Shahed University Daneshvar Medicine 2716-9723 33 2 2025 06 22 Investigation of the cytotoxic effects of selenium nanoparticles synthesized by a green method using Onopordum acanthium plant extract on caspases 3, 8 and 9 activity level in ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3) Investigation of the cytotoxic effects of selenium nanoparticles synthesized by a green method using Onopordum acanthium plant extract on caspases 3, 8 and 9 activity level in ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3) 1 12 4900 10.22070/daneshmed.2025.20755.1622 FA Ali Mehdi Araghi Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 0009-0009-3911-6522 Rahim Ahmadi Department of Biology, Avicenna International College, Budapest, Hungary. 0000-0002-2694-8903 Seyedeh Fatemeh Siadat Seyedeh Fatemeh Siadat, Department of Biology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0001-9217-1920 Sayeh Jafari Marandi Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0003-2882-2412 Journal Article 2025 07 29 Background and Objective: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have garnered considerable attention in cancer therapy due to their remarkable biological and anticancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles, prepared using Onopordum acanthium extract, on the activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9 in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells.<br>Materials and Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, SeNPs were synthesized via a green method using the hydroalcoholic extract of Onopordum acanthium. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and EDX techniques. OVCAR-3 cells were cultured in DMEM medium and treated with various concentrations of SeNPs (15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Caspase activity was evaluated after treatment with the cytotoxic dose (117 µg/mL) of SeNPs. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test.<br>Results: XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the nanoparticles. FTIR revealed the presence of functional groups associated with the SeNPs, and EDX confirmed high-purity elemental selenium. A significant reduction in cell viability was observed at higher concentrations (250 and 500 µg/mL) of SeNPs. Moreover, the activity of caspases 3 and 8 significantly increased, while caspase 9 showed a more limited response (P<0.001).<br>Conclusion: These findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles can induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells through the extrinsic pathway, highlighting their potential as a novel and effective therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment. Background and Objective: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have garnered considerable attention in cancer therapy due to their remarkable biological and anticancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles, prepared using Onopordum acanthium extract, on the activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9 in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells.<br>Materials and Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, SeNPs were synthesized via a green method using the hydroalcoholic extract of Onopordum acanthium. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and EDX techniques. OVCAR-3 cells were cultured in DMEM medium and treated with various concentrations of SeNPs (15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Caspase activity was evaluated after treatment with the cytotoxic dose (117 µg/mL) of SeNPs. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test.<br>Results: XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the nanoparticles. FTIR revealed the presence of functional groups associated with the SeNPs, and EDX confirmed high-purity elemental selenium. A significant reduction in cell viability was observed at higher concentrations (250 and 500 µg/mL) of SeNPs. Moreover, the activity of caspases 3 and 8 significantly increased, while caspase 9 showed a more limited response (P<0.001).<br>Conclusion: These findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles can induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells through the extrinsic pathway, highlighting their potential as a novel and effective therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment. https://daneshvarmed.shahed.ac.ir/article_4900_b9cfe8b6042cf759dc4c0cccb27a6737.pdf