Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8131084 | Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology | 2018 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Sonoporation, the use of ultrasound to alter the permeability of cell membranes, is a non-viral technique used to facilitate gene delivery, possibly by opening transient pores in the cell membrane. However, sonoporation may have negative bio-effects on cells, such as causing apoptosis, which limits its efficacy in gene delivery. In this study, we investigated whether pre-treatment with either L-carnitine or piracetam could protect cells from undergoing apoptosis after sonoporation and the possible mechanisms. We found that either L-carnitine or piracetam can promote gene transfection without reducing cell viability, possibly by reducing cavitation-induced reactive oxygen species generation, reversing alterations of mitochondrial membrane potential, preventing caspase-3/7 activity and facilitating mitochondrial ATP production. In conclusion, pre-treatment with either L-carnitine or piracetam could protect cells from sonoporation-associated apoptosis by preserving mitochondrial function.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Physics and Astronomy
Acoustics and Ultrasonics
Authors
Wei-Hao Liao, Chueh-Hung Wu, Wen-Shiang Chen,