Figure 7.

Schematic representation of the role of released copper ions in p38 MAPK-mediated DNA damage and cell death in CuONPs-treated HUVECs. Cellular uptake and lysosomal deposition of CuONPs lead to the release of copper ions from CuONPs, which triggers oxidative stress response and p38 MAPK signaling activation. The activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway contributes to CuONPs-induced DNA damage and cell death in HUVECs. Meanwhile, CuONPs-induced DNA damage may feedback-regulate p38 MAPK signaling pathway, resulting in aggravation of DNA damage and cell death in HUVECs.