Numerical modeling on apoptosis induction by the effect of low-temperature plasma

Low-temperature plasmas (LTPs) has been emerging as a promising tool for cancer therapy in recent times. In particular, a number of works have suggested that the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) derived from plasmas affects cell apoptosis induction. Besides the author has developed a numerical model quantifying the influence of plasma-induced reactive species on the mitochondrial redox-mediated functions and energy metabolism [1]. We propose a zero-dimensional numerical model to clarify the effects of LTPs-induced reactive species on the apoptosis induction. The zero-dimensional model includes activation of death-receptors, mitochondrial signaling cascade pathway including the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, initiator- and executor-caspases and regulators. The external reactive species delivered from plasma reacts with intracellular antioxidant agents. As a results, internal RONS, such as hydroxyl radical, superoxide, single delta oxygen, nitrogen dioxide, dinitrogen trioxide and peroxynitrite, causes DNA damage, and which activate pro-apoptosis cascade. [1] T. Murakami, Scientific Reports, 9, 17138 (2019).