Cell death induced by ozone and various non-thermal plasmas: therapeutic perspectives and limitations

Sci Rep. 2014 Nov 20:4:7129. doi: 10.1038/srep07129.

Abstract

Non-thermal plasma has been recognized as a promising tool across a vast variety of biomedical applications, with the potential to create novel therapeutic methods. However, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind non-thermal plasma cellular effects remains a significant challenge. In this study, we show how two types of different non-thermal plasmas induce cell death in mammalian cell cultures via the formation of multiple intracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Our results showed a discrepancy in the superoxide accumulation and lysosomal activity in response to air and helium plasma, suggesting that triggered signalling cascades might be grossly different between different plasmas. In addition, the effects of ozone, a considerable component of non-thermal plasma, have been simultaneously evaluated and have revealed much faster and higher cytotoxic effects. Our findings offer novel insight into plasma-induced cellular responses, and provide a basis for better controlled biomedical applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Acetylcysteine / pharmacology
  • Air
  • Animals
  • Annexin A5
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Helium / chemistry*
  • Lysosomes / drug effects
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Neuroglia / cytology*
  • Neuroglia / drug effects
  • Neuroglia / metabolism
  • Ozone / chemistry*
  • Plasma Gases / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / agonists
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / agonists
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Annexin A5
  • Antioxidants
  • Plasma Gases
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Helium
  • Ozone
  • Acetylcysteine