Synergetic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles and UVC Irradiation on H2AX Gene Expression in TK6 Cells

OBJECTIVE: The use of nanoscale particles, for instance silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has considerably increased recently. Since Ag NPs can be transmuted into silver ions; the toxicity and genotoxicity of these NPs along with other external factors such as ultraviolet type C (UVC) irradiation must be evaluated. In the present study, the aim was to investigate the genotoxic effects Ag NPs and UVC co-exposure on human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, Ag NPs (~20 nm) were purchased from US Research Nanomaterials Inc. and H2AX gene expression was evaluated using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), 1 and 24 hours post Ag NPs and UVC treatment. RESULTS: Results showed that treatment of TK6 cells with different Ag NP concentrations without exposure to UVC can reduce H2AX gene expression, but treatment of these cells with Ag NPs in combination UVC irradiation can reduce viability that leads to a synergistic increase in the amount of H2AX gene expression. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, Ag NPs can act to sensitize cells to UVC radiation when used for cancer treatment. So, combination of Ag NPs and UVC irradiation could be used in radiotherapy.