Gold Nanoparticles Affect Pericyte Biology and Capillary Tube Formation

Sasikarn Looprasertkul; Amornpun Sereemaspun; Nakarin Kitkumthorn; Kanidta Sooklert; Tewarit Sarachana; Depicha Jindatip

doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13050738

Pharmaceutics (May 2021)

Gold Nanoparticles Affect Pericyte Biology and Capillary Tube Formation

Sasikarn Looprasertkul,
Amornpun Sereemaspun,
Nakarin Kitkumthorn,
Kanidta Sooklert,
Tewarit Sarachana,
Depicha Jindatip

Affiliations

Sasikarn Looprasertkul: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Rd., Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Amornpun Sereemaspun: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Rd., Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Nakarin Kitkumthorn: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Payathai Rd., Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Kanidta Sooklert: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Rd., Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tewarit Sarachana: Age-Related Inflammation and Degeneration Research Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Rama 1 Rd., Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Depicha Jindatip: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Rd., Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13050738
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13, no. 5
p. 738

Abstract

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Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, especially antiangiogenesis, which are accomplished via inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. However, no research has been performed on the effects of AuNPs in pericytes, which play vital roles in endothelial cell functions and capillary tube formation during physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, the effects of AuNPs on the morphology and functions of pericytes need to be elucidated. This study treated human placental pericytes in monoculture with 20 nm AuNPs at a concentration of 30 ppm. Ki-67 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) mRNA expression was measured using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell migration was assessed by Transwell migration assay. The fine structures of pericytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, 30 ppm AuNP-treated pericytes and intact human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cocultured on Matrigel to form three-dimensional (3D) capillary tubes. The results demonstrated that AuNPs significantly inhibited proliferation, reduced PDGFR-β mRNA expression, and decreased migration in pericytes. Ultrastructural analysis of pericytes revealed AuNPs in late endosomes, autolysosomes, and mitochondria. Remarkably, many mitochondria were swollen or damaged. Additionally, capillary tube formation was reduced. We found that numerous pericytes on 3D capillary tubes were round and did not extend their processes along the tubes, which resulted in more incomplete tube formation in the treatment group compared with the control group. In summary, AuNPs can affect pericyte proliferation, PDGFR-β mRNA expression, migration, morphology, and capillary tube formation. The findings highlight the possible application of AuNPs in pericyte-targeted therapy for antiangiogenesis.

Published in Pharmaceutics

ISSN: 1999-4923 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Pharmacy and materia medica
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/pharmaceutics/

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