Selective Anticancer Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Via RONS-Mediated Redox Dysregulation in Lung Cancer Cells

Authors
Mona Roshan 1
Poopak Farnia 2
Hamid Reza Ghomi 3
Saed Jafari 4
1 Department of Physics, University Campus, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2 Mycobacteriology Research Centre, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran
4 Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) acts as a redox-modulating anticancer modality by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This process elevates lipid peroxidation (measured as malondialdehyde [MDA]), suppress superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and trigger oxidative stress-driven apoptosis. The integrated assessment of RONS, MDA, and SOD delineates the mechanistic basis of CAP-induced redox disequilibrium and cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells.

Materials and Methods: Human and murine lung cancer cells were exposed to helium-based CAP at voltages of 4 kV and 6 kV for 180 s using a flexible microplasma jet. Analyses were performed 24 h after the treatment. CAP-induced oxidative stress was analyzed by quantifying intracellular RONS, MDA, and SOD activity, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay.

Results and Discussion: CAP treatment markedly modulated the intracellular redox status in a voltage-dependent manner. At 6 kV, levels of intracellular RONS and MDA increased significantly, while SOD activity and cell viability (as measured by the MTT assay) decreased compared to 4 kV treatment. This outcome indicates that higher voltage led to greater disruption and induces apoptosis.

Conclusion: CAP treatment at 6 kV induced a marked rise in intracellular RONS and MDA levels, with a concurrent decline in SOD activity and cell viability, indicating a severe redox imbalance and apoptosis induction compared to 4 kV treatment.

Keywords
A549
Cold atmospheric pressure plasma
Helium
LL/2 cell lines
Lung cancer