Study on biological activity and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases of magnetic nanoparticles on hepatoma cells

Abstract

This study assessed effects of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) on biological activity of hepatoma cells. HepG2 cells were cultured with MNPs, then morphological changes, cell proliferation, number of cell clones, apoptosis, and expressions of p38MAPK and p53 were analyzed. Hepatoma cells in the group grew fusiform and were connected with each other, while cell density and growth connection in the group B decreased, while cell number in group C decreased with changed cell morphology changed, while the number of cells in group D was least. The number of round suspension cells, volume, and nucleus increased, and apoptotic bodies gradually appeared. Compared with group A, groups B, C and D had lower cell proliferation rate, clone number and higher apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). The expressions of p38 MAPK and p53 in groups B, C and D was decreased (P < 0.05). The expression of p38MAPK and p53 in other groups was different (P < 0.05). MNPs changed cell morphology, reduced proliferation and clonal ability of HepG2 cells, and accelerated apoptosis, which is related to activation of p38MAPK and p53 expression.