of UV Irradiation (A and C) on Casuarina equisetifolia-Mediated Biosynthesis and Characterization of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity of Biocompatible Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

“…However, no significant loss of MMP was reported for control (NTC). Chen et al [76] also supports our results where fungal-derived ZnONPs showed a loss of MMP in HeLa cells via ROS-triggered mitochondrial-pathwaymediated MMP reduction. Therefore, ZnONPs have been found to possess significant apoptosis inducing and anti-proliferative activity, which is enhanced due to the unique shape and smaller size of CE-UV-C-ZnONPs.…”

“…Consequently, alternative, safe and effective anti-cancerous agents are required [80]. ZnONPs are one such nano-formulation known to exhibit cytotoxic effects against a number of cancer cells [76]. A possible mechanism for the anti-cancerous activity of ZnONPs is proposed.…”

Green synthesis of biocompatible core–shell (Au–Ag) and hybrid (Au–ZnO and Ag–ZnO) bimetallic nanoparticles and evaluation of their potential antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiglycation and anticancer activities

“… 95 BNPs are one such nano-formulations known to exhibit cytotoxic effects against number of cancer cells. 96 The first step during NPs cytotoxicity against cancer cells is the internalization of NPs most probably via endocytosis pathway. Smaller sized NPs (approx.…”

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers for Populations with Occupational Exposure to Nanomaterials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…GPx is an enzymatic free radical scavenger that could protect the body from ROS-induced damages. The accumulation of ROS and RNS after NM exposure was attributed to a reduced level and inactivation of GPx [ 57 , 58 ]. Similar to these cell studies, our meta-analysis identified a disturbance of GPx in NM-exposed workers.…”