| 초록 |
Cancer cells, compared to normal cells, are characterized by the upregulated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, the selective elevation of the ROS level in cancer cells has been a promising approach for cancer treatment. Herein, we aim to develop a calcium carbonate (CaCO3)-mineralized therapeutic nanoparticle that can not only release an inhibitor of ROS-scavenging antioxidants (BSO) but also release an ROS-generating agent (arsenite), thereby leading to amplification of oxidative stress in cancer cells and subsequent ROS-mediated apoptosis. Upon endocytosis (endosomal pH 5.0), the released arsenite would elevate the production level of hydrogen peroxide within the cancer cells, while BSO would inhibit a critical step in glutathione synthesis, which synergistically enhances cancer cell growth inhibition activity of arsenite. Our mineralized nanoparticles that can modulate the ROS level may serve as an effective anticancer agent in terms of both efficacy and selectivity. |
