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Gardner M, Cross M, Reed S, Davidson M, Hughes R, Oosthuizen J. Pathogenic Potential of Respirable Spodumene Cleavage Fragments following Application of Regulatory Counting Criteria for Asbestiform Fibres. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16649. [PMID: 36554530 PMCID: PMC9779135 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Health risks from exposure to lithium-bearing spodumene cleavage fragments are unknown. While asbestiform fibres can lead to fibrosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer, controversy remains whether non-asbestiform cleavage fragments, having equivalent dimensions, elicit similar pathologic responses. The mineralogy of respirable particles from two alpha (α)-spodumene concentrate grades (chemical and technical) were characterised using semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particles were measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the dimensions (length [L], diameter [D], aspect ratio [AR]) applied to regulatory counting criteria for asbestiform fibres. Application of the current World Health Organization (WHO) and National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) counting criteria, L ˃ 5 µm, D ˂ 3 µm, AR ˃ 3:1, to 10 SEM images of each grade identified 47 countable particles in the chemical and 37 in the technical concentrate test samples. Of these particles, 17 and 16 in the chemical and technical test samples, respectively, satisfied the more rigorous, previously used Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 (Western Australia [WA]) criteria, L ˃ 5 µm and D ≤ 1 µm. The majority of the countable particles were consistent with α-spodumene cleavage fragments. These results suggest elongated α-spodumene particles may pose a health risk. It is recommended the precautionary principle be applied to respirable α-spodumene particles and the identification and control of dust hazards in spodumene extraction, handling and processing industries be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Gardner
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Martyn Cross
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Sue Reed
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Maggie Davidson
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Bourke Street, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Rick Hughes
- Microanalysis Australia, 5 Alvan Street, Mt Lawley, WA 6050, Australia
| | - Jacques Oosthuizen
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Skuland T, Maslennikova T, Låg M, Gatina EM, Serebryakova MK, Trulioff AS, Kudryavtsev IV, Klebnikova N, Kruchinina I, Schwarze PE, Refsnes M. Synthetic hydrosilicate nanotubes induce low pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic responses compared to natural chrysotile in lung cell cultures. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 126:374-388. [PMID: 31628893 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos (Mg-hydrosilicate; chrysotile) is known to cause pleural diseases, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancers, via mechanisms strongly depending on diameter-length ratio and possibly metal content. A critical question is whether synthetic hydrosilicate nanotubes (NTs) of short length possess little toxic potential compared to chrysotile. Five Mg- and two NiNTs of different lengths were assessed for cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses in THP-1 macrophages and human bronchial epithelial lung cells (HBEC3-KT), in comparison with chrysotile. NT lengths/diameters were characterized by TEM, surface areas by BET- and BJH analysis, and chemical composition by XRD. The different Mg- and NiNTs induced little cytotoxicity in both cell models, in contrast to chrysotile that induced marked cytotoxicity. The two longest synthetic MgNTs, with median lengths of 3 and 5 µm, induced increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in THP-1 macrophages, but much less than chrysotile (median length 15 µm) and silica nanoparticles (Si10). The shortest NTs did not induce any increase in cytokines. In HBEC3-KT cells, all synthetic NTs induced no or only small changes in cytokine responses, in contrast to chrysotile and Si10. The synthetic NTs induced lower TGF-β responses than chrysotile in both cell models. In conclusion, the pro-inflammatory responses were associated with the length of synthetic hydrosilicate NTs in THP-1 macrophages, but not in HBEC3-KT cells. Notably, the shortest NTs showed no or little pro-inflammatory activity or cytotoxicity in both cell models. Such a safety by design approach is important for development of new materials being candidates for various new products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonje Skuland
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tatiana Maslennikova
- Institute of Silicate Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marit Låg
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - El Mira Gatina
- Institute of Silicate Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Andrey S Trulioff
- Institute of Experimental Medicine (FSBSI "IEM"), St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor V Kudryavtsev
- Institute of Experimental Medicine (FSBSI "IEM"), St. Petersburg, Russia.,Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Natalia Klebnikova
- Occupational Pathology and Human Ecology (RIHOPHE), Research Institute of Hygiene, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Kruchinina
- Institute of Silicate Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Per E Schwarze
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Refsnes
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Roccaro P, Vagliasindi FGA. Indoor release of asbestiform fibers from naturally contaminated water and related health risk. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 202:76-84. [PMID: 29554510 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the occurrence of airborne asbestiform fibers released in indoor ambient due to the use of asbestos naturally contaminated water. Some experiments employed a laboratory physical model using an ultrasonic humidifier charged with contaminated groundwater. Other experiments were carried out at full scale to assess the release of asbestiform fibers during showering. Obtained results show that the concentration of the airborne asbestiform fibers released in the bathroom during showering is higher than the limit value set by the European and Italian Regulations, while the concentration of fibers released by the humidifier is much lower. However, it is noteworthy that the use of the humidifier at high exposure time results in similar health risk. Strong correlations were found between the concentration of the airborne asbestiform fibers and a novel surrogate parameter (i.e. the exposure-specific-water-consumption). These correlations can be used to monitor the asbestiform fibers concentration at varying operating conditions and therefore, to control the resulting health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Roccaro
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, Italy.
| | - Federico G A Vagliasindi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, Italy
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Stone V, Johnston HJ, Balharry D, Gernand JM, Gulumian M. Approaches to Develop Alternative Testing Strategies to Inform Human Health Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2016; 36:1538-1550. [PMID: 27285586 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of alternative testing strategies (ATS) for hazard assessment of new and emerging materials is high on the agenda of scientists, funders, and regulators. The relatively large number of nanomaterials on the market and under development means that an increasing emphasis will be placed on the use of reliable, predictive ATS when assessing their safety. We have provided recommendations as to how ATS development for assessment of nanomaterial hazard may be accelerated. Predefined search terms were used to identify the quantity and distribution of peer-reviewed publications for nanomaterial hazard assessment following inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. A summary of knowledge gaps relating to nanomaterial hazard is provided to identify future research priorities and areas in which a rich data set might exist to allow ATS identification. Consultation with stakeholders (e.g., academia, industry, regulators) was critical to ensure that current expert opinion was reflected. The gap analysis revealed an abundance of studies that assessed the local and systemic impacts of inhaled particles, and so ATS are available for immediate use. Development of ATS for assessment of the dermal toxicity of chemicals is already relatively advanced, and these models should be applied to nanomaterials as relatively few studies have assessed the dermal toxicity of nanomaterials to date. Limited studies have investigated the local and systemic impacts of ingested nanomaterials. If the recommendations for research prioritization proposed are adopted, it is envisioned that a comprehensive battery of ATS can be developed to support the risk assessment process for nanomaterials. Some alternative models are available for immediate implementation, while others require more developmental work to become widely adopted. Case studies are included that can be used to inform the selection of alternative models and end points when assessing the pathogenicity of fibers and mode of action of nanomaterial toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Stone
- School of Life Sciences, Nano Safety Research Group, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helinor J Johnston
- School of Life Sciences, Nano Safety Research Group, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dominique Balharry
- School of Life Sciences, Nano Safety Research Group, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Genomic & Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jeremy M Gernand
- Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Mary Gulumian
- Toxicology and Biochemistry Section NIOH, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Haematology and Molecular Medicine Department School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Miozzi E, Rapisarda V, Marconi A, Costa C, Polito I, Spandidos DA, Libra M, Fenga C. Fluoro-edenite and carbon nanotubes: The health impact of 'asbestos-like' fibres. Exp Ther Med 2015; 11:21-27. [PMID: 26889212 PMCID: PMC4726901 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several decades have passed since Wagner et al demonstrated a causal link between asbestos fibre inhalation and the development of pleural mesothelioma in 1960. It was later suggested that pleural plaques are a benign consequence of exposure to these fibres. Most recently, a significant association between exposure to asbestos and cancer diagnosed at various sites, such as the peritoneum, stomach, pharynx, colon and ovaries has been demonstrated. The great concerns about public health that arose from the scientific evidence presented above have led to the banning of asbestos in several countries. Over the years, the suspicion that particles with a high aspect ratio may have asbestos-like pathogenicity has been supported by increasing evidence. Natural occurring minerals, as well as man-made fibres, have proven capable of inducing either chronic inflammation of serous membranes, or, in some cases, the development of peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma. The pathogenic role of both fluoro-edenite and carbon nanotubes, two ‘asbestos-like’ fibres is summarized and discussed in this review. The data presented herein support the notion that occupational exposure to these two types of fibre contributes to the development of different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Miozzi
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, 'Policlinico G. Martino' Hospital, University of Messina, Messina I-98125, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Division of Occupational Medicine, 'Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele' University Hospital, University of Catania, Catania I-95123, Italy
| | - Andrea Marconi
- Division of Occupational Medicine, 'Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele' University Hospital, University of Catania, Catania I-95123, Italy
| | - Chiara Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital 'G. Martino', University of Messina, Messina I-98125, Italy
| | - Irene Polito
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, 'Policlinico G. Martino' Hospital, University of Messina, Messina I-98125, Italy
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion 71409, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Functional Genomics, Section of Pathology and Oncology, University of Catania, Catania I-95124, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, 'Policlinico G. Martino' Hospital, University of Messina, Messina I-98125, Italy
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Boyles MS, Young L, Brown DM, MacCalman L, Cowie H, Moisala A, Smail F, Smith PJ, Proudfoot L, Windle AH, Stone V. Multi-walled carbon nanotube induced frustrated phagocytosis, cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory conditions in macrophages are length dependent and greater than that of asbestos. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:1513-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Boffetta P, Donaldson K, Moolgavkar S, Mandel JS. A systematic review of occupational exposure to synthetic vitreous fibers and mesothelioma. Crit Rev Toxicol 2014; 44:436-49. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.899558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Donaldson K, Poland CA, Murphy FA, MacFarlane M, Chernova T, Schinwald A. Pulmonary toxicity of carbon nanotubes and asbestos - similarities and differences. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2013; 65:2078-86. [PMID: 23899865 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes are a valuable industrial product but there is potential for human pulmonary exposure during production and their fibrous shape raises the possibility that they may have effects like asbestos, which caused a worldwide pandemic of disease in the20th century that continues into present. CNT may exist as fibres or as more compact particles and the asbestos-type hazard only pertains to the fibrous forms of CNT. Exposure to asbestos causes asbestosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, mesothelioma, pleural fibrosis and pleural plaques indicating that both the lungs and the pleura are targets. The fibre pathogenicity paradigm was developed in the 1970s-80s and has a robust structure/toxicity relationship that enables the prediction of the pathogenicity of fibres depending on their length, thickness and biopersistence. Fibres that are sufficiently long and biopersistent and that deposit in the lungs can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. They may also translocate to the pleura where they can be retained depending on their length, and where they cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the pleural tissues. These pathobiological processes culminate in pathologic change - fibroplasia and neoplasia in the lungs and the pleura. There may also be direct genotoxic effects of fibres on epithelial cells and mesothelium, contributing to neoplasia. CNT show some of the properties of asbestos and other types of fibre in producing these types of effects and more research is needed. In terms of the molecular pathways involved in the interaction of long biopersistent fibres with target tissue the events leading to mesothelioma have been a particular area of interest. A variety of kinase pathways important in proliferation are activated by asbestos leading to pre-malignant states and investigations are under way to determine whether fibrous CNT also affects these molecular pathways. Current research suggests that fibrous CNT can elicit effects similar to asbestos but more research is needed to determine whether they, or other nanofibres, can cause fibrosis and cancer in the long term.
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Brown DM, Roberts NK, Donaldson K. Effect of coating with lung lining fluid on the ability of fibres to produce a respiratory burst in rat alveolar macrophages. Toxicol In Vitro 2012; 12:15-24. [PMID: 20654387 DOI: 10.1016/s0887-2333(97)00093-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/1997] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to develop a simple short-term in vitro assay which would allow us to predict the pathogenicity of fibres based on data already available from in vivo studies. Fibres were used naked (uncoated) or coated with rat IgG, or rat or sheep surfactant. The fibres were used to stimulate superoxide anion release by rat alveolar macrophages. Binding of fibres to rat alveolar macrophages was assessed by optical microscopy. Fibres used in the naked state produced little or no stimulation of superoxide anion from rat alveolar macrophages. When fibres were coated with rat IgG there was a significant increase in superoxide release for all fibre types with the exception of RCF4 and Code 100/475. When fibres were coated with rat or sheep surfactant, there was suppression of the respiratory burst for all fibre types. The observed suppression was not due to a scavenging effect by the surfactant itself, because xanthine/xanthine oxidase generated superoxide was unaffected by surfactant. The suppressive effect was shown to act directly on the macrophages. Comparing naked and coated fibres for their ability to bind to macrophages, it was shown that in general more coated fibres were bound and that increased binding was associated with suppressed superoxide release for both types of surfactant-coated fibres. It was concluded that the nature of the fibre coating is the main factor influencing the interaction between fibres and macrophages. The type of binding through different receptors may either stimulate or switch off the respiratory burst. The assay used here does not, however, allow any predictions to be made regarding the pathogenicity of fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK
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Schinwald A, Donaldson K. Use of back-scatter electron signals to visualise cell/nanowires interactions in vitro and in vivo; frustrated phagocytosis of long fibres in macrophages and compartmentalisation in mesothelial cells in vivo. Part Fibre Toxicol 2012; 9:34. [PMID: 22929371 PMCID: PMC3724483 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8977-9-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frustrated phagocytosis has been stated as an important factor in the initiation of an inflammatory response after fibre exposure. The length of fibrous structures has been linked to the potential of fibres to induce adverse health effects for at least 40 years. However, we only recently reported for the first time the threshold length for fibre-induced inflammation in the pleural space and we implicated frustrated phagocytosis in the pro-inflammatory effects of long fibres. This study extends the examination of the threshold value for frustrated phagocytosis using well-defined length classes of silver nanowires (AgNW) ranging from 3-28 μm and describes in detail the morphology of frustrated phagocytosis using a novel technique and also describes compartmentalisation of fibres in the pleural space. METHODS A novel technique, backscatter scanning electron microscopy (BSE) was used to study frustrated phagocytosis since it provides high-contrast detection of nanowires, allowing clear discrimination between the nanofibres and other cellular features. A human monocyte-derived macrophage cell line THP-1 was used to investigate cell-nanowire interaction in vitro and the parietal pleura, the site of fibre retention after inhalation exposure was chosen to visualise the cell- fibre interaction in vivo after direct pleural installation of AgNWs. RESULTS The length cut-off value for frustrated phagocytosis differs in vitro and in vivo. While in vitro frustrated phagocytosis could be observed with fibres≥14 μm, in vivo studies showed incomplete uptake at a fibre length of ≥10 μm. Recently we showed that inflammation in the pleural space after intrapleural injection of the same nanofibre panel occurs at a length of ≥5 μm. This onset of inflammation does not correlate with the onset of frustrated phagocytosis as shown in this study, leading to the conclusion that intermediate length fibres fully enclosed within macrophages as well as frustrated phagocytosis are associated with a pro-inflammatory state in the pleural space. We further showed that fibres compartmentalise in the mesothelial cells at the parietal pleura as well as in inflammatory cells in the pleural space. CONCLUSION BSE is a useful way to clearly distinguish between fibres that are, or are not, membrane-bounded. Using this method we were able to show differences in the threshold length at which frustrated phagocytosis occurred between in vitro and in vivo models. Visualising nanowires in the pleura demonstrated at least 2 compartments--in leukocyte aggregations and in the mesothelium--which may have consequences for long term pathology in the pleural space including mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schinwald
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, MRC/University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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Donaldson K, Murphy F, Schinwald A, Duffin R, Poland CA. Identifying the pulmonary hazard of high aspect ratio nanoparticles to enable their safety-by-design. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2011; 6:143-56. [PMID: 21182425 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.10.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High aspect ratio, or fiber-shaped, nanoparticles (HARNs) represent a growth area in nanotechnology as their useful properties become more apparent. Carbon nanotubes, the best known and studied of the HARNs are handled on an increasingly large scale, with subsequent potential for human inhalation exposure. Their resemblance to asbestos fibers precipitated fears that they might show the same type of pathology as that caused by asbestos and there is emerging evidence to support this possibility. The large number of other HARNs, including nanorods, nanowires and other nanofibers, require similar toxicological scrutiny. In this article we describe the unusual hazard associated with fibers, with special reference to asbestos, and address the features of fibers that dictate their pathogenicity as developed in the fiber pathogenicity paradigm. This paradigm is a robust structure:toxicity model that identifies thin, long, biopersistent fibers as the effective dose for fiber-type pathogenic effects. It is likely that HARNs will in general conform to the paradigm and such an understanding of the features that make fibers pathogenic should enable us to design safer HARNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Donaldson
- MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, ELEGI Colt Laboratory, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Tomatis M, Turci F, Ceschino R, Riganti C, Gazzano E, Martra G, Ghigo D, Fubini B. High aspect ratio materials: role of surface chemistry vs. length in the historical "long and short amosite asbestos fibers". Inhal Toxicol 2011; 22:984-98. [PMID: 20718637 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2010.504243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In nanotoxicology the question arises whether high aspect ratio materials should be regarded as potentially pathogenic like asbestos, merely on the base of their biopersistence and length to diameter ratio. A higher pathogenicity of long asbestos fibers is associated to their slower clearance and frustrated phagocytosis. In the past decades, two amosite fibers were prepared and studied to confirm the role of fiber length in asbestos toxicity. Long fiber amosite (LFA) and short fiber amosite (SFA) have here been revisited, to check differences in their surface properties, known to modulate the biological responses elicited. We report: (i) micromorphology (abundance of exposed cylindrical vs. truncated surfaces; (ii) surface reactivity (oxidation and coordination state of surface iron, free radical generation and oxidizing potential); (iii) activation of nitric oxide (NO) synthase in lung epithelial cells, as representative of an inflammatory cell response. LFA shows a higher free radical yield, stimulates, more than SFA, NO production by cells and reacts with ascorbic acid, thus depriving the lung lining layer of its antioxidant defenses. The higher activity of LFA than SFA is ascribed to the presence of Fe2+ ions poorly coordinated to the surface. SFA shows only a large number of loosely bound Fe3+ ions, pristine Fe2+ ions having been oxidized during the grinding process converting LFA into SFA. Several factors determine a higher toxicity of LFA than SFA, beside length. The lesson from asbestos indicates that other features besides aspect ratio contribute to the pathogenic potential of a fiber type. All these aspects should be considered when predicting the possible hazard associated to any new fibrous material proposed to the market, let alone nanofibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Tomatis
- “G. Scansetti” Interdepartmental Center for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Abstract
The pandemic of lung disease caused by asbestos has cast suspicion on any industrial fibrous material that can become airborne in respirable form in workplaces, such that the respirable fibres might be inhaled. Fibre toxicology arose as a sub-specialty of particle toxicology to address the specialised nature of fibre effects and has evolved substantially in the last 25 years. It has yielded valuable information on the dosimetry, structure-activity relationships, and mechanism involved in toxicological effects of a range of fibrous materials, including asbestos, other naturally occurring fibrous materials, and synthetic vitreous fibres. A robust structure/activity paradigm has emerged from this research that highlights fibre length, thinness, and biopersistence as major factors in determining the pathogenicity of a fibre. p-Aramid is a manufactured fibre composed of synthetic polyamide (poly paraphenylene terephthalamide) manufactured on a commercial scale since 1970 by polymerisation and spinning steps. It is used as an advanced composite and in fabrics, body armour, friction materials, etc. Respirable fibrils of p-aramid can be released from the fibres during working and can become airborne. A considerable body of research has been carried out into the hazard posed by inhaled p-aramid fibrils, and this review considers this body of literature and summarises the state-of-the-science in the toxicology of p-aramid fibrils in the light of the existing overarching fibre toxicology paradigm. The peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that p-aramid fibrils can be long and thin but that the fibrils are not biopersistent. Residence in the milieu of the lungs leads to fibre shortening, allowing efficient and complete phagocytosis and effective clearance. Subsequently the p-aramid hazard is low, and this is confirmed in animal studies. The mechanism of shortening of p-aramid fibrils is not well-understood, but may involve the action of macrophages on the fibrils following phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Donaldson
- Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Donaldson K, Murphy FA, Duffin R, Poland CA. Asbestos, carbon nanotubes and the pleural mesothelium: a review of the hypothesis regarding the role of long fibre retention in the parietal pleura, inflammation and mesothelioma. Part Fibre Toxicol 2010; 7:5. [PMID: 20307263 PMCID: PMC2857820 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8977-7-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 574] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique hazard posed to the pleural mesothelium by asbestos has engendered concern in potential for a similar risk from high aspect ratio nanoparticles (HARN) such as carbon nanotubes. In the course of studying the potential impact of HARN on the pleura we have utilised the existing hypothesis regarding the role of the parietal pleura in the response to long fibres. This review seeks to synthesise our new data with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) with that hypothesis for the behaviour of long fibres in the lung and their retention in the parietal pleura leading to the initiation of inflammation and pleural pathology such as mesothelioma. We describe evidence that a fraction of all deposited particles reach the pleura and that a mechanism of particle clearance from the pleura exits, through stomata in the parietal pleura. We suggest that these stomata are the site of retention of long fibres which cannot negotiate them leading to inflammation and pleural pathology including mesothelioma. We cite thoracoscopic data to support the contention, as would be anticipated from the preceding, that the parietal pleura is the site of origin of pleural mesothelioma. This mechanism, if it finds support, has important implications for future research into the mesothelioma hazard from HARN and also for our current view of the origins of asbestos-initiated pleural mesothelioma and the common use of lung parenchymal asbestos fibre burden as a correlate of this tumour, which actually arises in the parietal pleura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Donaldson
- University of Edinburgh, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH164TJ, UK.
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Hillegass JM, Shukla A, MacPherson MB, Bond JP, Steele C, Mossman BT. Utilization of gene profiling and proteomics to determine mineral pathogenicity in a human mesothelial cell line (LP9/TERT-1). JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2010; 73:423-436. [PMID: 20155583 PMCID: PMC2838458 DOI: 10.1080/15287390903486568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and understanding the early molecular events that underscore mineral pathogenicity using in vitro screening tests is imperative, especially given the large number of synthetic and natural fibers and particles being introduced into the environment. The purpose of the work described here was to examine the ability of gene profiling (Affymetrix microarrays) to predict the pathogenicity of various materials in a human mesothelial cell line (LP9/TERT-1) exposed to equal surface area concentrations (15 x 10(6) or 75 x 10(6) microm(2)/cm(2)) of crocidolite asbestos, nonfibrous talc, fine titanium dioxide (TiO(2)), or glass beads for 8 or 24 h. Since crocidolite asbestos caused the greatest number of alterations in gene expression, multiplex analysis (Bio-Plex) of proteins released from LP9/TERT-1 cells exposed to crocidolite asbestos was also assessed to reveal if this approach might also be explored in future assays comparing various mineral types. To verify that LP9/TERT-1 cells were more sensitive than other cell types to asbestos, human ovarian epithelial cells (IOSE) were also utilized in microarray studies. Upon assessing changes in gene expression via microarrays, principal component analysis (PCA) of these data was used to identify patterns of differential gene expression. PCA of microarray data confirmed that LP9/TERT-1 cells were more responsive than IOSE cells to crocidolite asbestos or nonfibrous talc, and that crocidolite asbestos elicited greater responses in both cell types when compared to nonfibrous talc, TiO(2), or glass beads. Bio-Plex analysis demonstrated that asbestos caused an increase in interleukin-13 (IL-13), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These responses were generally dose-dependent (bFGF and G-CSF only) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha independent (except for G-CSF). Thus, microarray and Bio-Plex analyses are valuable in determining early molecular responses to fibers/particles and may directly contribute to understanding the etiology of diseases caused by them. The number and magnitude of changes in gene expression or "profiles" of secreted proteins may serve as valuable metrics for determining the potential pathogenicity of various mineral types. Hence, alterations in gene expression and cytokine/chemokine changes induced by crocidolite asbestos in LP9/TERT-1 cells may be indicative of its increased potential to cause mesothelioma in comparison to the other nonfibrous materials examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jedd M. Hillegass
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Given E203, Burlington, VT 05405-0068
| | - Arti Shukla
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Given E203, Burlington, VT 05405-0068
| | - Maximilian B. MacPherson
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Given E203, Burlington, VT 05405-0068
| | - Jeffrey P. Bond
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 95 Carrigan Drive, Stafford 201, Burlington, VT 05405-0084
| | - Chad Steele
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, 1900 University Boulevard, THT 437A, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Brooke T. Mossman
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Given E203, Burlington, VT 05405-0068
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Jaurand MCF, Renier A, Daubriac J. Mesothelioma: Do asbestos and carbon nanotubes pose the same health risk? Part Fibre Toxicol 2009; 6:16. [PMID: 19523217 PMCID: PMC2706793 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8977-6-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the product of new technology, may be used in a wide range of applications. Because they present similarities to asbestos fibres in terms of their shape and size, it is legitimate to raise the question of their safety for human health. Recent animal and cellular studies suggest that CNTs elicit tissue and cell responses similar to those observed with asbestos fibres, which increases concern about the adverse biological effects of CNTs. While asbestos fibres' mechanisms of action are not fully understood, sufficient results are available to develop hypotheses about the significant factors underlying their damaging effects. This review will summarize the current state of knowledge about the biological effects of CNTs and will discuss to what extent they present similarities to those of asbestos fibres. Finally, the characteristics of asbestos known to be associated with toxicity will be analyzed to address the possible impact of CNTs.
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Bernstein D, Castranova V, Donaldson K, Fubini B, Hadley J, Hesterberg T, Kane A, Lai D, McConnell EE, Muhle H, Oberdorster G, Olin S, Warheit DB. Testing of Fibrous Particles: Short-Term Assays and Strategies. Inhal Toxicol 2008; 17:497-537. [PMID: 16040559 DOI: 10.1080/08958370591001121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Addison J, McConnell EE. A review of carcinogenicity studies of asbestos and non-asbestos tremolite and other amphiboles. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2008; 52:S187-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Donaldson K, Aitken R, Tran L, Stone V, Duffin R, Forrest G, Alexander A. Carbon nanotubes: a review of their properties in relation to pulmonary toxicology and workplace safety. Toxicol Sci 2006; 92:5-22. [PMID: 16484287 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfj130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 616] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are an important new class of technological materials that have numerous novel and useful properties. The forecast increase in manufacture makes it likely that increasing human exposure will occur, and as a result, CNT are beginning to come under toxicological scrutiny. This review seeks to set out the toxicological paradigms applicable to the toxicity of inhaled CNT, building on the toxicological database on nanoparticles (NP) and fibers. Relevant workplace regulation regarding exposure is also considered in the light of our knowledge of CNT. CNT could have features of both NP and conventional fibers, and so the current paradigm for fiber toxicology, which is based on mineral fibers and synthetic vitreous fibers, is discussed. The NP toxicology paradigm is also discussed in relation to CNT. The available peer-reviewed literature suggests that CNT may have unusual toxicity properties. In particular, CNT seem to have a special ability to stimulate mesenchymal cell growth and to cause granuloma formation and fibrogenesis. In several studies, CNT have more adverse effects than the same mass of NP carbon and quartz, the latter a commonly used benchmark of particle toxicity. There is, however, no definitive inhalation study available that would avoid the potential for artifactual effects due to large mats and aggregates forming during instillation exposure procedures. Studies also show that CNT may exhibit some of their effects through oxidative stress and inflammation. CNT represent a group of particles that are growing in production and use, and therefore, research into their toxicology and safe use is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Donaldson
- MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, ELEGI Colt Laboratory, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
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Donaldson K, Tran CL. An introduction to the short-term toxicology of respirable industrial fibres. Mutat Res 2004; 553:5-9. [PMID: 15288528 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2004.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2004] [Accepted: 03/22/2004] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Fibrous materials, exemplified by asbestos, that release respirable fibres are in common use and there is considerable knowledge regarding the toxicology of these common fibres. Newer materials or those that are under development, such as synthetic organic fibres and carbon nanotubes may have a different toxicology paradigms. The existing paradigm for silicate fibres suggests that respirable fibre types vary in their ability to cause lung disease and that this can be understood on the basis of the length of the fibres and their biopersistence in the lungs. Because fibres are regulated on a fibre number basis and the hazard is understood on the basis of the number of long fibres, in fibre testing the dose should always be expressed as fibre number, not mass and the length and diameter distribution need to be known. Short-term biological tests are likely to produce false positives in the case of long non-biopersistent fibres, because whilst they may have effects in vitro, they do not persist long enough in the lungs for sufficient dose to build up and produce effects in vivo. The biopersistence of fibres is therefore a key factor that needs to be known in order to interpret short-term tests that may claim to predict fibre pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Donaldson
- ELEGI Colt Laboratory, Wilkie Building, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, EH9 8AG, UK.
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Corsini E, Giani A, Lucchi L, Peano S, Viviani B, Galli CL, Marinovich M. Resistance to acute silicosis in senescent rats: role of alveolar macrophages. Chem Res Toxicol 2004; 16:1520-7. [PMID: 14680365 DOI: 10.1021/tx034139+] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated in alveolar macrophages that aging is associated with a decline in lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the immunotoxicological consequences of this defective activation in an experimental model of acute silicosis. Young (3 months old) and old (>18 months old) rats were intratracheally instilled with silica or saline as control. In young animals, as expected, silica induced a significant increase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, lactate dehydrogenase, and cell numbers, which correlated with increased collagen deposition and silicotic nodule formations. On the contrary, in old rats, no changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung parameters were observed, indicating that senescent rats are resistant to the acute effects of silica. These in vivo results were confirmed in vitro, where silica-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha release was drastically reduced in alveolar macrophages obtained from old animals. This could be explained with a defective protein kinase C betaII translocation in aged macrophages, due to decreased expression of its anchoring protein RACK-1. Furthermore, a decrease in FAS-L expression and silica-induced apoptosis in old macrophages was observed, supporting the idea that age-associated alterations in signal transduction pathways contribute to decreased sensitivity to silica-induced acute lung fibrosis in old animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Riganti C, Aldieri E, Bergandi L, Tomatis M, Fenoglio I, Costamagna C, Fubini B, Bosia A, Ghigo D. Long and short fiber amosite asbestos alters at a different extent the redox metabolism in human lung epithelial cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2003; 193:106-15. [PMID: 14613721 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-008x(03)00339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism by which asbestos fibers are fibrogenic and tumorigenic is still matter of debate. The higher pathogenicity of longer fibers has been traditionally associated with their slower clearance in respiratory airways. However, short amosite fibers, obtained by grinding longer ones, exhibited a lower potential to damage nude DNA and a lower in vitro cytotoxicity. We have thus revisited the two sets of long and short fibers in order to compare their surface properties to their activity in cell systems. In this study we report that, in human lung epithelial cells A549, long amosite fibers, more effectively than the short ones, initiate free radical reactions, inhibit the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and the pentose phosphate pathway, decrease the intracellular level of reduced glutathione, and increase the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase in the extracellular medium. These results suggest that the shortening of fibers by prolonged milling affects not only their biopersistence, but also their surface properties, hence their interaction with cellular metabolism. Our data provide also a mechanism by which asbestos fibers inhibit the pentose phosphate pathway, i.e., via the oxidative inhibition of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which is prevented by reduced glutathione.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Riganti
- Interdepartmental Center G. Scansetti for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Shukla A, Ramos-Nino M, Mossman B. Cell signaling and transcription factor activation by asbestos in lung injury and disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2003; 35:1198-209. [PMID: 12757757 DOI: 10.1016/s1357-2725(02)00315-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways initiated at the external cell surface or within the cytoplasm regulate transactivation of transcription factors and gene expression that are causally related to a number of critical cellular outcomes including proliferation, apoptosis, cell survival, and production of inflammatory cytokines. Asbestos, a ubiquitous pathogenic group of mineral fibers, can stimulate gene expression in a variety of cell types in the lung via intracellular signaling pathways. These cell signaling cascades may be initiated through receptor-mediated events or integrins. Alternatively, they may be stimulated by oxidants generated both during phagocytosis of minerals and/or by redox reactions on the mineral surface. Once initiated, these pathways can lead to promotion of gene expression critical to cellular injury, proliferation and inflammation-events leading to the development of fibroproliferative diseases of the lung and pleura. The elucidation and relevance of critical signaling cascades to lung injury or repair following asbestos exposure could aid in developing strategies to prevent or treat asbestos-associated lung and pleural diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arti Shukla
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beumont Avenue, Burlington 05405, USA
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26
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Beningo KA, Wang YL. Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis is regulated by mechanical properties of the target. J Cell Sci 2002; 115:849-56. [PMID: 11865040 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.115.4.849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagocytosis is an actin-based process used by macrophages to clear particles greater than 0.5 μm in diameter. In addition to its role in immunological responses, phagocytosis is also necessary for tissue remodeling and repair. To prevent catastrophic autoimmune reactions, phagocytosis must be tightly regulated. It is commonly assumed that the recognition/selection of phagocytic targets is based solely upon receptor-ligand binding. Here we report an important new criterion, that mechanical parameters of the target can dramatically affect the efficiency of phagocytosis. When presented with particles of identical chemical properties but different rigidity, macrophages showed a strong preference to engulf rigid objects. Furthermore, phagocytosis of soft particles can be stimulated with the microinjection of constitutively active Rac1 but not RhoA, and with lysophosphatidic acid, an agent known to activate the small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family. These data suggest a Rac1-dependent mechanosensory mechanism for phagocytosis, which probably plays an important role in a number of physiological and pathological processes from embryonic development to autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Beningo
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Physiology, 377 Plantation, Room 327, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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27
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Manning CB, Vallyathan V, Mossman BT. Diseases caused by asbestos: mechanisms of injury and disease development. Int Immunopharmacol 2002; 2:191-200. [PMID: 11811924 DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5769(01)00172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Asbestos is a ubiquitous, naturally occurring fiber that has been linked to the development of malignant and fibrotic diseases of the lung and pleura. These diseases may be initiated by injury to epithelial cells and mesothelial cells by asbestos fibers through the formation of reactive oxygen intermediates. Elaboration of oxidants are also a consequence of inflammation, a hallmark of exposure to asbestos after inhalation or injection of asbestos fibers into animals. The type, size, and durability of asbestos fibers may be important in toxicity and pathogenicity of asbestos types. This review discusses the pathways of oxidant generation by asbestos fibers, cell-cell interaction that may initiate and perpetuate inflammation, cytokine release and proliferative responses to asbestos, and cell signaling pathways implicated in these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Manning
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405, USA
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28
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Abstract
A panel of mineral fibres has been studied for their ability to cause translocation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to the nucleus in A549 lung epithelial cells. On the basis of inhalation studies, three fibres were designated as being carcinogenic-amosite asbestos, silicon carbide and refractory ceramic fibre 1 (RCF1)-or non-carcinogenic-man-made vitreous fibre (MMVF10), Code 100/475 glass fibre, and RCF4. The experiments were carried out at equal fibre number. It was hypothesized that carcinogenic fibres have greater free radical activity than non-carcinogenic fibres and that an oxidative stress produced in the lung after inhalation of fibres could cause translocation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to the nucleus, where transcription of pro-inflammatory genes such as cytokines could occur. It was demonstrated that a simple oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, caused translocation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The three carcinogenic fibres produced a significant dose-dependent translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus, whereas the non-carcinogenic fibres did not. Silicon carbide fibres were the most potent of the pathogenic fibres. MMVF10 was the most potent of the non-pathogenic fibres, causing significant nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB at high fibre number. Using three antioxidants, curcumin, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and Nacystelin, translocation caused by carcinogenic fibres could be significantly reduced. The present study shows that a short-term in vitro assay can discriminate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic fibres in terms of a key pro-inflammatory event in epithelial cells. The mechanism of the activation of NF-kappaB by pathogenic fibres and its general applicability to other fibre types remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh, U.K.
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Graham A, Higinbotham J, Allan D, Donaldson K, Beswick PH. Chemical differences between long and short amosite asbestos: differences in oxidation state and coordination sites of iron, detected by infrared spectroscopy. Occup Environ Med 1999; 56:606-11. [PMID: 10615293 PMCID: PMC1757792 DOI: 10.1136/oem.56.9.606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Short fibres of amosite asbestos (SFA), obtained by ball milling of long fibres (LFA), have been shown to be less pathogenic than long fibres. Accumulating evidence suggests an important role for differences in surface chemistry between fibres. Iron has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asbestos fibres. In this study infrared (IR) spectroscopy was used to compare LFA and SFA in terms of the coordination and oxidation state of iron at the three cation sites (M1, M3, M1). METHODS Infrared was used to examine LFA ad SFA, when dry and when hydrated in the presence and absence of the chelators desferroxamine and ferrozine. With appropriate software the proportions of iron and its oxidation states in the overlapping peaks were resolved and assigned, and the three coordination sites were identified. Data were obtained from 10 samples of both lengths of fibre for each of the four treatments. Iron release was also monitored. RESULTS Iron was significantly more oxidised in LFA than SFA. Further oxidation of the dry fibres with water, ferrozine, or desferroxamine tended to abolish these differences. There were also significant differences between the proportions of iron held in the different coordination sites of the fibres. For LFA, a higher proportion of its iron was held in the cation sites coordinating less with iron and more with Mg. Interestingly, the sites coordinating single irons were significantly more oxidised than multiple sites. The single iron sites were more oxidised in LFA than SFA and were more readily oxidised by the treatments. CONCLUSIONS Important chemical differences between LFA and SFA were found. There seemed to be some mobility of iron near the surface. Based on these data it is speculated that the 1 iron surface site may be important in pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Graham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Mutsaers SE, Harrison NK, McAnulty RJ, Liao JY, Laurent GJ, Musk AW. Fibroblast mitogens in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from asbestos-exposed subjects with and without clinical evidence of asbestosis: no evidence for the role of PDGF, TNF-alpha, IGF-1, or IL-1 beta. J Pathol 1998; 185:199-203. [PMID: 9713348 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9896(199806)185:2<199::aid-path75>3.0.co;2-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Asbestosis is a fibrotic lung disease resulting from inhalation of asbestos fibres. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood but probably involves stimulation of fibroblast proliferation and collagen production by mediators released from inflammatory and resident lung cells. In vitro studies have implicate PDGF, TNF-alpha, IGF-1, TGF-beta, and IL-1 in asbestosis, but the role of these mediators in vivo is not known. This study aimed to characterize mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients exposed to asbestos with (n = 24) or without (n = 34) asbestosis, compared with ten normal subjects. Human lung fibroblasts were exposed to serial dilutions of BAL fluids and the effects on fibroblast proliferation were assessed. The median mitogenic activity of BAL fluid from asbestos-exposed (17 per cent above medium control, range 3-44 per cent) and asbestosis (14 per cent, range 2-60 per cent) groups was higher than that of BAL fluid from controls (10 per cent, range 2-20 per cent; P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the patient groups. The mitogenic activity of BAL fluids was not reduced by incubation with neutralizing antibodies to PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TNF-alpha, IGF-1, and IL-1 beta. We conclude that BAL fluids from patients exposed to asbestos contain mitogens for human lung fibroblasts, but that PDGF, TNF-alpha, IGF-1, or IL-1 beta do not contribute to this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Mutsaers
- Centre for Cardiopulmonary Biochemistry and Respiratory Medicine, University College London Medical School, Rayne Institute, U.K.
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31
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Guo RF, Gong YF. The promoting effect of tumour necrosis factor alpha in radiation-induced cell transformation. Br J Cancer 1998; 77:1208-12. [PMID: 9579824 PMCID: PMC2150167 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1998.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a potent endogenous inflammatory agent, to promote malignant transformation of Syrian hamster embryo cells (SHE) initiated by a 0.5-Gy dose of alpha-particles was investigated. Opsonized zymosan particles, which were phagocytosed by a human macrophage-like cell line, triggered TNF-alpha production from U937 cells. This cell supernatant could significantly increase the transformation frequency (TF) of primary SHE cells previously irradiated by a 0.5-Gy dose of alpha-particles. The TF decreased significantly if monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha was added to the supernatant. Similarly, recombinant human TNF-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) increased the TF of alpha-irradiated primary SHE cells to an even greater extent. Addition of TNF-alpha to subcultures of irradiated SHE cells permitted the continuous propagation of these primary cells. In contrast, both TNF-alpha-treated control and alpha-irradiated cells without subsequent TNF-alpha treatment senesced after 7-15 passages. Irradiated SHE cells treated continuously with TNF-alpha could be subcultured over 40 passages and produced fibrosarcomas upon inoculation into nude mice. Our results provide the first evidence that TNF-alpha released by activated macrophages may contribute to the process of malignant transformation initiated by low-dose alpha-particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Guo
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Disease, Beijing, China
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32
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Brown DM, Donaldson K. Wool and grain dusts stimulate TNF secretion by alveolar macrophages in vitro. Occup Environ Med 1996; 53:387-93. [PMID: 8758033 PMCID: PMC1128494 DOI: 10.1136/oem.53.6.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of two organic dusts, wool and grain, and their soluble leachates to stimulate secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) by rat alveolar macrophages with special reference to the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS Rat alveolar macrophages were isolated by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and treated in vitro with whole dust, dust leachates, and a standard LPS preparation. TNF production was measured in supernatants with the L929 cell line bioassay. RESULTS Both wool and grain dust samples were capable of stimulating TNF release from rat alveolar macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The standard LPS preparation caused a dose-dependent secretion of TNF. Leachates prepared from the dusts contained LPS and also caused TNF release but leachable LPS could not account for the TNF release and it was clear that non-LPS leachable activity was present in the grain dust and that wool dust particles themselves were capable of causing release of TNF. The role of LPS in wool dust leachates was further investigated by treating peritoneal macrophages from two strains of mice, LPS responders (C3H) and LPS non-responders (C3H/HEJ), with LPS. The non-responder mouse macrophages produced very low concentrations of TNF in response to the wool dust leachates compared with the responders. CONCLUSIONS LPS and other unidentified leachable substances present on the surface of grain dust, and to a lesser extent on wool dust, are a trigger for TNF release by lung macrophages. Wool dust particles themselves stimulate TNF. TNF release from macrophages could contribute to enhancement of inflammatory responses and symptoms of bronchitis and breathlessness in workers exposed to organic dusts such as wool and grain.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Brown
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, City Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Hill IM, Beswick PH, Donaldson K. Enhancement of the macrophage oxidative burst by immunoglobulin coating of respirable fibers: fiber-specific differences between asbestos and man-made fibers. Exp Lung Res 1996; 22:133-48. [PMID: 8706632 DOI: 10.3109/01902149609050843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The ability of long amosite asbestos fibers (LFA), vitreous fibers (MMVF 21 and CODE 100/475), and ceramic fibers (silicon carbide and RCF 1) to stimulate superoxide production in isolated rat alveolar macrophages is examined. The cells were exposed to both naked fibers (uncoated) and fibers coated with rat immunoglobulin (IgG), a normal component of lung lining fluid. The affinity for IgG of the various fibers was assessed by quantifying the binding of 125I-labeled IgG onto the fiber surface. Naked fibers stimulated a modest release of superoxide anion from alveolar macrophages, which was not obviously dose dependent. When IgG was adsorbed onto fibers of MMVF 21 and RCF 1, there was a dramatic increase in superoxide release, which correlated well with their high affinity for IgG.IgG-adsorbed code 100/475 and silicon carbide whiskers (SiCW) stimulated only modest superoxide release, and the fibers showed a correspondingly poor affinity for the opsonin. Conversely, the adsorbed fibers of LFA, generated a dramatic increase in superoxide release from the macrophages, despite a relatively poor adsorption of IgG. This study demonstrates the potential for components of the lung lining fluid to modify the response of alveolar macrophages to respirable natural and man-made fibers. It also draws attention to fiber-specific differences in adsorptive capacity and subsequent biological activity between these fiber types in vitro and, by implication, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Hill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Abstract
This study utilized two samples of amosite asbestos which differ in their length, but not in their diameter and which have been shown previously to have very different abilities to cause pathology in rats exposed by instillation or inhalation. The activity of these amosite samples in causing chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells in culture was examined, along with the effect of the glutathione (GSH) synthesis-inhibiting agent buthionine sulphoximine. The incidence of chromosomal aberrations in cells treated with the short fibre sample was similar to control levels; the long amosite sample caused significantly more chromosomal aberrations than the short fibre sample. When cells were treated with buthionine sulphoximine to decrease the levels of intracellular glutathione, the incidence of chromosomal aberrations was increased in the control cells, but also on treatment with both short and long amosite, the long sample again being considerably more active than the short. The pathogenicity of the long amosite may result from the ability of the fibres to cause chromosome damage, while the enhancement of this damage caused by decreasing intracellular glutathione suggests that the asbestos fibres may impose an oxidant stress on the cells which contributes to these aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Donaldson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh, U.K
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Hill IM, Beswick PH, Donaldson K. Differential release of superoxide anions by macrophages treated with long and short fibre amosite asbestos is a consequence of differential affinity for opsonin. Occup Environ Med 1995; 52:92-6. [PMID: 7757173 PMCID: PMC1128161 DOI: 10.1136/oem.52.2.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ability of short and long fibre samples of amosite asbestos to stimulate superoxide production in isolated rat alveolar macrophages, and to determine how opsonisation with rat immunoglobulin might modify this response. METHODS Macrophages were isolated from rat lung by bronchoalveolar lavage and challenged with both opsonised and non-opsonised long and short fibres of amosite asbestos. Release of superoxide anions was measured by the spectrophotometric reduction of cytochrome c, in the presence and absence of superoxide dismutase. RESULTS Both long and short fibre samples of amosite asbestos without opsonisation were ineffective in stimulating isolated rat alveolar macrophages to release superoxide anions in vitro. After opsonisation with immunoglobulin, however, a dramatic enhancement of release of superoxide anion was seen with long fibres, but not short, which confirms the importance of fibre length in mediating biological effects. The increased biological activity of the long fibre sample is explained by increased binding of the opsonin to the fibre surface as, at equal mass, the long fibres bound threefold more immunoglobulin than the short fibres. CONCLUSION Opsonisation is an important factor in modulation of the biological activity of fibres at the cellular level. Differences in binding of opsonin to samples of fibre previously considered to be identical apart from length, suggest that surface reactivity needs to be taken into account when fibres are compared. Binding of biological molecules, in vivo, may thus be an important modifying factor in the pathological processes initiated by fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Hill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh
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Donaldson K, Brown RC, Brown GM. New perspectives on basic mechanisms in lung disease. 5. Respirable industrial fibres: mechanisms of pathogenicity. Thorax 1993; 48:390-5. [PMID: 8511739 PMCID: PMC464440 DOI: 10.1136/thx.48.4.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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