Anticarcinogenic potential of gold nanoparticles synthesized from Trichosanthes kirilowii in colon cancer cells through the induction of apoptotic pathway

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is the most excellent anticancer theranostic nanoparticles synthesized through efficient, simple and green synthesis method using extracts of Trichosanthes kirilowii, extensively characterized by UV-spectroscopy, FT-IR and TEM techniques. The AuNPs, synthesized by means of T. kirilowii extracts identified that nanoparticles were $50 nm in size, which is an admirable nano dimension attained by green synthesis. In agreement with the outcome of microscopic cellular morphological observations, MTT assay showed effective, selective, anticarcinogenic effect of AuNPs on HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The AuNPs significantly enhance ROS generation, cause mitochondrial membrane damage and induce morphological changes using AO/EtBr staining assay. Furthermore, AuNPs treatment induces G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest in HCT-116 cells. Also, AuNPs treatment activates caspase expression and downregulates the anti-apoptotic expression in HCT-116 cells. Our results point out that the phytoconsituents isolated from T. kirilowii can act as appropriate reducing and stabilizing agents in the properties of AuNPs; hereby, it leads to the green synthesis of an anti-carcinogenic agent with highly efficient potential for cancer treatment.

Green Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: Biological Synthesis Approaches and Potentials for Biomedical Applications

“…Despite numerous studies suggesting the biocompatibility of AuNPs, the anticancer activity of some green synthesized AuNPs was confirmed. As an example, AuNPs synthesized with Trichosanthes kirilowii caused cell cycle arrest in G 0 /G 1 phase and induced apoptosis via activating several apoptotic pathways, involving bid, bax/bcl2 and caspases in colon cancer cells [121]. Similar activities were observed on A549 cells and on HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with green synthesized AuNPs prepared by using Marsdenia tenacissima plant extract [122] and AuNPs synthesized with Cordyceps militaris mushroom extract [11], respectively.…”

Gold nanoparticles induced apoptosis via oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells

“…[84] Similarly, some earlier studies have shown that mitochondrial membrane disruption caused by AuNPs plays a central role in cell death/apoptosis. [85][86][87] Cui et al [88] stated that the exposure of nanoparticles had increased the rates of ROS production, which eventually reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential leading to cell death. The present research was consistent with the above results and implies the definite potential of Pa-AuNPs to cause apoptosis by depolarization and sensitization of the mitochondrial membrane potential.…”

Gold Nanoparticles: A New Golden Era in Oncology?

“…Recently, the multiple pathways adjuvanted by AuNPs in colon cancer cells, leading to the apoptosis of tumor cells, have been elucidated. AuNPs enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, damage mitochondrial membrane, induce G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest, and activate caspase expression, ending with apoptosis cell death [67]. An in-vitro study on gold nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis using Trichosanthes kirilowii extracts gave evidence that gold nanoparticles, 50 nm in size, show effective, selective, and anticarcinogenic effects on HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner.…”

“…The gold nanoparticles significantly enhanced ROS generation, caused mitochondrial damage, and induced G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest. Moreover, gold nanoparticle treatment activated caspase expression, inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and showing a highly efficient potential for cancer treatment [67].…”