TAGRA 2024

Pituitary adenomas constitute the most frequent neuroendocrine pathology, comprising up to 15% of primary intracranial tumors. Current therapies for pituitary tumors include surgery and radiotherapy, as well as pharmacological approaches for some types. Although all of these approaches have shown a significant degree of success, they are not devoid of unwanted side effects, and in most cases do not offer a permanent cure. Nanoparticle-based therapeutic systems often have added layers of complexity when compared to chemical systems because of their varying structural, chemical, mechanical, and biological makeup. However, each nanoparticle formulation is unique and possesses distinct physiochemical properties, which require individual investigation into their theragnostic potential. Carbon dots (CDs) are an emerging class of fluorescent nanoparticles which have, in recent times, gained attention for their biocompatibility and versatility for cancer therapeutic and diagnostic (theragnostic) applications. Carbon dots (CDs) are an emerging class of fluorescent nanoparticles which have, in recent times, gained attention for their biocompatibility and versatility for cancer therapeutic and diagnostic. The enzymatic effects of the CDs on the stress oxidative pathway human pituitary cancer cells in further generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS), resulting in mitochondrial and lysosome damage. The lipid peroxidation causing cytochrome-c release along with significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutathione (GSH) levels were observed. The oxidative stress-induced interruption in the mitochondrial electron transport chain has been suggested as the mechanism describing the cellular toxicity pathway resulting in the cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) signaling. These results strongly suggest preclinical applications of CDs-based membranes in upcoming nanotechnology-based strategies of human pituitary cancer treatments.