Genoprotective Potency of Vit C on Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) Nanoparticle-Mediated Toxicity, an In Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: The potential of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe2O[Formula: see text] nanoparticles (NPs) to induce toxic effects, especially genotoxicity, has been demonstrated in previous studies and is in part related to the ability of NPs to produce ROS. The use of antioxidants is an effective method to reduce NP-induced genotoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the protective role of vitamin C as a potent antioxidant in ZnO-and Fe2O3 NP-induced genotoxicity in the HGF-1 cell line. Methods: Different concentrations of ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs (50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g, 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g, and 150[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL) were used to achieve the best concentration for further evaluation. HGF-1 cells were incubated with different concentrations of vitamin C 24[Formula: see text]h before the NPs. The cells were then exposed to ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL for 1[Formula: see text]h. The possible genoprotective effects of vitamin C were determined using a comet assay. Results: The results of this study showed that all concentrations of vitamin C could reduce the DNA damage induced by ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs. Discussion: In conclusion, vitamin C could be considered a potent genoprotective agent against ZnO- and Fe2O3 NP-induced genotoxicity.