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)

Mehdi Araghi, Ali; Ahmadi, Rahim; Siadat, Seyedeh Fatemeh; Jafari Marandi, Sayeh

doi:10.22070/daneshmed.2025.20755.1622

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)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ali Mehdi Araghi ¹

Rahim Ahmadi ²

Seyedeh Fatemeh Siadat ³

Sayeh Jafari Marandi ⁴

¹ Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

² Department of Biology, Avicenna International College, Budapest, Hungary.

³ Seyedeh Fatemeh Siadat, Department of Biology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22070/daneshmed.2025.20755.1622

Abstract

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.
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.
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).
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.

Keywords

Selenium nanoparticles

Onopordum acanthium

OVCAR-3

apoptosis

caspase 8

9 and -3

Subjects