CoCrMo Nanoparticles Induce Cytotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, DNA and Mitochondrial Damage in Human Urothelial Cells: A Microscopy-Based Study.

Serious concerns have recently been raised about the effects of metal ions and particles liberated into the body from cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys. Several studies have suggested that wear debris can cause cytotoxicity and DNA damage in cells, leading to an increased incidence of bladder cancer in patients with CoCrMo hip implants. However, the impact of Cr (VI) on human urothelial cells has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CoCrMo nanoparticles on cell viability and proliferation, apoptosis and DNA, and mitochondrial and oxidative damage in human bladder cells. CoCrMo nanoparticles (10, 20, and 40 µg/mL) induced cytotoxicity, DNA single- and double-strand breaks, apoptosis, and oxidative stress by increasing ROS, malondialdehyde, and total oxidant status levels and decreasing glutathione and total antioxidant status levels and altered mitochondrial membrane potential in human urothelial cells. The study provides substantial evidence to suggest that CoCrMo nanoparticles may have the capacity to initiate carcinogenic events that may result in the onset of bladder cancer.