Chapter 8 Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Counteract the Oxidative Stress in Cardiac Progenitor Cells

摘要

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are a promising source of cells for cardiac regenerative medicine. However, the poor results obtained after a decade of intensive investigation have suggested that innovative protocols must be setup to preserve progenitor cell regenerative potential during the expansion procedure in vitro. Indeed, CPC culture in vitro requires the presence of micro-environmental conditions closely mimicking the natural cell surrounding in vivo. The capability of this microenvironment to uphold reactive oxygen species (ROS) within physiological levels in vitro is a major requisite. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) are redoxactive and could represent a potent tool to control the oxidative stress in isolated CPCs. The exposure to 5, 10 and 50 μg/mL of nanoceria for 24 h does not affect cell survival and function in cardiac progenitor cells, while being able to protect CPCs from H_2O_2 -induced cytotoxicity. All the tested concentrations have been effective in protecting CPCs from the oxidative stress in the long run and no evidence of toxic effects was detectable, indicating that nanoceria is an effective antioxidant. Therefore, these fi ndings confi rm the great potential of nanoceria for controlling ROS-induced cell damage.