Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Human Skin Keratinocytes Cells

Journal Article

BA, Alarifi, SA, Ali D, Verma, A, Alkahtani, S, Ali, . 2013

• Publication Work Type: Research Article
• Magazine \ Newspaper: International Journal of Toxicology
• Issue Number: 4
• Volume Number: 32
• Pages: 296-307

Publication Abstract

The wide scale use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) due to their unique properties and important applications in magnetic,

thermal, electrical, sensor devices, and cosmetics makes human beings more prone to the exposure of CuONPs and its potential

adverse effects. Exposure to such nanoparticles is mainly through skin and inhalation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to

assess the apoptotic and genotoxic potential of CuONPs (50 nm) in the human skin epidermal (HaCaT) cells and its underlying

mechanism of cellular toxicity. Significant decreases in cell viability were observed with CuONPs exposure in a dose- and timedependent

manner and also induced significant reduction in glutathione and induction in lipid peroxidation, catalase, and superoxide

dismutase in HaCaT cells. A significant increase in caspase-3 activity was observed with CuONPs exposure in HaCaT cells indicating

apoptosis. Apoptosis or necrosis was confirmed with fluorescent staining (acridine orange and propidium iodide). The CuONPs also

induced DNA damage that was mediated by oxidative stress. This study investigating the effects of CuONPs in human skin cells has

provided valuable insights into the mechanism of potential toxicity induced by CuONPs.

Keywords

copper oxide nanoparticles, human skin cells, oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage