Cooperation of endogenous and exogenous reactive oxygen species induced by zinc peroxide nanoparticles to enhance oxidative stress-based cancer therapy.

ABSTRACT: Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating anticancer agents can act through two different mechanisms: (i) elevation of endogenous ROS production in mitochondria, or (ii) formation/delivery of exogenous ROS within cells. However, there is a lack of research on the development of ROS-generating nanosystems that combine endogenous and exogenous ROS to enhance oxidative stress-mediated cancer cell death. Methods: A ROS-generating agent based on polymer-modified zinc peroxide nanoparticles (ZnO2 NPs) was presented, which simultaneously delivered exogenous H2O2 and Zn2+ capable of amplifying endogenous ROS production for synergistic cancer therapy. Results: After internalization into tumor cells, ZnO2 NPs underwent decomposition in response to mild acidic pH, resulting in controlled release of H2

SUBMITTER: Lin LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6831298 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature