Biological Trace Element Research最新文献

{"title":"Neuroprotective Potential of Chromium-D-Phenylalanine: Insights from Molecular Docking, Dynamics and Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonism in Rats.","authors":"K N Anitha, Mohammed Mutahir, Shivsharan B Dhadde, B S Gowrishankar, Vivek Chandramohan","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04671-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04671-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of Chromium-D-Phenylalanine [Cr(D-Phe)₃] using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and an in vivo rotenone-induced Parkinsonism model in rats. Molecular docking revealed a strong binding affinity between Cr(D-Phe)₃ and α-synuclein (PDB ID: 1XQ8), with a docking score of -8.9 kcal/mol, surpassing Levodopa (-7.7 kcal/mol). MD simulations further confirmed the stability of the Cr(D-Phe)₃-α-synuclein complex, demonstrating minimal RMSD fluctuations and sustained structural compactness over a 100-ns simulation period. In in vivo study in rats, Cr(D-Phe)₃ was administered orally at doses of 20, 40 and 80 µg/kg. The 40 µg/kg dose exhibited the most pronounced neuroprotective effects. Behavioural assessments showed significant improvement, with a 13.4% (p < 0.05) reduction in catalepsy duration, a 173.7% (p < 0.01) increase in locomotor activity and a 207.6% (p < 0.01) enhancement in neuromuscular coordination compared to the rotenone-treated group. Biochemical analyses demonstrated substantial restoration of antioxidant defences, with catalase levels increasing by 14.3% (p < 0.05) and GSH levels by 104.6% (p < 0.01). Oxidative and nitrative stress markers were significantly reduced, with lipid peroxidation decreasing by 22.7% (p < 0.001) and nitrite levels by 26.3% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Cr(D-Phe)₃ effectively suppressed neuroinflammation, lowering TNF-α levels by 35.5% (p < 0.001), while dopamine levels were restored by 45.4% (p < 0.001) compared to rotenone-treated rats. Histopathological analysis confirmed the preservation of neuronal integrity in the substantia nigra and cortical regions. These findings suggest that Cr(D-Phe)₃ mitigates Parkinsonism-associated neurodegeneration by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing neuroinflammation and preserving dopaminergic neuronal function. Cr(D-Phe)₃ holds promise as a potential therapeutic candidate for Parkinsonism, warranting further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trace Elements in Untreated Wastewater in Central India: A Controversial Consideration for Irrigating Vegetables-To Employ or Not to Employ?","authors":"Lal Chand Malav, Amrita Daripa, Sudipta Chattaraj, Brijesh Yadav, Abhishek Jangir, Ravindra K Naitam, Duraisamy Vasu, Nisha Lade, Damini T Kawale, Sadikul Islam, F H Rahman, Tanmoy Karak","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04645-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04645-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In peri-urban areas of developing countries, the use of untreated wastewater (UWW) for crop irrigation is a widespread practice driven by the severe lack of access to clean water. This practice may lead to the accumulation of heavy metals (HMs), which may pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. To address this issue, a comparative study was conducted across five sites utilising UWW and three control sites relying on tube well water. The research rigorously analyzed soil, water, and locally grown vegetables specifically brinjal, cabbage, spinach, and fenugreek in the peri-urban region, with a focus on examining the levels of HMs, including cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). These HMs were quantified using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results indicated that the concentrations of HMs in both soil and water samples remained within permissible limits established by regulatory agencies. However, notable variations in soil characteristics were documented; the soil pH decreased by 6.15%, suggesting an increase in acidity, while electrical conductivity surged by 83.75%, indicating elevated levels of soluble salts. Furthermore, soil organic carbon (SOC) levels experienced a significant increase of 42.45%. which can be linked to the prolonged application of UWW as a nutrient-rich irrigation source. In vegetable samples, the concentrations of HMs were generally within permissible limits. Chromium levels were found to exceed these limits, specifically in cabbage and brinjal, raising health risk concerns. It is recommended to avoid consuming cabbage and brinjal cultivated under the current conditions, as they may be affected by harmful HMs. Additionally, exploring the cultivation of alternative crops that do not absorb these harmful HMs would be beneficial. Multivariate statistical analysis confirmed UWW irrigation was the primary driver of HM contamination in the examined areas, highlighting an urgent need for improved water management practices. The bioconcentration factor analysis revealed a higher uptake of Fe and Ni in spinach. Assessments indicated that consuming these vegetables does not pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks. These results highlight the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable irrigation practices to protect public health and ensure agricultural productivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced Bioinspired Silver Nanoparticles Integrated into Polyherbal Gel for Enhanced Diabetic Foot Ulcer Regeneration.","authors":"Krutika Shelar, Pramod S Salve, Mohammad Qutub, Samiksha Tammewar, Amol A Tatode, Ujban Md Hussain","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04666-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04666-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe diabetic complication, frequently resulting in infections and amputations. The current research focuses on the development and assessment of a synergistic nano-herbal formulation based on green-synthesized silver nanoparticles and a polyherbal gel for the efficient treatment of DFUs. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green-synthesized using aqueous extracts of Tagetes erecta (Marigold) and Portulaca oleracea (Purslane). They were further blended with a polyherbal gel formulation to improve antimicrobial and wound-healing activities. AgNPs were synthesized using aqueous plant extracts and characterized through UV-Visible spectrophotometry (SPR peaks: 439 nm for T. erecta, 427 nm for P. oleracea), FT-IR (O-H stretching at 3610 cm⁻¹, 3687 cm⁻¹), XRD (semi-crystalline structure), and DLS (particle sizes: 311 nm and 304 nm, zeta potentials: -19.7 mV and -20.1 mV, respectively). Antimicrobial studies showed strong inhibition against S. aureus (21 mm, 20 mm) and K. pneumoniae (22 mm) for AgNPs. The polyherbal gel, incorporating extracts of Ficus racemosa, Emblica officinalis, Curcuma longa, Carica papaya, Terminalia bellerica, Acacia catechu, and Aloe vera, achieved 85% wound closure in diabetic rats by day 16, compared to 60% (untreated) and 95% (povidone iodine). AgNP-antibiotic combinations reached 90% healing. HbA1c levels remained unchanged, indicating glucose-independent healing. These findings suggest that AgNP-polyherbal formulations could serve as a sustainable and effective DFU treatment, enhancing antimicrobial activity and promoting tissue regeneration.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144126508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Boric Acid in an Experimental Mechanical Biliary Obstructive Cholestasis Rat Model.","authors":"Cengiz Kocak, Fatma Emel Kocak, Fatih Kar, Raziye Akcılar, Sezgin Zeren, Ali Cihat Yıldırım, Mehmet Fatih Ekici, Ezgi Kar","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04665-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04665-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obstructive jaundice is a serious condition that increases the risk of death from multiple organ failure and sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic (T) and prophylactic (P) effects of boric acid (BA) in an experimental mechanical biliary obstructive (BO) cholestasis rat model. For this purpose, thirty-two adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups of eight animals in each group as control, BO, BO + BAP, and BO + BAT. BA was administered intraperitoneally at 100 mg/kg/day before and after bile duct ligation. In order to examine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of BA as well as the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by BO, serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), total oxidant and antioxidant status (TOS, TAS), and cytochrome C levels were measured. Serum total bilirubin (T. Bil), direct bilirubin (D. Bil) levels and amylase, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were measured to investigate liver functions. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) genes in liver tissue were examined to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of BA as well as the inflammation and apoptosis caused by BO. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed for histopathological examinations. BO-induced liver damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were reduced by BA administration. The anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of prophylactic BA application were found to be more effective than therapeutic BA application.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144118713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of NiCl2 Intake Through Respiratory Tract on Antioxidant Capacity, Lung, and Trace Element Content in Mice.","authors":"Aifei Du, Shaohua Feng, Xuan Zhou, Yiyin Li, Shangqing Lu, Bangyuan Wu","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04630-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04630-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the acute respiratory toxicity of NiCl₂ in mice, focusing on oxidative stress, tissue damage, and trace element dysregulation. Forty male KM mice were allocated to a saline control group and three NiCl₂ exposure groups (20, 60, 115 mg/kg; n = 10/group). Serum analysis assessed oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, SOD), liver (AST, ALT), kidney (Cr, BUN) function, and TP. Lung and tracheal tissues were examined for histopathological/ultrastructural pathological changes and apoptosis. Tissue levels of Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca, Mg, and Mn were measured using spectrophotometry. Results revealed dose-responsive elevations in serum AST, ALT, BUN, Cr, and MDA, accompanied by diminished GSH, TP, and T-SOD (P < 0.05). Nickel exposure caused tracheal pseudostratified columnar epithelium detachment, alveolar structural wall thickening and widened septa, capillary congestion, mitochondrial swelling in alveolar type-II cells, and increased pulmonary apoptosis (P < 0.05). Ni accumulated predominantly in the liver, lung, and kidney, with concurrent Zn upregulation and Cu/Fe depletion (P < 0.05), while Ca, Mg, and Mn levels remained stable. These findings demonstrate that acute NiCl₂ inhalation induces oxidative stress, impairs liver/kidney function, and provokes pulmonary apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. Ni disrupted Cu/Zn/Fe homeostasis but exhibited negligible effects on Ca, Mg, or Mn metabolism.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In Vivo Investigation on the Effects of Metal Oxides in Hydroxyapatite Biocomposite Implants for Improving Bone Regeneration.","authors":"Mostafa Mabrouk, Hanan H Beherei, Omar H Abd-Elkader, Fariborz Sharifianjazi, Diganta B Das","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04651-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04651-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Incorporating biocompatible nanomaterials in bone implants continues to pose a significant challenge in biomedical engineering. In addressing this issue, this study examines the critical role of the interactions of nanoscale metal oxides, specifically Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and SiO₂, with hydroxyapatite while developing novel multiphase biocomposites. The study also investigates how animal models respond to these new implants while focusing on improving the physicochemical properties, microstructure and osteoconductivity of calcium phosphate ceramics. Blood antioxidant enzymes and bone turnover markers were examined, and the effects on vital organs like the kidneys and liver were investigated. The results demonstrated that hydroxyapatite/SiO₂/TiO₂ (SHT) composite significantly impacted the liver and kidney functions during the study periods. However, the hydroxyapatite/SiO₂/Al₂O₃ (SHA) composite had no measurable effect at 2 days, while there was a significant effect at 20 days. Overall, it is concluded that the SHT composite ceramic has more osteoconductive effects and relatively high toxicity on the liver and kidney. SHA is found to be moderately toxic, and hydroxyapatite/SiO₂ (SH) composite displayed lesser or no toxicity. The results, which showed a significant depletion of blood GPX and SOD, indicate that oxidative stress mediates the cytotoxicity of the SHT and SHA composites.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bio-inspired Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications of Optimized Ceiba pentandra Silver Nanoparticles.","authors":"Loick Pradel Kojom Foko, Joseph Hawadak, Philippe Belle Ebanda Kedi, Veena Pande, Vineeta Singh","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04652-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04652-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Green nanotechnology can provide new avenues for drug and insecticide discovery. This study aimed at synthesizing and evaluating the potential of silver nanoparticles, using an innovative plant-driven synthesis approach, with the potential to be used as an endectocide. Optimized silver nanoparticles using Ceiba pentandra (CP-AgNPs) were evaluated for their hemotoxic and killing activities against the deadliest malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and three mosquito species (Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes aegypti) of medical importance. Optimized CP-AgNPs were predominantly spheroidal, stable, polycrystalline, and coated with several phytochemical compounds, including terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenols. CP-AgNPs exhibited good hemocompatibility and high lethal activity on Pf 3D7 and RKL9 strains, with respective IC₅₀ values of 9.71 µg/mL and 15.57 µg/mL. Likewise, LC₅₀ values were < 20 µg/mL in the three mosquito species after 24-h exposure, and the CP-AgNPs were most toxic against An. stephensi (LC₅₀ = 13.48 µg/mL). Green AgNPs could be an interesting tool for discovering and developing eco-friendly and effective antimalarial drugs and insecticides.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Empagliflozin Inhibits Cadmium-Induced Hepatic Cell Apoptosis Through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy Pathways.","authors":"Naeem F Qusty, Bayan T Bokhari, Medhat Taha, Mohammad Ahmad Alobaidy, Abdullah G Al-Kushi, Hatem A Sembawa, Omer Abdelbagi, Tourki A S Baokbah, Rami Obaid, Halah Tariq Albar, Omar Babateen, Naief Dahran","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04631-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04631-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cadmium (Cd), a well-known toxic heavy metal, adversely affects multiple organs. The SGLT-2 inhibitor empagliflozin (EMPA) exhibits significant antioxidant properties and hypoglycemic potential. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of EMPA against Cd-induced liver injury and elucidate its molecular mechanisms. Thirty-two male rats were allocated into four groups of eight rats each: group I (control group), group II (EMPA group), group III (Cd group), and group IV (Cd + EMPA group). Cd intake disrupted liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and impaired hepatic histological architecture. Cd induced hepatic oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased MDA levels and reduced antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GPx, and CAT. It downregulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and elevated proinflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, Cd increased ER stress markers GRP78 and CHOP, along with apoptotic markers Bax and caspase-3 while decreasing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and reducing the autophagic indicator Beclin-1. Interestingly, EMPA administration in the Cd + EMPA group attenuated Cd-induced hepatic deterioration, improving hepatocyte structure. This beneficial effect was driven by the downregulation of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, and apoptosis, alongside the upregulation of the autophagy process. In conclusion, this study highlights the hepatoprotective effect of EMPA against Cd-induced liver injury, elucidating its underlying molecular mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Syzygium cumini Fruit Extract and Quercetin Ameliorate Cadmium-Induced Ovarian Apoptosis in Rats Via miRNA- 204 - 5p-Mediated Bcl- 2 Upregulation and Bax/Caspase 9/Caspase 3 Downregulation.","authors":"Walaa I E Abdel-Badeea, Ahmed Abdel-Wahab, Ahmed A Mahmoud, Abdel-Razik H Abdel-Razik, Eman Z Attia, Usama R Abdelmohsen, Kamel M A Hassanin","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04632-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04632-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The correlation between exposure to environmental pollutants and adverse impacts on fertility has been documented. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic elements that impairs female reproductive capacity. Syzygium cumini is a plant that contains polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties. Our study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of Syzygium cumini fruit extract (SCFE) and quercetin (QU) against Cd-induced ovarian toxicity and apoptosis in rats assisted by measuring oxidative stress markers, hormonal profile, intrinsic apoptotic pathway, miRNA-204-5p, and histopathology. For that, 45 adult female rats were divided randomly into five groups; control, cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), CdCl₂ + QU, CdCl₂ + SCFE200, and CdCl₂ + SCFE400, and the experiment lasted 35 days. Cadmium exposure induced irregular estrus cycle, and oxidative challenges, as evidenced by increased malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidant indicators that include superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione, and hormonal imbalances, including reduced follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, anti-mullarian hormone, estrogen, and progesterone levels. Additionally, Cd triggered ovarian apoptosis through upregulating miRNA- 204 - 5p expression that in turn downregulated Bcl- 2 and upregulated the members of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway including Bax and caspases 3, 9. The histopathological findings, morphometric and lesion scoring in ovarian, and uterine tissues confirmed the negative impacts of Cd. Interestingly, treatment with QU or SCFE, especially at the higher dose (400 mg/kg), significantly ameliorated these Cd-induced adverse effects, suggesting their potential as protective agents against ovarian toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143960894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic Cytotoxicity of Nano-titanium Dioxide and Phthalocyanine on HepG2 Cells via Sonophotodynamic Therapy.","authors":"Adem Yavaş, Ömer Kesmez, Feride Demir, Mehran Aksel","doi":"10.1007/s12011-025-04660-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04660-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge, necessitating novel approaches beyond conventional treatments. This study investigates the combined cytotoxic effects of nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂), copper (II) phthalocyanine (CuPc), and copper (II) phthalocyanine-modified nano-TiO₂-(nano-TiO₂/Pc) on HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells using sonodynamic therapy (SDT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and sonophotodynamic therapy (SPDT). The results show that individual treatments with nano-TiO₂ or CuPc alone did not induce significant cytotoxicity. However, when combined with SDT or PDT, a noticeable decrease in cell viability was observed. Strikingly, SPDT combined with nano-TiO₂/Pc demonstrated the most significant cytotoxic effect, achieving up to 83.80% apoptosis in HepG2 cells. This was associated with a marked reduction in Bcl-2 protein levels and an increase in cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, cytochrome-c (cyt-c), and Bax indicating the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, SPDT-nano-TiO₂/Pc significantly increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), along with elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). These findings suggest that phthalocyanine-mediated SPDT effectively enhances mitochondrial apoptosis and disrupts the tumor cytoplasmic membrane, highlighting the potential of combining SDT and PDT with nano-TiO₂/Pc as a promising strategy for cancer treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":8917,"journal":{"name":"Biological Trace Element Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}