Long-term exposures to low doses of cobalt nanoparticles induce cell transformation enhanced by oxidative damage

Abstract

A weak aspect of the in vitro studies devoted to get information on the toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic properties of nanomaterials is that they are usually conducted under acute-exposure and high-dose conditions. This makes difficult to extrapolate the results to human beings. To overcome this point, we have evaluated the cell transforming ability of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) after long-term exposures (12 weeks) to sub-toxic doses (0.05 and 0.1?µg/mL). To get further information on whether CoNPs-induced oxidative DNA damage is relevant for CoNPs carcinogenesis, the cell lines selected for the study were the wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF Ogg1^+/+) and its isogenic Ogg1 knockout partner (MEF Ogg1^?/?), unable to properly eliminate the 8-OH-dG lesions from DNA. Our initial short-term exposure experiments demonstrate that low doses of CoNPs are able to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that MEF Ogg1^?/? cells are more sensitive to CoNPs-induced acute toxicity and oxidative DNA damage. On the other hand, long-term exposures of MEF cells to sub-toxic doses of CoNPs were able to induce cell transformation, as indicated by the observed morphological cell changes, significant increases in the secretion of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and anchorage-independent cell growth ability, all cancer-like phenotypic hallmarks. Interestingly, such changes were significantly dependent on the cell line used, the Ogg1^?/? cells being particularly sensitive. Altogether, the data presented here confirms the potential carcinogenic risk of CoNPs and points out the relevance of ROS and Ogg1 genetic background on CoNPs-associated effects.     

Sodium perbarate and benzalkonium chloride induce DNA damage in Chang conjunctival epithelial cells

Content and objective: To investigate and compare the toxic effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and new type oxidative preservative sodium perborate (NaBO₃) on DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell survival in immortalized human Chang conjunctival cells.

Materials and methods: Cells were exposed to BAC and NaBO₃ in concentrations of 0.00001–0.001% for 30?min. Cell viability was measured by the MTT test. Alkaline comet assay was used to detect DNA damage. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell apoptosis, and ROS production were detected by flow cytometry analysis.

Results: Significant changes in the relative cell survival rate in cells were observed after exposure to 0.0005–0.001% BAC for 30?min (p?p?3 did not induce the decrease in cell survival and MMP in low concentration but could induce DNA damage and ROS generation in a 0.001% concentration (p?Discussion and conclusions: BAC can induce DNA damage in human conjunctival epithelial cells; this effect may be related to oxidative stress. Although NaBO₃ did not induce a significant decrease in cell survival and MMP, DNA damage and ROS generation were still detected in high concentration. New type oxidative preservative has less toxicity than the old type, but it still has the tendency of producing genotoxic changes in an in vitro test system.     

Effects of silver and gold nanoparticles of different sizes in human pulmonary fibroblasts

Abstract

Silver and gold nanoparticles (Ag–AuNPs) are currently some of the most manufactured nanomaterials. Accordingly, the hazards associated with human exposure to Ag–AuNPs should be investigated to facilitate the risk assessment process. In particular, because pulmonary exposure to Ag–AuNPs occurs during handling of these nanoparticles, it is necessary to evaluate the toxic response in pulmonary cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro mechanisms of toxicity of different sizes of silver (4.7 and 42?nm) and gold nanoparticles (30, 50 and 90?nm) in human pulmonary fibroblasts (HPF). The toxicity was evaluated by observing cell viability and oxidative stress parameters. Data showed that AgNPs-induced cytotoxicity was size-dependent, whereas the AuNPs of the three sizes showed similar cytotoxicity. Silver nanoparticles of 4.7?nm were much more toxic than the large silver nanoparticles and the AuNPs. However, the pre-treatment with the antioxidant, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, protected HPF cells against treatment with Ag–AuNPs. The oxidative stress parameters revealed significant increase in reactive oxygen species levels, depletion of glutathione level and slight, but not statistically significant inactivation of superoxide dismutase, suggesting generation of oxidative stress. Hence, care has to be taken while processing and formulating the Ag–AuNPs till their final finished product.     

Antioxidant and neuroprotector effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) methanol leaf extract against 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normally produced during cell metabolism, there is strong evidence to suggest that ROS produced in excess impair the cell and may be etiologically related to various neurodegenerative diseases. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) methanol leaf extract on neurotoxicity in PC12 cell exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Fresh samples of “maca” leaves were processed in order to obtain foliar extracts and to evaluate the neurobiological activity on PC12 cells, subjected to the cytotoxic effect of 6-OHDA through the determination of the capacity antioxidant, cell viability and cytotoxicity assays on PC12 cells. The results of the tests of antioxidant activity, showed maximum values of 2262.37 and 1305.36 expressed in Trolox equivalents (TEAC), for the methanolic and aqueous fractions respectively. Cell viability assays at a dose of 10?μg extract showed an increase of 31% and 60% at 6 and 12?h of pretreatment, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays at the same dose and exposure time showed a 31.4% and 47.8% reduction in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The results allow us to affirm that the methanolic foliar extract of “maca” presents in vitro neurobiological activity of antioxidant protection, increase in cell viability and reduction of cytotoxicity against oxidative stress generated by 6-OHDA. In conclusion, the present study shows a protective role for Lepidium meyenii leaf extract on 6-OHDA-induced toxicity by an antioxidant effect.     

Effect of polyethylene glycol surface charge functionalization of SWCNT on the in vitro and in vivo nanotoxicity and biodistribution monitored noninvasively using MRI

The current study evaluated in vitro and in vivo toxicity of carboxyl or amine polyethylene glycol (PEG) surface functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Assessments of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress were performed in vitro and in vivo (in a 1-month follow-up study). The SWCNT biodistribution was investigated using noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results confirmed the enhanced biocompatibility of PEG-functionalized SWCNTs compared to non-functionalized materials with significant decreases (p?p?2 functionalized SWCNTs after 2 weeks’ exposure. The negatively charged SWCNTs caused lesser DNA damage compared to positively charged samples. Carboxy-functionalized SWCNTs did not cause substantial changes in inflammatory mediators and were found to be significantly safer than non-functionalized SWCNTs and may pave the way for novel biomedical applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.     

Neuroprotective effects of dimerumic acid and deferricoprogen from Monascus purpureus NTU 568-fermented rice against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in differentiated pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells

Context Oxidative stress plays a key role in neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Rice fermented with Monascus purpureus Went (Monascaceae) NTU 568 (red mould rice) was found to contain antioxidants, including dimerumic acid (DMA) and deferricoprogen (DFC).

Objective The effects of DMA and DFC on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cytotoxicity and potential protective mechanisms in differentiated PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells were investigated.

Materials and methods DMA (0–60?μM) or DFC (0–10?μM) was co-treated with 6-OHDA (200?μM, 24?h exposure) in differentiated PC-12 cells. Cell viability and intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation analysis and propidium iodide staining by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to measure the levels of cell protein expression.

Results DMA and DFC significantly increased cell viability to 72% and 81% in 6-OHDA-induced differentiated PC-12 cell cultures, respectively. Furthermore, DMA and DFC reduced 6-OHDA-induced formation of extracellular and intercellular ROS by 25% and 20%, respectively, and decreased NADPH oxidase-2 expression in differentiated PC-12 cells. DMA and DFC inhibited 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis and decreased activation of caspase-3 via regulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and Bcl-2 protein expression in differentiated PC-12 cells.

Conclusion DMA and DFC may protect against 6-OHDA toxicity by inhibiting ROS formation and apoptosis. These results showed that the metabolites from M. purpureus NTU 568 fermentation were potential therapeutic agents for PD induced by oxidative damage and should be encouraged for further research.     

黄芩素-7-甲醚对缺氧致PC12细胞损伤的保护作用

目的 研究黄芩素-7-甲醚对缺氧PC12细胞的保护作用。方法 将PC12细胞分为正常对照组、缺氧模型组、芦丁组和黄芩素-7-甲醚组,培养24 h后,MTT法检测黄芩素-7-甲醚对细胞活力的影响;酶标仪法检测细胞培养上清液中乳酸脱氢酶（lactate dehydrogenase,LDH）活性以及细胞内丙二醛（malondialdehyde,MDA）、超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD）和过氧化氢酶（catalase,CAT）水平;2'',7''-二氯荧光素探针法检测细胞内活性氧簇（reactive oxygen species,ROS）水平;实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot检测核因子E2相关因子2（Nrf2）和血红素氧合酶-1（heme oxygenase-1,HO-1）的mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果 与正常对照组相比,缺氧导致PC12细胞活力显著降低,LDH、MDA和ROS水平显著升高,抗氧化酶SOD和CAT的活力显著降低。黄芩素-7-甲醚预处理能够逆转这些变化。此外,缺氧能够诱导细胞内Nrf2、HO-1的mRNA和蛋白表达增加,而黄芩素-7-甲醚能够进一步提高Nrf2、HO-1的mRNA和蛋白表达。结论 黄芩素-7-甲醚对缺氧致PC12细胞损伤有一定的保护作用,其作用机制可能与激活Nrf2/HO-1通路,抑制氧化应激损伤有关。     

Enantiomer‐specific profenofos‐induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage mediated by oxidative stress in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells

Recent studies have shown that chiral pesticides could enantioselectively induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. However, investigations on molecular mechanisms of enantioselective toxicity of pesticides are limited. In this study, the role of oxidative stress in enantiomer‐specific, profenofos (PFF)‐induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity was investigated using PC12 cells. The results demonstrated that PFF enantioselectively reduced cell viability and induced DNA damage in PC12 cells. A concentration‐ and time‐dependent significant induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde and gene expression encoding antioxidant enzyme (Cu‐ZnSOD, GST and CAT) and stress protein (HSP 70 and HSP 90) was observed in (?)­PFF, whereas (+)­PFF and rac‐PFF exhibited these effects to lesser degrees. Pre‐treatment with vitamin E (600 μM) caused a significant attenuation in the toxic effect; reversing subsequent PFF‐induced elevation of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, further strengthening the involvement of oxidative stress in PFF‐mediated toxicity. In addition, the results also showed that PFF‐dependent ROS accumulation, MDA release and oxidative stress gene expression preceded the loss of cell viability and induction of DNA damage, and already significantly changed at concentrations which are not yet cytotoxic or genotoxic. These results indicate that oxidative stress may contribute to PFF‐induced toxicity and that it was not a consequence of it. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of cytotoxic effects of silver nanoclusters on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells ‘in vitro’

The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have made these particles one of the most used nanomaterials in consumer products. Therefore, an understanding of the interactions (unwanted toxicity) between nanoparticles and human cells is of significant interest. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity effects of silver nanoclusters (AgNC, < 2 nm diameter) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Using flow cytometry and comet assay methods, we demonstrate that exposure of PBMC to AgNC induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA damage and apoptosis at 3, 6 and 12 h, with a dose‐dependent response (0.1, 1, 3, 5 and 30 µg ml^–1). Advanced electron microscopy imaging of complete and ultrathin‐sections of PBMC confirmed the cytotoxic effects and cell damage caused by AgNC. The present study showed that AgNC produced without coating agents induced significant cytotoxic effects on PBMC owing to their high aspect ratio and active surface area, even at much lower concentrations (<1 µg ml^–1) than those applied in previous studies, resembling what would occur under real exposure conditions to nanosilver‐functionalized consumer products. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Drug delivery/imaging multifunctionality of mesoporous silica-based composite nanostructures

Introduction: Biocompatible mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are regarded as one of the most promising inorganic drug delivery systems (DDSs) to concurrently enhance the therapeutic efficiency and mitigate the side effects of anticancer drugs. Elaborately combining multicomponents with MSNs will endow them with specific functionalities for cancer therapy and diagnosis, such as targeted drug delivery, intelligent on-demand drug releasing, synergistic therapy, diagnostic imaging and so on.

Areas covered: This review discusses the state-of-the-art potential obstacles and further perspectives of the chemical design/synthesis, in vitro/in vivo pharmaceutical evaluations and potential clinical translations of multifunctional mesoporous silica-based nanomaterials for biotechnological and biomedical applications, especially against cancer. These topics cover the years from 2001 to 2013.

Expert opinion: Through the comprehensive evaluations of the biosafety and pharmaceutical efficiency, elaborately designed/fabricated mesoporous silica-based composite nanoparticles show great potentials in clinical applications for efficient diagnostic imaging and chemotherapy of cancer.     

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract

Objectives: Metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs) are used in many fields, including consumer products and biomedical applications. As a result, exposure to these NPs is highly frequent, however, no conclusive information on their potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity mechanisms are available. For this reason, we studied cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Materials and methods: We obtained our goals by using MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry, and alkaline, neural and pH 12.1 versions of comet assay.

Results: Exposure of lymphocytes to both NPs for 24?h slightly decreased viability of lymphocytes at ≥0.5?mM. For the first time, we revealed using the comet assays that both ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs caused a concentration-dependent increase of DNA single-strand breaks, but not alkali-labile sites. Treatment with DNA glycosylases showed that the NPs induced oxidative DNA damage. DNA damage caused by both nanoparticles at 0.05?mM was removed within 120?min, however lymphocytes did not repair DNA damage induced by 0.5?mM NPs. Studied nanoparticles did not induce apoptosis in lymphocytes.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs at concentration up to 0.5?mM did not exhibit cytotoxic effect but may exert genotoxic effect on lymphocytes, at least partially by the generation of oxidative DNA damage and strand breaks.     

Digitoflavone provokes mitochondrial biogenesis in PC12 cells: A protective approach to oxidative stress

Abstract

Context: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to be one of the main causes of neurodegenerative disorders, and flavonoids play characteristic roles in a variety of biological activities, and specially are known to be antioxidant reagents.

Objective: In this study, we investigated neuroprotective effects of digitoflavone to suppress H₂O₂ -induced cell death in neuron-like PC12 cells.

Material and methods: PC12 cells were pre-treated with digitoflavone for 2?h and then cells were exposed to H₂O₂ for 18?h. The cells’ viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Rhodamine 123 staining was used for the determination of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m). The intracellular ROS aggregation was determined by using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Also, the level of mitochondrial biogenesis factors was measured by western blot. The antioxidant capacity of digitoflavone was also determined by measuring reduced glutathione (GSH) level and catalase (CAT) activity quantification.

Results: Digitoflavone significantly elevated cells’ viability at concentrations of 10 and 20?µM. Also, digitoflavone attenuated intracellular level of ROS, and stabilized ΔΨ_m. Moreover, digitoflavone increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and, consequently, elevated mitochondrial biogenesis factors which were reduced after H₂O₂ exposure. We emphasized on the protective effect of digitoflavone through increasing mitochondrial biogenesis by specifically inhibiting AMPK. Antioxidant ability of digitoflavone was indicated by the elevation of GSH level and CAT activity.

Conclusion: As a result, digitoflavone stabilize ΔΨ_m, enhanced cell viability through inducing mitochondrial biogenesis pathway, and increased antioxidant capacity of the cells which lead to better combating the oxidative stress.     

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties of CeO2 NPs and cerium sulphate: Studies with Drosophila melanogaster as a promising in vivo model

Abstract

Although in vitro approaches are the most used for testing the potential harmful effects of nanomaterials, in vivo studies produce relevant information complementing in vitro data. In this context, we promote the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a suitable in vivo model to characterise the potential risks associated to nanomaterials exposure. The main aim of this study was to evaluate different biological effects associated to cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ce-NPs) and cerium (IV) sulphate exposure. The end-points evaluated were egg-to-adult viability, particles uptake through the intestinal barrier, gene expression and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by haemocytes, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity. Transmission electron microscopy images showed internalisation of Ce-NPs by the intestinal barrier and haemocytes, and significant expression of Hsp genes was detected. In spite of these findings, neither toxicity nor genotoxicity related to both forms of cerium were observed. Interestingly, Ce-NPs significantly reduced the genotoxic effect of potassium dichromate and the intracellular ROS production. No morphological malformations were detected after larvae treatment. This study highlights the importance of D. melanogaster as animal model in the study of the different biological effects caused by nanoparticulated materials, at the time that shows its usefulness to study the role of the intestinal barrier in the transposition of nanomaterials entering via ingestion.     

Oxidative mechanisms contribute to nanosize silican dioxide-induced developmental neurotoxicity in PC12 cells

Neurotoxicity was investigated in nano-SiO₂-treated cultured PC12 cells, an in vitro neuronal cell model, in order to define a relatively safe dose range for its application. The following were observed in the present study: (1) A dose-dependent increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a corresponding decrease in the level of glutathione (R² = 0.965) suggesting 20- and 50-nm SiO₂-induced free radical generation and glutathione depletion. (2) A dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability that was associated with elevation of ROS level, especially after 24-h nano-SiO₂ exposure (R² = 0.965), suggesting the role of oxidative stress on nano-SiO₂ induced cell death. (3) An increase in the level of thiobarbituric-acid reactive species that correlated reversely with cell viability of the PC12 cells treated with nano-SiO₂ (R² = 0.945) suggesting nano-SiO₂-induced membrane damage caused by lipid peroxidation. (4) A dose-dependent increase in sub-G1 population in SiO₂-exposed cells along with cell shrinkage and nuclear condensation from morphological examination suggesting nano-SiO₂-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, nano-SiO₂ exposure diminished the ability of neurite extension in response to nerve growth factor in treated PC12 cells. In summary, SiO₂ nanoparticle exposure resulted in dose-dependent neurotoxicity in cultured PC12 cells that was probably associated with oxidative stress and induced apoptosis.     

Controlled synthesis and size effects of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanosystem for precise cancer therapy

Nanomaterials-based drug delivery systems display potent applications in cancer therapy, owing to the enhanced permeability and retention effect and diversified chemical modification. In this study, we have tailored and synthesized different sized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) through reactant control to investigate the relevancy of nanoparticle size toward anticancer efficacy and suppressing cancer multidrug resistance. The different sized MSNs loaded with anticancer ruthenium complex (RuPOP) and conjugated with folate acid (FA) to enhance the selectivity between cancer and normal cells. The nanosystem (Ru@MSNs) can specifically recognize HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, thus enhance accumulation and selective cellular uptake. The smaller sized (20?nm) Ru@MSNs exhibit higher anticancer activity against HepG2 cells, while the larger sized (80?nm) Ru@MSNs exhibit higher inhibitory effect against DOX-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells (R-HepG2). Moreover, Ru@MSNs induced ROS overproduction in cancer cells, leading to DNA damage and p53 phosphorylation, consequently promoting cancer cells apoptosis. Ru@MSNs (80?nm) also inhibited ABCB1 and ABCG2 expression in R-HepG2 cells to prevent drug efflux, thus overcome multidrug resistance. Ru@MSNs also inhibited tumor growth in vivo without obvious toxicity in major organs of tumor-bearing nude mice. Taken together, these results verify the size effects of MSNs nanosystem for precise cancer therapy.     

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles affect in vitro fertilization in mice

Due to their catalytic and oxidative properties, cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) are widely used as diesel additive or as promising therapy in cancerology; yet, scarce data are available on their toxicity, and none on their reproductive toxicity. We showed a significant decrease of fertilization rate, assessed on 1272 oocytes, during in vitro fertilization (IVF) carried out in culture medium containing CeO₂NP at very low concentration (0.01?mg.l^?1). We also showed significant DNA damage induced in vitro by CeO₂NP on mouse spermatozoa and oocytes at 0.01?mg.l^?1 using Comet assay. Transmission Electron Microscopy did not detect any nanoparticles in the IVF samples at 0.01?mg.l^?1, but showed, at high concentration (100?mg.l^?1), their endocytosis by the cumulus cells surrounding oocytes and their accumulation along spermatozoa plasma membranes and oocytes zona pellucida. We did not observe any nanoparticles in the cytoplasm of spermatozoa, oocytes or embryos. This study demonstrates for the first time the impact of CeO₂NP on in vitro fertilization, as well as their genotoxicity on mouse spermatozoa and oocytes, at low nanoparticle concentration exposure. Decreased fertilization rates may result from: (1) CeO₂NP’s genotoxicity on gametes; (2) a mechanical effect, disrupting gamete interaction and (3) oxidative stress induced by CeO₂NP. These results add new and important insights with regard to the reproductive toxicity of nanomaterials requesting urgent evaluation, and support several publications on metal nanoparticles reprotoxicity. Our data highlight the need for in vivo studies after low-dose exposure.     

Antioxidant activity against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity of the ethanol extract and compounds from Pyrola decorate leaves

Context: The leaves of Pyrola decorate H. Andr (Pyrolaceae), known as Luxiancao, have long been used for treating kidney deficiency, gastric haemorrhage and rheumatic arthritic diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective: The phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities in vitro of P. decorate leaves were investigated.

Materials and methods: Ethanol, petroleum ether, acetidin, n-butyl alcohol and aqueous extracts of Pyrola decorate leaves were prepared by solvent sequential process, and then isolated and purified to obtain phytochemicals. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. PC12 cells were pretreated for 24?h with different extractions of P. decorate leaves at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10?mg/mL, then H₂O₂ of 0.4?mM was added in all samples for an additional 2?h. The antioxidant capacities of betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were determined in PC12 cells against H₂O₂ induced cytotoxicity in vitro as well.

Results: Nine compounds (1–9) were isolated and structurally determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR analyses. Ethanol extract treated groups showed inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 10.83?mg/mL. Betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were isolated from P. decorate, and demonstrated with IC₅₀ values of 6.88, 6.15 and 6.13?μg/mL, respectively.

Discussion and conclusions: In conclusion, Pyrola decorate is a potential antioxidative natural plant and worth testing for further pharmacological investigation in the treatment of oxidative stress related neurological disease.     

Cerium oxide nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells via oxidative stress and the activation of MAPK signaling pathways

BackgroundLanthanide cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles have extensive applications in industrial fields, and concerns regarding their potential toxicity in humans and their environmental impact have increased. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms by which CeO₂ nanoparticles induce toxicity in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells.ResultsOur results demonstrated that CeO₂ nanoparticles reduced viability, caused dramatic morphological damage, and induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells. CeO₂ nanoparticles significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and significantly reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and catalase (CAT). The phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK were significantly elevated after treatment with CeO₂ nanoparticles. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC): reduced the induction of ROS and MDA by CeO₂ nanoparticles; recovered the activity of SOD, GSH-px and CAT; reduced the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, JNK and p38; and attenuated CeO₂ nanoparticles-induced damage and apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that CeO₂ nanoparticles induced damage and apoptosis in human SMMC-7721 cells via oxidative stress and the activation of MAPK signaling pathways.     

二氢石蒜碱对过氧化氢损伤的PC12细胞的保护作用

目的:探讨二氢石蒜碱(DL)对H2O2诱导的PC12细胞氧化损伤的影响及其可能机制。方法:用H2O2(200μmol.L-1)处理PC12细胞建立氧化应激模型,并加入二氢石蒜碱预处理作为保护。噻唑蓝(MTT)法和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)检测细胞存活率和细胞损伤程度,利用荧光探针DCFH-DA和JC-1分别检测细胞内活性氧(ROS)和线粒体膜电位。结果:H2O2作用于PC12细胞后,细胞存活率下降,LDH活性和ROS含量增高,线粒体膜电位降低,与正常对照组比较具有显著性差异(P<0.01);10-7～10-5mol.L-1DL预处理后,细胞存活率提高,LDH和ROS变低,线粒体膜电位回升,且在一定范围呈剂量依赖性。结论:DL对H2O2诱导PC12细胞氧化损伤具有保护作用,其作用机制可能与减少ROS产生和稳定线粒体膜电位有关。