The Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress in A549 Human Non-small Lung Cancer Cells.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women and it is growing worldwide. Previous studies have shown that using Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) can be a promising agent in cancer treatment, because of their unique properties. The purpose of current study is to investigate the effect of ZnO-NP on oxidative stress in A549 human non-small lung cancer cells. A549 cells with were treated with different concentrations of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles. MTT assay and Trypan blue staining were performed to measure IC50 concentration and cell viability on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Also, to investigate the apoptotic effects of IC50 concentration of these nanoparticles, Giemsa and AO/EB staining methods and anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase activity measurements were used. The results showed that ZnO-NP reduced the A549 cells viabilities in a dose and time dependent manner, and the obtained IC50 concentration was 5mg/mL. The results of stainings indicated an increase in percentage of apoptotic cells in treatment groups. Furthermore, enzyme measurement results showed that the activity of both enzymes in treatment groups was significantly increased in comparison to the control group. The results of this study demonstrated that ZnO-NP have the ability to induce cell death in lung cancer cells and we hope that with organizing this nanoparticle as a new medical compound, it will be used in cancer treatment.