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.
Roshan, M., Farnia, P., Ghomi, H. R. & Jafari, S. (2026). Selective Anticancer Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Via RONS-Mediated Redox Dysregulation in Lung Cancer Cells. Iranian Biomedical Journal, 30(2), 46-46.
MLA
Roshan, M., Farnia, P., Ghomi, H. R., & Jafari, S. "Selective Anticancer Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Via RONS-Mediated Redox Dysregulation in Lung Cancer Cells", Iranian Biomedical Journal, 30, 2, 2026, 46-46.
HARVARD
Roshan M., Farnia P., Ghomi H. R., Jafari S. (2026). 'Selective Anticancer Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Via RONS-Mediated Redox Dysregulation in Lung Cancer Cells', Iranian Biomedical Journal, 30(2), pp. 46-46.
CHICAGO
M. Roshan, P. Farnia, H. R. Ghomi & S. Jafari, "Selective Anticancer Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Via RONS-Mediated Redox Dysregulation in Lung Cancer Cells," Iranian Biomedical Journal, 30 2 (2026): 46-46,
VANCOUVER
Roshan M., Farnia P., Ghomi H. R., Jafari S. Selective Anticancer Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Via RONS-Mediated Redox Dysregulation in Lung Cancer Cells. Iranian Biomedical Journal. 2026;30(2):46-46.
Iranian Biomedical Journal