Selenium Nanoparticles Induce Autophagy Mediated Cell Death in Human Keratinocytes

Abstract

Aim: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) may have a potential role in treating dermal disorders due to its wide therapeutic properties, but there is a need to evaluate its toxicity in keratinocytes. The present study evaluated the molecular mechanism and mode of cell death induced by SeNPs on dermal keratinocytes. Materials & methods: SeNPs were synthesized, characterized and studied in human keratinocytes cells. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were evaluated by various techniques. Additionally, autophagy mediated apoptotic cell death was evaluated. Results: SeNPs induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in keratinocytes by increasing autophagy through the formation of acidic lysosomes and autophagosomes. Conclusion: Overall, SeNPs induce the oxidative stress and autophagy mediated apoptotic cell death in human keratinocytes cells.

Keywords:

• apoptosis
• autophagy
• cell death
• keratinocytes
• oxidative stress
• SeNPs

Acknowledgments

Authors are acknowledged to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers for providing research facilities. The authors are also thankful to KA Kumar, Research scholar, NIPER-Hyderabad for their technical support during confocal studies.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.