Mechanistic investigation on the toxicity of MgO nanoparticles toward cancer cells

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) are increasingly recognized for their applications in cancer therapy such as nano-cryosurgery and hyperthermia. The present study investigated the cytotoxic effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) against normal lung fibroblast cells and different types of cancerous cells. MgO NPs exhibited a preferential ability to kill cancerous cells such as HeLa, AGS and SNU-16 cells. A detailed study has been undertaken to investigate the mechanism of cell death occurring in cancer cells (AGS cells) by the analysis of morphological changes, western blot analysis and flow cytometry measurements. Western blot analysis measurements suggested the role of apoptosis in cell death due to MgO exposure. MgO NPs enhanced ultrasound-induced lipid peroxidation in the liposomal membrane. Flow cytometry measurements using H(2)DCFDA showed that the toxicity of MgO NPs is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species, which further results in the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. Our experimental results suggested the potential utility of MgO NPs in the treatment of cancer.