This finding is in accordance with previous data showing induction of ROS generation, increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ content, production of TNF-α, and enhanced caspase-3 activity, when using cationic nanoparticles (Si and Ge nanoparticles) for the treatment of rat alveolar macrophage (NR8383) and human colonic adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells41. This evidence concerns the gene CASP3 and colon adenocarcinoma.