Photothermal therapeutic potency of plasmonic silver nanoparticles for apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis in testosterone induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats

Aims: In this study, we used a near-infrared laser (NIR) to increase the potency of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to develop a novel, less invasive, and simple photothermal therapy technique for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and methods: The shape, particle size, and zeta-potential of polyvinylpyrrolidone coated-AgNPs (PVP-AgNPs) were determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Zeta-potential, and Particle size analyzer (ELSZ). To induce BPH, thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given intramuscular (i.m) injections of testosterone propionate (TP) at 5 mg/kg body weight (b.w)/day suspended in 0.1 ml of olive oil for 14 days. Photothermal therapy with AgNPs-NIR for 14 days was carried out. Prostate size, prostate index (PI), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), gross, hepatic, and renal toxicity, as well as anti-oxidant activity, apoptosis, and angiogenesis markers in prostatic tissues were measured. Histological exami-nations of prostates and biocompatibility of NIR-AgNPs on vital organs were also performed. Key findings: The aggregated spherical AgNPs with a mean size of 50-90 nm and a Zeta potential of-53.22 mV displayed high effectiveness in the NIR (532 nm-1 W) region by decreasing prostate size, PI, DHT, and PSA in BPH rats with no signs of gross, hepatic, or renal damage. As compared to alternative therapies, hyperthermia therapy increased antioxidant activities, induced apoptosis, inhibited angiogenesis, reduced histological alterations in the prostates of BPH rats, and improved biocompatibility of the vital organs. Significance: The current study demonstrated the effectiveness of plasmonic AgNPs photothermal therapy in the treatment of BPH.

Automated summary

In this study, the effectiveness of plasmonic AgNPs photothermal therapy in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) was demonstrated. The use of a near-infrared laser to increase the potency of silver nanoparticles showed promising results in decreasing prostate size, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and improving biocompatibility of vital organs in BPH rats.