Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphoma. Mitochondrial dynamics refers to the changing process of fission and fusion. An imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics can disrupt mitochondrial function, leading to DLBCL cells abnormal fate. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have excellent anti-tumor properties in the biomedical field. The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism by which ZnO nanoparticles induce apoptosis in DLBCL cells (U2932) via regulating mitochondrial dynamics. First, a series of characterizations of ZnO nanoparticles were performed. Next, after U2932 cells were exposed to various concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles, the cell survival rate, morphological changes, apoptosis, ATP generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured. Moreover, the expression of mitochondrial fusion 1 (Mfn-1), mitochondrial fusion 2 (Mfn-2), dynamin-related 1 (Drp-1), mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis-1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) at mRNA and protein levels was further determined by using quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and western blotting. The results showed that ZnO nanoparticles could effectively inhibit the proliferation and promote the death of U2932 cells in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, ZnO nanoparticles could significantly increase the levels of apoptosis and LDH, and decrease the levels of cell Δψm and ATP. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles significantly increased the expression of Mfn-1, Mfn-2, and Bax, and decreased the expression of Drp-1, Fis-1, and Bcl-2 in U2932 cells, suggesting that ZnO nanoparticles can induce the apoptosis of DLBCL cells by regulating mitochondrial dynamics. Overall, ZnO NPs may provide a new basis and idea for treating DLBCL in clinical practice.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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2024
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