Introduction and objective: The general population is exposed to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) released into the environment, e.g. through the respiratory tract. Lung cancers are among the most frequently diagnosed and deadly malignancies, often diagnosed at late stage with existing distant metastases. The aim of the study was to determine the activity of AgNPs against A549 lung cancer cells.
Material and methods: A549 cells and AgNPs were used in the study. Cytotoxicity was tested by MTT and NR assays. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring malonyldialdehyde and level of free -SH groups Proteins secretion was assessed using the Human Profiler Cytokine Array Kit assay.
Results: AgNPs reduce A549 cells viability and induce oxidative stress. They also lead to increased secretion of several proinflammatory proteins, which stimulate metastasis.
Conclusions: AgNPs exhibit direct anti-cancer effect, however, their potentially promethastic effect encourages further work on the safety of nanomaterials.
Keywords: A549; cytotoxicity; inflammation; lung cancer; metastasis; oxidative stress; silver nanoparticles.