• Platinum Nanoparticles A Cutting Edge Nanotherapeutic Strategy to Modulate Oxidative Stress in Lung Cancer
  • Mahdi Yousefian,1,* Aynaz Zahedimanesh,2
    1. Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technologies
    2. Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technologies


  • Introduction: Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases and remains one of the most difficult malignancies to treat due to its aggressive nature and resistance to chemotherapy. Oxidative stress, characterized by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a pivotal role in tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, have been widely used; however, toxicity and acquired resistance necessitate alternative strategies. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have gained attention due to their ability to scavenge ROS, induce oxidative apoptosis, and enhance antioxidant enzyme activity. This study evaluates the effects of 3 nm PtNPs on oxidative stress modulation in lung cancer cells and their potential for therapeutic application.
  • Methods: Nanoparticle Preparation and Cell Culture PtNPs (3 nm, Sigma-Aldrich, USA) were obtained with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilization to improve dispersion. A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells were cultured under DMEM-F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), antibiotics, and L-glutamine at 37°C and 5% CO₂. Experimental Design Cells were divided into four groups: 1.Control group (untreated cells) 2.PtNP-treated group (100 µg/mL) 3.H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress group (100 µM) 4.H₂O₂ + PtNP-treated group (100 µM + 100 µg/mL) Cell Viability and ROS Modulation Assays -MTS assay for cell viability evaluation -Flow cytometry using H₂DCF-DA and DHE staining for ROS quantification -Comet assay for DNA damage assessment -Antioxidant enzyme activity measurements (SOD, GPx, CAT)
  • Results: PtNPs Reduce ROS Levels and Enhance Antioxidant Activity Cells exposed to H₂O₂ alone showed high ROS accumulation (p < 0.01), whereas PtNP-treated cells exhibited significant ROS reduction (p < 0.05). The FRAP assay confirmed strong antioxidant properties, comparable to ascorbic acid. DNA Protection and Enhanced Cellular Viability Comet assay results demonstrated that H₂O₂-induced DNA damage was mitigated by PtNP treatment, with decreased DNA fragmentation (p < 0.05). Cells treated with PtNPs exhibited enhanced viability and resistance to oxidative stress. Upregulation of Antioxidant Enzymes PtNP treatment increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05), confirming oxidative stress modulation and potential therapeutic efficacy.
  • Conclusion: PtNPs demonstrate strong antioxidant activity, reduce ROS accumulation, and enhance cellular protection against oxidative stress, indicating promising applications in lung cancer therapy. However, further in vivo studies are required to determine long-term biocompatibility, biodistribution, and clinical feasibility.
  • Keywords: Platinum nanoparticles Oxidative stress Lung cancer therapy Antioxidant enzymes