Silver Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis Via <i>Nox4</i> -Derived Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Juan‐Hua Quan, Fei Fei Gao, Jiaqi Chu, Guang‐Ho Cha, Jae–Min Yuk, Weiyun Wu, Young‐Ha Lee
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the anticancer mechanisms of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in colorectal cancer. Methods: Anticancer effects of AgNPs were determined in colorectal cancer HCT116 cells and xenograft mice using cellular and molecular methods. Results: AgNPs induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses through NOX4 and led to HCT116 cell apoptosis. Pretreatment with DPI or 4-PBA significantly inhibited mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, ER stress response, NOX4 expression and mitochondrial dysfunction in AgNP-treated HCT116 cells. AgNPs also significantly suppressed HCT116 cell-based xenograft tumor growth in nude mice by inducing apoptosis and ER stress responses. Conclusion: AgNPs exert anticancer effects against colorectal cancer via ROS- and ER stress-related mitochondrial apoptosis pathways.