Ferric Oxide Nanoparticles Enhance Cytotoxicity and Reduce the Occurrence and Development of Cervical Cancer Metastases

Abstract

Fe3O4 nanoparticles can be used in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. However, poor solubility limits its use in tumors. In this study, we used ferric oxide and nanoparticles to covalently bind ferric oxide nanoparticles as a strategy for treatment of cervical cancer metastases. We aimed to evaluate their biological effects on cervical cancer metastases in vivo. Confocal microscopy was used to detect transfection efficiency, ferric oxide or ferric oxide nanoparticles were used to intervene cervical cancer cell lines, and flow cytometry explored cell apoptosis. The mouse model of cervical cancer metastasis was further treated with ferric oxide or ferric tetroxide nanoparticles through intraperitoneal injection. The tumor volume was counted and size was measured. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by IHC and Western-blot was used to detect protein expression. Nanoparticles significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of Fe3O4, which inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. In the in vivo transplanted tumor model, the same was observed in mice. In the mice model, ferric oxide nanoparticles significantly inhibited the growth of tumors, slowed down tumor growth rate, and accelerated apoptosis. Our research results showed that nanoparticles contributed to the uptake of oxidized particles, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles regulated studied tumors by enhancing cytotoxicity, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis, achieving Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The particles significantly inhibited tumor growth, slowed down multiplication rate, and accelerated apoptosis, suggesting that Fe3O4 nanoparticles have a significant inhibitory effect on cervical cancer transplanted tumors.