Gold Nanoparticles Cytotoxicity against Esophageal Carcinoma Cells: An In Vitro Study Using Glutathione-Modified Nanoparticles
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Abstract
Background: Esophageal carcinoma remains an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Nanotechnology has introduced opportunities in cancer therapy, using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties. Objective: This study evaluates the cytotoxic effects of glutathione-modified GNPs on the SK-GT-4 esophageal carcinoma cell line. Methods: GNPs were synthesized using a chemical reduction method and functionalized with glutathione (GSH) for stability. SK-GT-4 cells were cultured under standard conditions and exposed to GNP concentrations of 10–100 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via MTT assay, and morphological changes were observed using phase-contrast microscopy. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Expression patterns of p53, caspase 3, and caspase 8 were studied by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Data were analyzed using unpaired t-tests (p < 0.05). Results: FTIR analysis confirmed glutathione conjugation to the GNPs, which induced a significant dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on SK-GT-4 cells, with an IC₅₀ of approximately 8.694 µg/mL. Morphological changes consistent with apoptosis, including rounding and detachment, were observed. At 2MIC, the proportion of cells arrested in the Gap2/mitosis (G2/M) phase increased from 10% (control) to 18.04% (p < 0.05). Early apoptotic cells increased from 5% (control) to 18.11% at 2MIC. p53 and caspase 3 were elevated, while caspase 8 was downregulated, indicating that GNPs modify the regulation of apoptotic genes in SK-GT-4 cells.
Conclusion: Glutathione-modified GNPs exhibit significant cytotoxic potential against esophageal carcinoma cells, suggesting their promise as nanotherapeutic agents. Further mechanistic and in vivo evaluations are necessary to assess their clinical application.
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