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Hu Y, Wang X, Niu Y, He K, Tang M. Application of quantum dots in brain diseases and their neurotoxic mechanism. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:3733-3746. [PMID: 39050959 PMCID: PMC11265591 DOI: 10.1039/d4na00028e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The early-stage diagnosis and therapy of brain diseases pose a persistent challenge in the field of biomedicine. Quantum dots (QDs), nano-luminescent materials known for their small size and fluorescence imaging capabilities, present promising capabilities for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating brain diseases. Although some investigations about QDs have been conducted in clinical trials, the concerns about the toxicity of QDs have continued. In addition, the lack of effective toxicity evaluation methods and systems and the difference between in vivo and in vitro toxicity evaluation hinder QDs application. The primary objective of this paper is to introduce the neurotoxic effects and mechanisms attributable to QDs. First, we elucidate the utilization of QDs in brain disorders. Second, we sketch out three pathways through which QDs traverse into brain tissue. Ultimately, expound upon the adverse consequences of QDs on the brain and the mechanism of neurotoxicity in depth. Finally, we provide a comprehensive summary and outlook on the potential development of quantum dots in neurotoxicity and the difficulties to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
| | - Yiru Niu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
| | - Keyu He
- Blood Transfusion Department, Clinical Laboratory, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
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2
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Guan S, Tang M. Exposure of quantum dots in the nervous system: Central nervous system risks and the blood-brain barrier interface. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:936-952. [PMID: 38062852 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Quantum dots currently possess significant importance in the field of biomedical science. Upon introduction into the body, quantum dots exhibit a tendency to accumulate in diverse tissues including the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, it becomes imperative to devote specific attention to their potential toxic effects. Moreover, the preservation of optimal CNS function relies heavily on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, thereby necessitating its prioritization in neurotoxicological investigations. A more comprehensive understanding of the BBB and CNS characteristics, along with the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to neurotoxicity, will greatly aid researchers in the development of effective design strategies. This article offers an in-depth look at the methods used to reduce the harmful effects of quantum dots on the nervous system, alongside the progression of effective treatments for brain-related conditions. The focal point of this discussion is the BBB and its intricate association with the CNS and neurotoxicology. The discourse commences by recent advancements in the medical application of quantum dots are examined. Subsequently, elucidating the mechanisms through which quantum dots infiltrate the human body and traverse into the brain. Additionally, the discourse delves into the factors that facilitate the passage of quantum dots across the BBB, primarily encompassing the physicochemical properties of quantum dots and the BBB's inherent capacity for self-permeability alteration. Furthermore, a concluding summary is presented, emphasizing existing research deficiencies and identifying promising avenues for further investigation within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Guan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Fang Q, Tang M. Oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity of quantum dots and influencing factors. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:1013-1028. [PMID: 38606672 PMCID: PMC11225328 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) have significant potential for treating and diagnosing CNS diseases. Meanwhile, the neurotoxicity of QDs has garnered attention. In this review, we focus on elucidating the mechanisms and consequences of CNS oxidative stress induced by QDs. First, we discussed the pathway of QDs transit into the brain. We then elucidate the relationship between QDs and oxidative stress from in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, the main reasons and adverse outcomes of QDs leading to oxidative stress are discussed. In addition, the primary factors that may affect the neurotoxicity of QDs are analyzed. Finally, we propose potential strategies for mitigating QDs neurotoxicity and outline future perspectives for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
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4
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Wei T, Liu N, Yao Y, Huang X, Wang Z, Wu T, Zhang T, Xue Y, Tang M. Low-dose cadmium telluride quantum dots trigger M1 polarization in macrophages through mTOR-mediated transcription factor EB activation. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100505. [PMID: 38579989 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The increasing application of quantum dots (QDs) increases interactions with organisms. The inflammatory imbalance is a significant manifestation of immunotoxicity. Macrophages maintain inflammatory homeostasis. Using macrophages differentiated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced THP-1 cells as models, the study found that low-dose (5 μM) cadmium telluride QDs (CdTe-QDs) hindered monocyte-macrophage differentiation. CD11b is a surface marker of macrophage, and the addition of CdTe-QDs during induction resulted in a decrease in CD11b expression. Moreover, exposure of differentiated THP-1 macrophage (dTHP-1) to 5 μM CdTe-QDs led to the initiation of M1 polarization. This was indicated by the increased surface marker CD86 expression, along with elevated level of NF-κB and IL-1β proteins. The potential mechanisms are being explored. The transcription factor EB (TFEB) plays a significant role in immune regulation and serves as a crucial regulator of the autophagic lysosomal pathway. After exposed to CdTe-QDs, TFEB activation-mediated autophagy and M1 polarization were observed to occur simultaneously in dTHP-1. The mTOR signaling pathway contributed to TFEB activation induced by CdTe-QDs. However, mTOR-independent activation of TFEB failed to promote M1 polarization. These results suggest that mTOR-TFEB is an advantageous target to enhance the biocompatibility of CdTe-QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Na Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yongshuai Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaoquan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yuying Xue
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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Li J, Li M, Wang R, Lan J, Yu L, Gao J, Lü H, Fang Q, Wang F. Mitophagy protects against silver nanoparticle-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting mitochondrial ROS and the NLRP3 inflammasome. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116137. [PMID: 38417314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have wide clinical applications because of their excellent antibacterial properties; however, they can cause liver inflammation in animals. Macrophages are among the main cells mediating inflammation and are also responsible for the phagocytosis of nanomaterials. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a major mechanism of inflammation, and its activation both induces cytokine release and triggers inflammatory cell death (i.e., pyroptosis). In previous studies, we demonstrated that mitophagy activation plays a protective role against AgNP-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that AgNP exposure induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation, mitochondrial damage and pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro. NLRP3 silencing or inhibiting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction reduces PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Meanwhile, the inhibition of mitophagy ROS production, mitochondrial, NLRP3-mediated inflammation, and pyroptosis in RAW264.7 cells were more pronounced than in the control group. These results suggest that PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy plays a protective role by reducing AgNP-induced mitochondrial ROS and subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, China
| | - Ming Li
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Ruirui Wang
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Jiaqi Lan
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Hezuo Lü
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Qiang Fang
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, China.
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Yao Y, Zhang T, Tang M. Toxicity mechanism of engineered nanomaterials: Focus on mitochondria. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123231. [PMID: 38154775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of nanotechnology, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are widely used in various fields. This has exacerbated the environmental pollution and human exposure of ENMs. The study of toxicity of ENMs and its mechanism has become a hot research topic in recent years. Mitochondrial damage plays an important role in the toxicity of ENMs. This paper reviews the structural damage, dysfunction, and molecular level perturbations caused by different ENMs to mitochondria, including ZnO NPs, Ag NPs, TiO2 NPs, iron oxide NPs, cadmium-based quantum dots, CuO NPs, silica NPs, carbon-based nanomaterials. Among them, mitochondrial quality control plays an important role in mitochondrial damage. We further summarize the cellular level outcomes caused by mitochondrial damage, mainly including, apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and inflammation response. In addition, we concluded that reducing mitochondrial damage at source as well as accelerating recovery from mitochondrial damage through ENMs modification and pharmacological intervention are two feasible strategies. This review further provides new insights into the mitochondrial toxicity mechanisms of ENMs and provides a new foothold for predicting human health and environmental risks of ENMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongshuai Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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Lin X, Chen T. A Review of in vivo Toxicity of Quantum Dots in Animal Models. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:8143-8168. [PMID: 38170122 PMCID: PMC10759915 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s434842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tremendous research efforts have been devoted to nanoparticles for applications in optoelectronics and biomedicine. Over the past decade, quantum dots (QDs) have become one of the fastest growing areas of research in nanotechnology because of outstanding photophysical properties, including narrow and symmetrical emission spectrum, broad fluorescence excitation spectrum, the tenability of the emission wavelength with the particle size and composition, anti-photobleaching ability and stable fluorescence. These characteristics are suitable for optical imaging, drug delivery and other biomedical applications. Research on QDs toxicology has demonstrated QDs affect or damage the biological system to some extent, and this situation is generally caused by the metal ions and some special properties in QDs, which hinders the further application of QDs in the biomedical field. The toxicological mechanism mainly stems from the release of heavy metal ions and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). At the same time, the contact reaction with QDs also cause disorders in organelles and changes in gene expression profiles. In this review, we try to present an overview of the toxicity and related toxicity mechanisms of QDs in different target organs. It is believed that the evaluation of toxicity and the synthesis of environmentally friendly QDs are the primary issues to be addressed for future widespread applications. However, considering the many different types and potential modifications, this review on the potential toxicity of QDs is still not clearly elucidated, and further research is needed on this meaningful topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotan Lin
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, DongGuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Family Planning, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, DongGuan, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Mohkam M, Sadraeian M, Lauto A, Gholami A, Nabavizadeh SH, Esmaeilzadeh H, Alyasin S. Exploring the potential and safety of quantum dots in allergy diagnostics. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:145. [PMID: 38025887 PMCID: PMC10656439 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Biomedical investigations in nanotherapeutics and nanomedicine have recently intensified in pursuit of new therapies with improved efficacy. Quantum dots (QDs) are promising nanomaterials that possess a wide array of advantageous properties, including electronic properties, optical properties, and engineered biocompatibility under physiological conditions. Due to these characteristics, QDs are mainly used for biomedical labeling and theranostic (therapeutic-diagnostic) agents. QDs can be functionalized with ligands to facilitate their interaction with the immune system, specific IgE, and effector cell receptors. However, undesirable side effects such as hypersensitivity and toxicity may occur, requiring further assessment. This review systematically summarizes the potential uses of QDs in the allergy field. An overview of the definition and development of QDs is provided, along with the applications of QDs in allergy studies, including the detection of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE), food allergens, and sIgE in cellular tests. The potential treatment of allergies with QDs is also described, highlighting the toxicity and biocompatibility of these nanodevices. Finally, we discuss the current findings on the immunotoxicity of QDs. Several favorable points regarding the use of QDs for allergy diagnosis and treatment are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Mohkam
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadraeian
- Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Antonio Lauto
- School of Science, University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown, NSW 2560 Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown, NSW 2560 Australia
| | - Ahmad Gholami
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Hesamodin Nabavizadeh
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Esmaeilzadeh
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soheila Alyasin
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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9
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Wang X, Wu T. An update on the biological effects of quantum dots: From environmental fate to risk assessment based on multiple biological models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163166. [PMID: 37011691 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are zero-dimension nanomaterials with excellent physical and chemical properties, which have been widely used in environmental science and biomedicine. Therefore, QDs are potential to cause toxicity to the environment and enter organisms through migration and bioenrichment effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis on the adverse effects of QDs in different organisms based on recently available data. Following PRISMA guidelines, this study searched PubMed database according to the pre-set keywords, and included 206 studies according to the inclusion and elimination criteria. CiteSpace software was firstly used to analyze the keywords of included literatures, search for breaking points of former studies, and summarize the classification, characterization and dosage of QDs. The environment fate of QDs in the ecosystems were then analyzed, followed with comprehensively summarized toxicity outcomes at individual, system, cell, subcellular and molecular levels. After migration and degradation in the environment, aquatic plants, bacteria, fungi as well as invertebrates and vertebrates have been found to be suffered from toxic effects caused by QDs. Aside from systemic effects, toxicity of intrinsic QDs targeting to specific organs, including respiratory system, cardiovascular system, hepatorenal system, nervous system and immune system were confirmed in multiple animal models. Moreover, QDs could be taken up by cells and disturb the organelles, which resulted in cellular inflammation and cell death, including autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis. Recently, several innovative technologies, like organoids have been applied in the risk assessment of QDs to promote the surgical interventions of preventing QDs' toxicity. This review not only aimed at updating the research progress on the biological effects of QDs from environmental fate to risk assessment, but also overcame the limitations of available reviews on basic toxicity of nanomaterials by interdisciplinarity and provided new insights for better applications of QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210009, PR China; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210009, PR China; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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10
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Yao Y, Zhang T, Tang M. The DNA damage potential of quantum dots: Toxicity, mechanism and challenge. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120676. [PMID: 36395913 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles (1-10 nm) with excellent optical and electrical properties. As QDs show great promise for applications in fields such as biomedicine, their biosafety is widely emphasized. Therefore, studies on the potential 'nanotoxicity' of QDs in genetic material are warranted. This review summarizes and discusses recent reports derived from different cell lines or animal models concerning the effects of QDs on genetic material. QDs could induce many types of genetic material damage, which subsequently triggers a series of cellular adverse outcomes, including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and senescence. However, the individual biological and ecological significance of the genotoxicity of QDs is not yet clear. In terms of mechanisms of genotoxicity, QDs can damage DNA either through their own nanomorphology or through the released metal ions. It also includes the reactive oxygen species generation, inflammation and failure of DNA damage repair. Notably, apoptosis may lead to false positive results in genotoxicity tests. Finally, given the different uses of QDs and the interference of the physicochemical properties of QDs on the test method, genotoxicity testing of QDs should be different from traditional toxic compounds, which requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongshuai Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Liao X, Liu Y, Zheng J, Zhao X, Cui L, Hu S, Xia T, Si S. Diverse Pathways of Engineered Nanoparticle-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3908. [PMID: 36364684 PMCID: PMC9656364 DOI: 10.3390/nano12213908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in biomedical applications, their biocompatibility and cytotoxicity need to be evaluated properly. Recently, it has been demonstrated that inflammasome activation may be a vital contributing factor for the development of biological responses induced by ENMs. Among the inflammasome family, NLRP3 inflammasome has received the most attention because it directly interacts with ENMs to cause the inflammatory effects. However, the pathways that link ENMs to NLRP3 inflammasome have not been thoroughly summarized. Thus, we reviewed recent findings on the role of major ENMs properties in modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, both in vitro and in vivo, to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In addition, the interactions between ENMs and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are summarized, which may advance our understanding of safer designs of nanomaterials and ENM-induced adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liao
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiarong Zheng
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Shen Hu
- School of Dentistry and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tian Xia
- Division of Nanomedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shanshan Si
- Department of Oral Emergency, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
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12
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Wei T, Zhang T, Tang M. An overview of quantum dots-induced immunotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119865. [PMID: 35944776 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) have bright luminescence and excellent photostability. New synthesis techniques and strategies also enhance QDs properties for specific applications. With the continuous expansion of the applications, QDs-mediated immunotoxicity has become a major concern. The immune system has been confirmed to be an important target organ of QDs and is sensitive to QDs. Herein, review immunotoxic effects caused by QDs and the underlying mechanisms. Firstly, QDs exposure-induced modulation in immune cell maturation and differentiation is summarized, especially pre-exposed dendritic cells (DCs) and their regulatory roles in adaptive immunity. Cytokines are usually recognized as biomarkers of immunotoxicity, therefore, variation of cytokines mediated by QDs is also highlighted. Moreover, the activation of the complement system induced by QDs is discussed. Accumulated results have suggested that QDs disrupt the immune response by regulating intracellular oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species) levels, autophagy formation, and expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, several signalling pathways play a key role in the disruption. Finally, some difficulties worthy of further consideration are proposed. Because there are still challenges in biomedical and clinical applications, this review hopes to provide information that could be useful in exploring the mechanisms associated with QD-induced immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Department of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Department of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Department of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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13
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Liang X, Wang X, Cheng J, Zhang X, Wu T. Ag 2Se quantum dots damage the nervous system of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:279-285. [PMID: 35670839 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03560-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Silver selenide quantum dots (Ag2Se QDs), as a novel type of QDs, are valuable in the biomedical application due to their low-toxic and excellent optical property in near infrared region, but the biosafety assessment of Ag2Se QDs is rare. In this study, the findings suggested that the accumulation of Ag2Se QDs in the body of nematodes decreased the lifespan and damaged normal neurobehaviors of Caenorhabditis elegan (C. elegans). Furthermore, Ag2Se QDs caused excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) productions and altered expressions of several genes associated with redox equilibrium, which might contribute to neurotoxic outcomes in nematode C. elegans. According to this study, it is necessary and important for researchers to pay attention to the biosafety assessment of presumed low-toxic nanomaterials, like Ag2Se QDs, especially on sensitively toxic targets, i.e. the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, School of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, P. R. China.
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14
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In vitro review of nanoparticles attacking macrophages: Interaction and cell death. Life Sci 2022; 307:120840. [PMID: 35905812 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the wide application of nanoparticles (NPs) inevitably leads to environmental pollution and human exposure, and its safety has attracted more and more attention. Since macrophages are the cells most directly exposed to multi-pathway invading NPs in the body, it is necessary to assess of toxic effects of NPs in macrophages, clarify the potential mechanisms of NPs toxicity to improve our understanding about the interaction of NPs with macrophages in vivo, and avoid body damage. Currently, studies on the toxicity of NPs to macrophages are rare and mainly focused on in vitro, so this paper integrated the toxic effect of macrophages exposed to NPs and the macrophages cellular changes following the interaction with NPs, including NPs internalization, ROS production, cytokines alterations, DNA damage and cell death, and further explored the involved mechanisms. This review aims to provide some insights into the further toxicological studies of NPs.
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15
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Mahmoud ME, Abouelanwar ME, Mahmoud SELME, Abdel Salam M. Adsorption behavior of silver quantum dots by a novel super magnetic CoFe 2O 4-biochar-polymeric nanocomposite. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 606:1597-1608. [PMID: 34500161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.08.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent industrial development and research progress in nanotechnology have led to the release of a number of nanomaterials with particle sizes (1-10 nm) which are categorized as quantum dots (QDs) in aquatic system. Disposal away of such QDs will cause potential pollution to the environment. Therefore, removal of disposed QDs from wastewater represents a challenging research subject for scientists and engineers. Hence, the objective of this study is devoted to assess the process of coagulative removal of silver quantum dots (Ag-QDs), as an example, from water by a novel super magnetic nanocomposite. Such material was aimed to prepare from the chemical combination and reaction of a generated Citrus sinensis and Citrus reticulata peels biochar (SMCsr-B) with spinel cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) as a super-magnetic source. The produced (SMCsr-B) was then crosslinked with polyurea-formaldehyde polymer (PUF) using EDA in only two minutes via microwave irradiation to produce (SMCsr-B/PUF). The SEM, EDX, FT-IR, XRD, and XPS analyses of the assembled (SMCsr-B/PUF) nanocomposite were acquired to confirm surface morphology and chemical structure. Controlling experimental factors were investigated as pH, time, and Ag-QDs pollutant concentration using microwave irradiative removal technique to establish the efficiency of coagulative adsorption of Ag-QDs onto (SMCsr-B/PUF). The solution (pH 5) was proved to exhibit the higher removal percentages of Ag-QDs in 15-25 s. SMCsr-B/PUF nanocomposite exhibited high removal efficiency as 93.12%, 92.39% and 92.48% upon using 20, 40 and 60 mg L-1 of Ag-QDs, respectively in presence of 10 mM NaCl. The kinetic and equilibrium adsorption data were best fitted to Freundlich model. The prepared SMCsr-B/PUF was successfully utilized as an efficient super magnetic nanocomposite for removal and recovery of Ag-QDs from aqueous environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E Mahmoud
- Faculty of Sciences, Chemistry Department, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria 21321, Egypt.
| | - Magda E Abouelanwar
- Faculty of Sciences, Chemistry Department, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria 21321, Egypt
| | - Safe ELdeen M E Mahmoud
- Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdel Salam
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O Box 80200, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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16
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Liu N, Liang Y, Wei T, Zou L, Bai C, Huang X, Wu T, Xue Y, Tang M, Zhang T. Protein corona mitigated the cytotoxicity of CdTe QDs to macrophages by targeting mitochondria. NANOIMPACT 2022; 25:100367. [PMID: 35559897 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the potential of cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) in bioimaging and drug delivery, their toxic effects have been documented. It is known that the immunotoxicity of CdTe QDs targeting macrophages is one of their adverse effects, and the protein corona (PC) will affect the biological effects of QDs. In order to prove whether the PC-CdTe QDs complexes could alleviate the toxicity of CdTe QDs without weakening their luminescence, we investigated the impact of protein corona formed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) on the cytotoxicity of CdTe QDs to mitochondria. RAW264.7 cells were used as the model to compare the effects of CdTe QDs and PC-CdTe QDs complexes on the structure, function, quantity, morphology, and mitochondrial quality control of mitochondria. As result, the protein corona form in FBS alleviated the inhibition of CdTe QDs on mitochondrial activity, the damage to mitochondrial membrane, the increase of ROS, and the reduction of ATP content. Also, CdTe QDs increased the number of mitochondria in macrophages, while the complexes did not. In line with this, the morphology of mitochondrial network in macrophages which were exposed to CdTe QDs and PC-CdTe QDs complexes was different. CdTe QDs transformed the network into fragments, punctuations, and short rods, while PC-CdTe QDs complexes made the mitochondrial network highly branched, which was related to the imbalance of mitochondrial fission and fusion. Mechanically, CdTe QDs facilitated mitochondrial fission and inhibited mitochondrial fusion, while protein corona reversed the phenomenon caused by QDs. Besides mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy were also affected. CdTe QDs increased the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis signaling molecules including PGC-1α, NRF-1 and TFAM, while PC-CdTe QDs complexes played the opposite role. With regard to mitophagy, they both showed promoting effect. In conclusion, the formation of protein corona alleviated the toxic effects of CdTe QDs on the mitochondria in macrophages and affected mitochondrial quality control. Under the premise of ensuring the fluorescence properties of CdTe QDs, these findings provided useful insight into reducing the toxicity of CdTe QDs from two perspectives: protein corona and mitochondria, and shared valuable information for the safe use of QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ying Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Tingting Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Lingyue Zou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Changcun Bai
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaoquan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yuying Xue
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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17
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Pang Y, Wu D, Ma Y, Cao Y, Liu Q, Tang M, Pu Y, Zhang T. Reactive oxygen species trigger NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation involvement in low-dose CdTe QDs exposure-induced hepatotoxicity. Redox Biol 2021; 47:102157. [PMID: 34614473 PMCID: PMC8489155 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots (QDs) can be employed as imaging and drug delivery tools; however, the toxic effects and mechanisms of low-dose exposure are unclear. Therefore, this pioneering study focused on hepatic macrophages (Kupffer cells, KCs) and explored the potential damage process induced by exposure to low-dose CdTe QDs. In vivo results showed that both 2.5 μM/kg·bw and 10 μM/kg·bw could both activate KCs to cause liver injury, and produce inflammation by disturbing antioxidant levels. Abnormal liver function further verified the risks of low-dose exposure to CdTe QDs. The KC model demonstrated that low-dose CdTe QDs (0 nM, 5 nM and 50 nM) can be absorbed by cells and cause severe reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Additionally, the expression of NF-κB, caspase-1, and NLRP3 were decreased after pretreatment with ROS scavenging agent N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mM pretreated for 2 h) and the NF-κB nuclear translocation inhibitor Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ, 10 μg/mL pretreatment for 4 h) respectively. The results indicate that the activation of the NF-κB pathway by ROS not only directly promotes the expression of inflammatory factors such as pro-IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, but also mediates the assembly of NLRP3 by ROS activation of NF-κB pathway, which indirectly promotes the expression of NLRP3. Finally, a high-degree of overlap between the expression of the NF-κB and NLRP3 and the activated regions of KCs, further support the importance of KCs in inflammation induced by low-dose CdTe QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Pang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Daming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuna Cao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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18
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Huang X, Tang M. Review of gut nanotoxicology in mammals: Exposure, transformation, distribution and toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 773:145078. [PMID: 33940715 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials are increasingly used in food processing, daily necessities and other fields due to their excellent properties, and increase the environmental contamination. Human beings will inevitably come into contact with these nanomaterials through multiple exposure routes especially oral exposure. The intestine is an important organ for nutrient absorption and physiologic barrier, which may be the main target of nanoparticles (NPs) exposure. However, for a long time, research on the toxicity of NPs has mainly focused on organs such as liver, kidney and brain. There are few assessment data over the intestinal safety. Recently, as reported, NPs can be translocated to the intestinal part in mammals and would be distributed in different substructures of intestines, thus causing damage to the structure and function of the intestine, in which the gut microbiota and its metabolites play important roles. In addition, due to the special physiological environment of gut, nanomaterials will undergo complex transformations that may cause different biological effects from their original form. Therefore, this review aims to assess the potential adverse effects of NPs on intestine and its possible mechanisms through the results of in vivo mammalian experiments. In addition, the exposure pathway, biodistribution and biotransformation of NPs in the intestine are also considered. We hope this review will arouse people's attention to the intestinal nanotoxicology and provide basic information for further related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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19
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Wang Z, Tang M. The cytotoxicity of core-shell or non-shell structure quantum dots and reflection on environmental friendly: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110593. [PMID: 33352186 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots are widely applicated into bioindustry and research owing to its superior properties such as broad excitation spectra, narrow bandwidth emission spectra and high resistance to photo-bleaching. However, the toxicity of quantum dots should not be underestimated and aroused widespread concern. The surface properties and size of quantum dots are critical relevant properties on toxicity. Then, the core/shell structure becomes one common way to affect the activity of quantum dots such as enhance biocompatibility and stability. Except those toxicity it induced, the problem it brought into the environment such as the degradation of quantum dot similarly becomes a hot issue. This review initially took a brief scan of current research on the cytotoxicity of QDs and the mechanism behind that over the past five years. Mainly discussion concentrated on the diversity of structure on quantum dots whether played a key role on the cytotoxicty of quantum dots. It also discussed the role of different shells with metal or nonmetal cores and the influence on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Yang L, Han X, Xing F, Wu H, Shi H, Huang F, Xu Q, Wu X. Total flavonoids of astragalus attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing the activation and inflammatory responses of microglia via JNK/AKT/NFκB signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 80:153385. [PMID: 33091854 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is one of the most prominent characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic demyelination disease. As one of the main active ingredients in Astragali radix, total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) has multiple pharmacological effects such as immunomodulation, anti-inflammation and and anti-tumor. However, little is known about whether TFA could inhibit microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in MS. PURPOSE This study was aimed to elucidate whether TFA could inhibit microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in MS. STUDY DESIGN In the present study, we explored the protective effect of TFA on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, in mice for the first time, and discussed its mechanism from the aspect of anti-microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. METHODS The mice received oral administration of TFA (25 and 50 mg/kg) daily from two days before immunization and continued until day 21 post-immunization. The effect of TFA on EAE in mice and its mechanism were investigated by ELISA, Western blot, real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS TFA were shown to alleviate the severity of EAE in mice. It inhibited the excessive activation of microglia both in spinal cords of EAE mice and in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells, evidenced by weakening the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β markedly at either protein or mRNA level. Further study demonstrated that TFA repressed the phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of NFκB, and inhibited the activation of AKT and JNK signaling in BV-2 cells induced by LPS. The agonists of AKT and JNK, anisomycin and SC79, could partly abolish the inhibitory effect of TFA on the production of inflammatory mediators in BV-2 cells induced by LPS. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results clarified that TFA inhibited microglia-mediated inflammation in EAE mice probably through deactivating JNK/AKT/NFκB signaling pathways. The novel findings may lay a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of TFA in the treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xinyan Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Faping Xing
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hailian Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qi Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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21
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Liang X, Wu T, Tang M. Microarray analysis of gene expression differences in microglia after exposure to graphene quantum dots. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141385. [PMID: 32818856 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been broadly applied in biomedicine in recent years. So far, researches have reported that GQDs might contribute to the injury of the central nervous system (CNS), yet the latent toxicological mechanism is not clear. This study aims to investigate the underlying biological mechanism responsible for the neurotoxicity of nitrogen-doped GQDs (N-GQDs) and amino-functionalized GQDs (A-GQDs) by use of genome-wide transcription microarray. The findings showed that 174 and 1341 genes were altered significantly in the BV2 cells treated by 25 μg/mL N-GQDs and 100 μg/mL N-GQDs compared with the control, respectively. As for the BV2 cells exposed to 100 μg/mL A-GQDs, 1396 diversely expressed genes were detected. By comparing the 100 μg/mL N-GQDs exposed group with 100 μg/mL A-GQDs exposed group, the expression of 256 genes was extensively altered, including 58 upregulated genes and 198 downregulated genes. From Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, the altered genes were mainly enriched in functions of ion channel activation and cellular processes. Based on the KEGG pathway and signal-net analysis, the toxicity of GQDs in BV2 cells was closely related to calcium signaling pathway, cell cycle and endocytosis. And the pathways that the shared mRNAs involved all served as the crucial roles in the neurotoxicity of GQDs despite the chemical functionalization (N-GQDs or A-GQDs). In addition, the consequences from qRT-PCR, Western blot, intracellular calcium level measurements and comet assay further confirmed that calcium dyshomeostasis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest were the key factors responsible for the GQDs-induced neurotoxicity through affecting several classical signaling pathways. In conclusion, our research will supply essential data for further studies on mechanisms of GQDs-induced neurotoxicity by use of genome-wide screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China.
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China.
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22
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Liu N, Tang M. Toxicity of different types of quantum dots to mammalian cells in vitro: An update review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 399:122606. [PMID: 32516645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are a great quantity type of quantum dots (QDs) that has been developed by researchers. Depending on the core material, they can be roughly divided into cadmium, silver, indium, carbon and silicon QDs. And studies on the toxicity of QDs are also increasing rapidly, but in vivo tests in model animals fail to reach a consistent conclusion. Therefore, we review the literatures dealing with the cytotoxicity of QDs in mammalian cells in vitro. After a short summary of the application characteristics of five types of QDs, the fate of QDs in cells will be discussed, ranging from the uptake, transportation, sublocation and excretion. A substantial part of the review will be focused on in vitro toxicity, in which the type of QDs is combined with their adverse effect and toxic mechanism. Because of their different luminescent properties, different subcellular fate, and different degree of cytotoxicity, we provide an overview on the balance of optical stability and biocompatibility of QDs and give a short outlook on future direction of cytotoxicology of QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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23
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García DA, Mendoza L, Vizuete K, Debut A, Arias MT, Gavilanes A, Terencio T, Ávila E, Jeffryes C, Dahoumane SA. Sugar-Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Selenide Semiconductor Nanocrystals under Ultrasound Irradiation. Molecules 2020; 25:E5193. [PMID: 33171592 PMCID: PMC7664687 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Silver selenide (Ag2Se) is a promising nanomaterial due to its outstanding optoelectronic properties and countless bio-applications. To the best of our knowledge, we report, for the first time, a simple and easy method for the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of Ag2Se nanoparticles (NPs) by mixing aqueous solutions of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and selenous acid (H2SeO3) that act as Ag and Se sources, respectively, in the presence of dissolved fructose and starch that act as reducing and stabilizing agents, respectively. The concentrations of mono- and polysaccharides were screened to determine their effect on the size, shape and colloidal stability of the as-synthesized Ag2Se NPs which, in turn, impact the optical properties of these NPs. The morphology of the as-synthesized Ag2Se NPs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and both α- and β-phases of Ag2Se were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The optical properties of Ag2Se were studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy and its elemental composition was determined non-destructively using scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The biological activity of the Ag2Se NPs was assessed using cytotoxic and bactericidal approaches. Our findings pave the way to the cost-effective, fast and scalable production of valuable Ag2Se NPs that may be utilized in numerous fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Armijo García
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech, San Miguel de Urcuquí 100650, Ecuador;
| | - Lupe Mendoza
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech, San Miguel de Urcuquí 100650, Ecuador;
| | - Karla Vizuete
- Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador; (K.V.); (A.D.); (M.T.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexis Debut
- Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador; (K.V.); (A.D.); (M.T.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Marbel Torres Arias
- Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador; (K.V.); (A.D.); (M.T.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Alex Gavilanes
- Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador; (K.V.); (A.D.); (M.T.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Thibault Terencio
- School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech, San Miguel de Urcuquí 100650, Ecuador; (T.T.); (E.Á.)
| | - Edward Ávila
- School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech, San Miguel de Urcuquí 100650, Ecuador; (T.T.); (E.Á.)
| | - Clayton Jeffryes
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality & The Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA;
| | - Si Amar Dahoumane
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech, San Miguel de Urcuquí 100650, Ecuador;
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24
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Huang X, Tang M. Research advance on cell imaging and cytotoxicity of different types of quantum Dots. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 41:342-361. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.4083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health Southeast University Nanjing P.R. China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education; School of Public Health Southeast University Nanjing P.R. China
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Glibenclamide attenuates 2,5-hexanedione-induced neurotoxicity in the spinal cord of rats through mitigation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Toxicol Lett 2020; 331:152-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Al Mamun A, Akter A, Hossain S, Sarker T, Safa SA, Mustafa QG, Muhammad SA, Munir F. Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in liver disease. J Dig Dis 2020; 21:430-436. [PMID: 32585073 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inflammasomes have become an important natural sensor of host immunity, and can protect various organs against pathogenic infections, metabolic syndromes, cellular stress and cancer metastasis. Inflammasomes are intracellular multi-protein complexes found in both parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, stimulating the initiation of caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in response to cell danger signals. Inflammasomes induce cell death mechanisms. The potential role of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis, nanoparticle-induced liver injury and other liver diseases has recently attracted widespread attention from clinicians and researchers. In this review we summarize the role played by the NLRP3 inflammasome in molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms in the pathogenesis and progression of liver disease. This article aims to establish that targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and other inflammasome components may make a significant therapeutic approach to the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Afroza Akter
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Sukria Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tamanna Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Quazi G Mustafa
- School of International Studies, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Syed A Muhammad
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahaudin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Munir
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Wu T, Liang X, He K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Kong L, Tang M. The NLRP3-Mediated Neuroinflammatory Responses to CdTe Quantum Dots and the Protection of ZnS Shell. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:3217-3233. [PMID: 32440120 PMCID: PMC7212783 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s246578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are still widely considered as advanced fluorescent probes because of their far superior optical performance and fluorescence efficiency over non-cadmium QDs, it is important to find ways to control their toxicity. Methods In this study, the adverse effects of two cadmium-containing QDs, ie, CdTe QDs and CdTe@ZnS QDs, on the nervous system of nematode C. elegans, the hippocampus of mice, and cultured microglia were measured in order to evaluate the neuroinflammation caused by cadmium-containing QDs and the potential mechanisms. Results Firstly, we observed that cadmium-containing QD exposure-induced immune responses and neurobehavioral deficit in nematode C. elegans. In the mice treated with QDs, neuroinflammatory responses to QDs in the hippocampus, including microglial activation and IL-1ß release, occurred as well. When investigating the mechanisms of cadmium-containing QDs causing IL-1ß-mediated inflammation, the findings suggested that cadmium-containing QDs activated the NLRP3 inflammasome by causing excessive ROS generation, and resulted in IL-1ß release. Discussion Even though the milder immune responses and neurotoxicity of CdTe@ZnS QDs compared with CdTe QDs indicated the protective role of ZnS coating, the inhibitions of NLRP3 expression and ROS production completely reduced the IL-1ß-mediated inflammation. This provided valuable information that inhibiting target molecules is an effective and efficient way to alleviate the toxicity of cadmium-containing QDs, so it is important to evaluate QDs through a mechanism-based risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Keyu He
- Blood Transfusion Department, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yutong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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