Daneshvar Medicine

Daneshvar Medicine

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
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Daneshvar Medicine
Volume 33, Issue 2 - Serial Number 177
July and August 2025
Pages 1-12