Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decrease the viability of cervical cancer cells by inducing the BAX gene and activating antioxidant enzymes

Cervical Cancer (CC), a leading cause of female mortality worldwide, demonstrates a direct association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. However, not all CC patients exhibit HPV infection, suggesting additional predisposing factors. Recently, disturbances in the oxidant-antioxidant balance have been implicated in CC development. This study explores the impact of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the survival and antioxidant capacity of HeLa cells, aiming to contribute to novel CC therapy approaches.

Synthesized and characterized AuNPs (25.5 nm, uniform distribution according to the DLS analysis) were administered to HeLa cells at varying concentrations. After 24 h, cell viability was assessed using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay. Real-time PCR measured expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (BCL2 associated X (BAX) and p53). Catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, key antioxidant enzymes, were also evaluated post-AuNP treatment. AuNPs dose-dependently reduced HeLa cell viability, with an IC₅₀ value of 113 µg/ml. BAX gene expression significantly increased, indicating pro-apoptotic effects. Moreover, enzyme activities significantly rose under AuNP influence.

AuNPs demonstrated the potential to induce HeLa cell death by upregulating pro-apoptotic BAX gene expression and altering antioxidant system enzyme activities. These findings underscore the promise of AuNPs as a therapeutic avenue for CC, emphasizing their impact on crucial cellular processes involved in cancer progression.