Molecular genetic and biochemical responses in human airway epithelial cell cultures exposed to titanium nanoparticles in vitro

In Vitro Transcriptome Analysis of Cobalt Boride Nanoparticles on Human Pulmonary Alveolar Cells

Nanobiotechnology influences many different areas, including the medical, food, energy, clothing, and cosmetics industries. Considering the wide usage of nanomaterials, it is necessary to investigate the toxicity potentials of specific nanosized molecules. Boron-containing nanoparticles (NPs) are attracting much interest from scientists due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, there is limited information concerning the toxicity of boron-containing NPs, including cobalt boride (Co₂B) NPs. Therefore, in this study, Co₂B NPs were characterized using X-ray crystallography (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. Then, we performed 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and neutral red (NR) assays for assessing cell viability against Co₂B NP exposure on cultured human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC). In addition, whole-genome microarray analysis was carried out to reveal the global gene expression differentiation of HPAEpiC cells after Co₂B NP application. The cell viability tests unveiled an IC50 value for Co₂B NPs of 310.353 mg/L. The results of our microarray analysis displayed 719 gene expression differentiations (FC ≥ 2) among the analyzed 40,000 genes. The performed visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID) analysis revealed that there were interactions between various gene pathways and administration of the NPs. Based on gene ontology biological processes analysis, we found that the P53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, and cancer-affecting genes were mostly affected by the Co₂B NPs. In conclusion, we suggested that Co₂B NPs would be a safe and effective nanomolecule for industrial applications, particularly for medical purposes.

Glycyl-L-Prolyl-L-Glutamate Pseudotripeptides for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

So far, there is no effective disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in clinical practice. In this context, glycine-L-proline-L-glutamate (GPE) and its analogs may open the way for developing a novel molecule for treating neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. In turn, this study was aimed to investigate the neuroprotective potentials exerted by three novel GPE peptidomimetics (GPE1, GPE2, and GPE3) using an in vitro AD model. Anti-Alzheimer potentials were determined using a wide array of techniques, such as measurements of mitochondrial viability (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, determination of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-secretase and β-secretase activities, comparisons of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) levels, flow cytometric and microscopic detection of apoptotic and necrotic neuronal death, and investigating gene expression responses via PCR arrays involving 64 critical genes related to 10 different pathways. Our analysis showed that GPE peptidomimetics modulate oxidative stress, ACh depletion, α-secretase inactivation, apoptotic, and necrotic cell death. In vitro results suggested that treatments with novel GPE analogs might be promising therapeutic agents for treatment and/or or prevention of AD.

Biological monitoring of workers exposed to engineered nanomaterials

As the number of nanomaterial workers increase there is need to consider whether biomonitoring of exposure should be used as a routine risk management tool. Currently, no biomonitoring of nanomaterials is mandated by authoritative or regulatory agencies. However, there is a growing knowledge base to support such biomonitoring, but further research is needed as are investigations of priorities for biomonitoring. That research should be focused on validation of biomarkers of exposure and effect. Some biomarkers of effect are generally nonspecific. These biomarkers need further interpretation before they should be used. Overall biomonitoring of nanomaterial workers may be important to supplement risk assessment and risk management efforts.