Effects of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Phytosynthesized with <i>Cornus Mas</i> Extract on Oral Dysplastic Human Cells

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Oral cancer is highly aggressive due to difficult diagnosis, therapy resistance and increasing frequency; thus finding prevention therapies is very important. <b>Aim:</b> This study evaluates the use of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs), phyto-synthesized with <i>Cornus mas</i> extract against oral dysplastic lesions. <b>Methods:</b> NPs were characterized by UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and laser Doppler microelectrophoresis. Biological testing employed two human oral cell lines: gingival fibroblasts and dysplastic keratinocytes and evaluated viability, cell death mechanisms and cellular uptake. <b>Results:</b> NPs induced selective toxic effects against dysplastic cells. p53/BAX/BCL2 activation and PI3K/AKT inhibition led to cell death through necrosis and apoptosis. NPs also induced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. <b>Conclusion:</b> NPs of gold and silver showed promising beneficial effects in the therapy of oral dysplasia.