Effects of selenium nanoparticles on the ROS levels, oxidative stress, and expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and P53 genes in SW-480 human colon cancer cell line

Abstract

Background Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have special applications in biochemistry and physics that enable various effects, such as oxidative stress or antioxidant activity. In the present study, the effect of SeNPs on SW480 cell lines via MTT assay, determination of ROS and stress oxidative enzymes activities, and gene expression of Bax, Bcl2, and P53 were studied. Results The results showed that oxidative stress levels increased after 24 hours of treatment with selected SeNPs concentrations. Moreover, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx enzymes decreased significantly. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic genes Bax and p53 were elevated, whereas the expression of the Bcl2 gene was reduced. Conclusion Selenium nanoparticles significantly reduced the activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT enzymes and caused an increase in ROS and induction of apoptosis in the cells. Therefore, the induced apoptosis can be caused by the excessive increase of oxidative stress in SW480 cell line.