Selenium nanoparticles induce autophagy mediated cell death in human keratinocytes.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) may have a potential role in treating dermal disorders due to its wide therapeutic properties, but there is a need to evaluate its toxicity in keratinocytes. The present study evaluated the molecular mechanism and mode of cell death induced by SeNPs on dermal keratinocytes. SeNPs were synthesized, characterized and studied in human keratinocytes cells. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were evaluated by various techniques. Additionally, autophagy mediated apoptotic cell death was evaluated. SeNPs induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in keratinocytes by increasing autophagy through the formation of acidic lysosomes and autophagosomes. Overall, SeNPs induce the oxidative stress and autophagy mediated apoptotic cell death in human keratinocytes cells.