Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were used to evaluate their cytotoxicity toward human lung cancer cells A549. No cell proliferation inhibition was found when the cells were treated by GNPs independently. However, when L-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO) was used to decrease the expression of glutathione (GSH) in A549 cells, GNPs showed evident cytotoxicity to cells. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity of GNPs could be reversed after adding outside source GSH into the system. Whereas GSH plays an important role in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS), by monitoring the intracellular levels of ROS, GNPs were observed to generate more intracellular ROS in the presence of BSO. The cytotoxicity caused by GNPs toward lung cancer cells could therefore be partially attributed to the increase in intracellular ROS levels. These results suggest that caution should be paid in the use of GNPs for in vivo tests because GNPs can serve as therapeutic agents in their own right as well as carriers for other drugs and biomolecules.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
