Naringenin-Loaded Zinc Nitrate and Manganese Nitrate Nanoparticles Induce Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Kidney Cancer A-498 Cells

Objective Kidney cancer remains a major clinical concern due to its complex biology and resistance to conventional therapies. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize naringenin-loaded zinc nitrate and manganese nitrate nanoparticles (Naringenin-Zn/Mn NPs) and to evaluate their anticancer efficacy against A-498 kidney cancer cells. Methods The formulated nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was assessed using dual staining, while oxidative stress parameters and caspase enzyme activities were measured using standard biochemical assay kits. Results Characterization analyses confirmed the successful formation of crystalline, spherical Naringenin-Zn/Mn NPs with an average size of 135.90 nm and appropriate elemental composition. The nanoparticles significantly reduced A-498 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (1-40 µg/ml). Treated cells showed elevated caspase activity, decreased antioxidant levels, and increased oxidative stress. Dual staining further demonstrated prominent apoptotic changes in nanoparticle-treated cells. Conclusion Naringenin-Zn/Mn NPs effectively inhibited proliferation and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in A-498 kidney cancer cells. These findings suggest that the formulated nanoparticles may represent a promising nanotherapeutic strategy for kidney cancer management.