Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on cellular stress in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Abstract

Background Cancer cells are characterized by high cellular stress that is considered crucial for cancer cell survival and metastasis. Aim In this study, we assessed cellular stress in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells before and after treatment with intraperitoneal zinc oxide nanoparticles. Materials and methods This experiment was performed on six groups of mice: 90 female albino mice were included in this study and were divided into six groups (n=15 per group): C [saline treated mice (20 ml/Kg intraperitoneal (i.p.)], CZn20/2d [ZnO NP-treated mice (20 mg/kg i.p. every other day], EC [untreated EAC-bearing mice], EZn 10/d [EAC-bearing mice administered with ZnO NPs 10 mg/kg everyday], EZn 10/2d [EAC-bearing mice administered with ZnO NPs 10 mg/kg every other day], EZn20/2d [EACs-bearing mice administered with ZnO NPs 20 mg/kg every other day]. After 2 weeks, the ascitic fluid and mammary gland were collected to measure the level of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite. Results Based on this results, there was a significantly high level of NO and peroxynitrite in the EAC groups compared with the control group. Zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly decreased the level of NO and peroxynitrite in the EAC groups compared with the control group. Conclusion This study implied that cancer cells have higher cellular stress, and it was efficiently decreased by treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles indicating its efficacy against cancer cells.