RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The combination of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) with carriers enhances the anticancer effect of nanocomposites. AIM: To explore the mechanisms of cytotoxic action of dextran-graft-polyacrylamide (D-g-PAA/ZnO) NPs against prostate cancers cell lines in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dextran-polyacrylamide was used as a matrix for the synthesis of ZnO NPs. Prostate cancer cells LNCaP, DU-145 and PC-3 were treated with D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and Ki-67 was studied using immunocytochemical analysis. Cytomorphological changes in cells were detected after their incubation with nanocomposites for 24 h. RESULTS: The treatment with D-g-PAA/ZnO NPs caused the increase in the Bax and p53 and the decrease in Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression. Morphological changes associated with apoptosis were registered: decrease in cell size, appearance of cytoplasmic vacuolation, condensation of chromatin, blebbing. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with D-g-PAA/ZnO nanocomposite led to the initiation of apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cells in vitro.
