Characterization of Calcifying Nanoparticles Isolated and Cultured in the Outer Capsule Wall of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst and their Correlation with Autophagy.

Purpose: To isolate calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs) from the outer capsule wall of hepatic hydatid cysts and determine their in vitro characteristics and potential link to autophagy-mediated inflammation.

Methods: CNPs were isolated from 47 hepatic hydatid cyst walls and cultured for 4 weeks. The morphology and ultrastructure were examined using electron microscopy, and the elemental composition was determined using Energy-dispersive X-ray Microanalysis. Zeta potentials and particle size distributions were examined using a Zetasizer. The expression of autophagy-related proteins (LC3B, Beclin-1, and SQSTM1/P62) was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Results: CNPs derived from the outer capsule wall of hepatic hydatid cyst exhibited similar properties to those of previously reported CNPs. The expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3B were significantly elevated in calcified compared to non-calcified cyst walls (P < 0.05), whereas that of SQSTM1/P62 was higher in non-calcified walls (P < 0.05). The increased Beclin-1 and LC3B expression in calcified walls and SQSTM1/P62 in non-calcified walls (P < 0.01) were confirmed using immunohistochemistry. The content of CNPs was significantly higher in the calcified cyst walls (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: CNPs can be isolated and cultured from the outer capsule wall of hepatic hydatid cysts, They are associated with autophagic activity in the outer capsule wall tissue and calcification of the cyst wall.