Enhancement of radiation effect on lung cancer A549 cells by gold nanoparticles.

Abstract

e20505 Background: To study the in vitro radiosensitization effect of Thio-glucose capped gold nanoparticles(Glu-GNPs) combined with kilovolt or megavoltage X-ray on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Methods: The crystal violet method was used to detect the cytotoxicity of Glu-GNPs on A549 cells and the radiosensitive inhibition of proliferation. The distribution of Glu-GNPs in the cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dose-cell viability scores after irradiation with 160 KeV and 6 MeV X-rays, respectively, were determined by cell clone analysis and radio-biological parameters were calculated using a single-click multi-target model. The DNA double-strand breaks (Foci foci) of A549 cells were detected by γ-H2AX immunofluorescence. Results: TEM showed Glu-GNPs into A549 cells were aggregated state attached to intracellular membrane organelles - lysosomes or endosomes.Glu-GNPs at the concentration of 0-100nmol / L did not significantly inhibit the viability of A549 cells (P > 0.05).Cell cloning experiments showed that the SER of 100nmol / L Glu-GNPs combined with 160KV and 6 MeV irradiation was 1.41 and 1.15, respectively (P < 0.05). Glu-GNPs significantly increased DNA double-strand breaks in A549 cells induced by 160KV and 6 MeV X-rays (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Nano-gold can enter cells by endocytosis and locate in endosomes or lysosomes, and increase the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells to radiation.