Effect of BSA-coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Granulosa Cells

Abstract

Background: Since superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) possess unique features, they provide a huge platform for medical applications, especially for cancer diagnosis and therapy (e.g. imaging, and drug targeting). However, heterogeneous effects on mammalian cells with regard to reproductive tissue are described. An experimental study was carried out to study the effects of SPIONs on both the expression of steroid hormone receptor and viability of granulosa cells, which play a key role in ovarian health and fertility.

Materials and methods: Human granulosa cells were cultured in vitro and incubated with different concentrations of SPIONs. After 48 h, steroid receptor expression and cell viability were evaluated.

Results: Treatment of granulosa cells with SPIONs did not affect estrogen receptor β1 or progesterone receptor-A expression and had no significant effect on cell viability.

Conclusion: Nanoparticles precoated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) do not alter granulosa cell phenotype, whereas literature suggests that other nanoparticles induce apoptosis and reduce steroid receptor expression. Our data indicate an overall better outcome using SPIONs coated with BSA.

Keywords: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles; cancer therapy and diagnosis; granulosa cells; protein corona; reproductive health.