BACKGROUND The combination of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) with carriers enhances the anticancer effect of nanocomposites. AIM To explore the mechanisms of cytotoxic action of dextran-graft-polyacrylamide (D-g-PAA/ZnO) NPs against prostate cancers cell… Click to show full abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) with carriers enhances the anticancer effect of nanocomposites. AIM To explore the mechanisms of cytotoxic action of dextran-graft-polyacrylamide (D-g-PAA/ZnO) NPs against prostate cancers cell lines in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dextran-polyacrylamide was used as a matrix for the synthesis of ZnO NPs. Prostate cancer cells LNCaP, DU-145 and PC-3 were treated with D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and Ki-67 was studied using immunocytochemical analysis. Cytomorphological changes in cells were detected after their incubation with nanocomposites for 24 h. RESULTS The treatment with D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs caused the increase in the Bax and p53 and the decrease in Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression. Morphological changes associated with apoptosis were registered: decrease in cell size, appearance of cytoplasmic vacuolation, condensation of chromatin, blebbing. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with D-g-PAA/ZnO nanocomposite led to the initiation of apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cells in vitro.
               
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