Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Show Promise Against Leukemia Cells

Greg Howard
13th September, 2024

Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Show Promise Against Leukemia Cells

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, found that Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can selectively kill leukemic cells without harming normal cells
  • ZnO NPs induce a unique type of cell death called ferroptosis in leukemic cells by disrupting redox balance and increasing intracellular iron levels
  • This study suggests that ZnO NPs could be a promising new treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), especially for patients resistant to conventional therapies
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and is most common in children. Despite significant advances in treatment, there remains a need for new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes, especially for high-risk patients. Recent research conducted by Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, has presented a novel approach using Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to induce ferroptosis in leukemic cells, which could potentially enhance anti-leukemic therapies in the future[1]. Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death distinct from other types such as apoptosis. It is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and is dependent on iron. This unique cell death mechanism has garnered interest in cancer research due to its potential to target cancer cells resistant to other forms of cell death[2]. The study from Kerman University explores the use of ZnO NPs synthesized through a green approach, utilizing black cardamom extract as a capping and reducing agent. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also efficient in producing ZnO NPs with anti-leukemic properties. The ZnO NPs were characterized using several techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. These methods confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanoparticles. Leukemic and normal cells were then exposed to varying concentrations of ZnO NPs for 24 and 48 hours. The cell viability was assessed using the MTT test, a colorimetric assay for measuring cellular metabolic activity. The results showed that ZnO NPs significantly reduced the survival of leukemic cells, with IC50 values of 150.89 μg/ml for Nalm-6 cells and 101.31 μg/ml for REH cells after 48 hours. Importantly, the ZnO NPs exhibited no toxicity toward normal cells, indicating a selective anti-leukemic effect. Further analysis revealed that the ZnO NPs induced ferroptosis in leukemic cells. This was evidenced by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and intracellular iron, as well as elevated expressions of ACSL4, ALOX15, and p53 mRNA. Conversely, there was a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity levels, along with reduced expressions of SLC7A11 and GPx4 mRNA. These findings suggest that ZnO NPs disrupt redox homeostasis and increase intracellular iron levels, thereby inducing ferroptosis in leukemic cells. This mechanism aligns with previous research highlighting the potential of ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment[2]. The study's green synthesis approach also adds an environmentally sustainable dimension to nanoparticle production. The implications of this research are significant, especially when considered alongside earlier studies. For instance, the cure rate of childhood ALL has exceeded 90% in some clinical trials, but this success has largely been achieved by pushing the dose intensity of conventional chemotherapy to its limits[3]. The introduction of molecular and immuno-therapies has provided new avenues for treatment, but challenges remain for high-risk patients and those who do not respond well to early treatment. The ability of ZnO NPs to selectively induce ferroptosis in leukemic cells offers a promising complementary approach to existing therapies. Additionally, the development of targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, has significantly improved long-term survival rates for ALL patients[4]. The integration of ZnO NPs into the therapeutic arsenal could further enhance these outcomes by providing a novel mechanism of action that targets leukemic cells through ferroptosis. Overall, the study from Kerman University of Medical Sciences presents a compelling case for the use of ZnO NPs in the treatment of ALL. By leveraging the unique properties of ferroptosis, these nanoparticles could offer a new strategy to combat leukemia, particularly for patients who are resistant to conventional treatments. This research not only underscores the potential of ferroptosis in cancer therapy but also highlights the importance of innovative and sustainable approaches in the development of new treatments.

MedicineHealthBiotech

References

Main Study

1) Evaluation of ferroptosis-based anti-leukemic activities of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by a green route against Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (Nalm-6 and REH).

Published 15th September, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36608

Related Studies

2) Targeting ferroptosis as a vulnerability in cancer.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41568-022-00459-0

3) Precision medicine in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-020-0759-8

4) Targeted therapy paves the way for the cure of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.16207


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