Nanopartices With Zinc Based Nanomedicine Aprocheseswith Nanoparticle in Prostate Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for cancer management. Among the various nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn ONPs) have gained attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in prostate cancer treatment. Elevated zinc levels appear to have a protective effect against prostate cancer, while zinc concentrations are significantly lower in prostate cancer tissues compared to healthy prostate tissue, suggesting zinc's important physiological role in the prostate and its potential as a preventive or therapeutic agent. The normal prostate accumulates high levels of zinc, which is essential for inhibiting specific metabolic pathways and supporting normal glandular function. Multiple studies have shown a marked reduction (around 60–80%) in prostate tissue zinc levels in cancerous tissue compared to benign or healthy tissue. Zinc inhibits citrate oxidation in the prostate, affecting energy metabolism in the cell. Loss of zinc accumulation (through decreased transporter activity, such as ZIP1) is observed in prostate cancer cells, enabling tumor progression by facilitating altered metabolism and growth. Zinc also has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, including the activation of specific cell signaling pathways that suppress tumor growth. High dietary zinc intake and tissue zinc levels are correlated with reduced prostate cancer risk and mortality. However, excessive long-term supplementation may increase the risk of aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Monitoring and possibly restoring zinc homeostasis in prostate tissue could be considered as part of strategies for prostate cancer prevention or therapy, but further large-scale studies are warranted.