Telomere length and genotoxicity in the lung of rats following intragastric exposure to food-grade titanium dioxide and vegetable carbon particles

Multi-element analysis of food dyes and assessment of consumer's health

The present study assessed metallic contaminants levels in food colourings using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 51 samples of food dyes marketed in Algeria. The analysed samples were contaminated with lead (0.77 ± 0.034), arsenic (0.008 ± 0.006), cadmium (0.102 ± 0.047), cobalt (0.017 ± 0.008), copper (0.025 ± 0.011), chromium (0.820 ± 0.051), and nickel (0.022 ± 0.009) µg g-1. Mercury constituted a minor contaminant (<0.001 to 0.002 µg g-1). Turmeric and saffron were the most contaminated with Pb, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, and Ni (p < 0.05). Health risk assessment revealed that infant population presents adverse non-carcinogenic effects (THQ = 4.25) and carcinogenic risk (HI = 4.65) linked to the consumption of food dyes contaminated with Cr.

Genotoxicity evaluation of food additive titanium dioxide using a battery of standard in vivo tests

The increasing use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) has raised concern about the safety of food additive TiO2. TiO2 has been considered no longer safe by EFSA due to concerns over genotoxicity, however, there are conflicting opinions upon the safety of TiO2 as a food additive, and the number of in vivo genotoxicity studies conducted on food additive TiO2 was limited. In order to investigate the potential genotoxicity of food additive TiO2, we evaluated the genotoxicity of a commercial food additive TiO2 (average size of 135.54 ± 41.01 nm, range from 60.83 to 230.16 nm, NPs account for 30% by number) using a battery of standard in vivo tests, including mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test, mammalian bone marrow chromosomal aberration test and in vivo mammalian alkaline comet test. After 15 days of consecutive intragastric administration at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kgBW, food additive TiO2 neither increased the frequencies of bone marrow micronuclei or chromosomal aberration in mice, nor induced DNA strand breakage in rat liver cells. These results indicate that under the condition of this study, food additive TiO2 does not have genotoxic potential although it contains a fraction of NPs.

Validating Enteroid-Derived Monolayers from Murine Gut Organoids for Toxicological Testing of Inorganic Particles: Proof-of-Concept with Food-Grade Titanium Dioxide

Human exposure to foodborne inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) is a growing concern. However, identifying potential hazards linked to NP ingestion often requires long-term exposure in animals. Owing these constraints, intestinal organoids are a promising alternative to in vivo experiments; as such, an in vitro approach should enable a rapid and reliable assessment of the effects of ingested chemicals on the gut. However, this remains to be validated for inorganic substances. In our study, a transcriptomic analysis and immunofluorescence staining were performed to compare the effects of food-grade TiO2 (fg-TiO2) on enteroid-derived monolayers (EDMs) from murine intestinal organoids to the known impacts of TiO2 on intestinal epithelium. After their ability to respond to a pro-inflammatory cytokine cocktail was validated, EDMs were exposed to 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 µg fg-TiO2/mL for 24 h. A dose-related increase of the muc2, vilin 1, and chromogranin A gene markers of cell differentiation was observed. In addition, fg-TiO2 induced apoptosis and dose-dependent genotoxicity, while a decreased expression of genes encoding for antimicrobial peptides, and of genes related to tight junction function, was observed. These results validated the use of EDMs as a reliable model for the toxicity testing of foodborne NPs likely to affect the intestinal barrier.

Gastrointestinal tract exposure to particles and DNA damage in animals: A review of studies before, during and after the peak of nanotoxicology

Humans ingest particles and fibers on daily basis. Non-digestible carbohydrates are beneficial to health and food additives are considered safe. However, titanium dioxide (E171) has been banned in the European Union because the European Food Safety Authority no longer considers it non-genotoxic. Ingestion of microplastics and nanoplastics are novel exposures; their potential hazardous effects to humans have been under the radar for many years. In this review, we have assessed the association between oral exposure to man-made particles/fibers and genotoxicity in gastrointestinal tract cells and secondary tissues. We identified a total of 137 studies on oral exposure to particles and fibers. This was reduced to 49 papers with sufficient quality and relevance, including exposures to asbestos, diesel exhaust particles, titanium dioxide, silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide, synthetic amorphous silica and certain other nanomaterials. Nineteen studies show positive results, 25 studies show null results, and 5 papers show equivocal results on genotoxicity. Recent studies seem to show null effects, whereas there is a higher proportion of positive genotoxicity results in early studies. Genotoxic effects seem to cluster in studies on diesel exhaust particles and titanium dioxide, whereas studies on silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide and synthetic amorphous silica seem to show mainly null effects. The most widely used genotoxic tests are the alkaline comet assay and micronucleus assay. There are relatively few results on genotoxicity using reliable measurements of oxidatively damaged DNA, DNA double strand breaks (γH2AX assay) and mutations. In general, evidence suggest that oral exposure to particles and fibers is associated with genotoxicity in animals.

Nanoplastics from ground polyethylene terephthalate food containers: Genotoxicity in human lung epithelial A549 cells

The ubiquitous pollution of plastic particles in most environmental matrices leads to concern about any potential adverse effects on human health. Most studies on the toxicological effect of nanoplastics has focused on standard particles of polystyrene. In reality humans are exposed to a large variety of different types and sizes of plastic material via oral intake and inhalation. In this study, we investigated the effect of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastic particles from ground food containers from a supermarket. The aim was to investigate a possible link between exposure to PET nanoplastics and genotoxic response in a cell model of the human airway epithelial (A549) cells. Further, we investigated the combined effect of PET and chemicals known to alter the cellular redox state, as a model of partially compromised antioxidant defense system. DNA damage was assessed by the alkaline comet assay. The ground PET nanoplastics have a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 136 nm in water. The results showed that PET exposure led to increased reactive oxygen species production (approximately 30 % increase compared to unexposed cells). In addition, exposure to PET nanoplastic increased the level of DNA strand breaks (net increase = 0.10 lesions/106 base pair, 95 % confidence interval: 0.01, 0.18 lesions/106 base pair). Pre- or post-exposure to hydrogen peroxide or buthionine sulfoximine did not lead to a higher level of DNA damage. Overall, the study shows that exposure to PET nanoplastics increases both intracellular reactive oxygen production and DNA damage in A549 cells.

Dysregulation along the gut microbiota-immune system axis after oral exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles: A possible environmental factor promoting obesity-related metabolic disorders

Food additives are one major hallmark of ultra-processed food in the Western-diet, a food habit often associated with metabolic disorders. Among these additives, the whitener and opacifying agent titanium dioxide (TiO₂) raises public health issues due to the ability of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) to cross biological barriers and accumulate in different systemic organs like spleen, liver and pancreas. However before their systemic passage, the biocidal properties of TiO₂ NPs may alter the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, which play a crucial role for the development and maintenance of immune functions. Once absorbed, TiO₂ NPs may further interact with immune intestinal cells involved in gut microbiota regulation. Since obesity-related metabolic diseases such as diabetes are associated with alterations in the microbiota-immune system axis, this raises questions about the possible involvement of long-term exposure to food-grade TiO₂ in the development or worsening of these diseases. The current purpose is to review the dysregulations along the gut microbiota-immune system axis after oral TiO₂ exposure compared to those reported in obese or diabetic patients, and to highlight potential mechanisms by which foodborne TiO₂ NPs may increase the susceptibility to develop obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Food Packaging and Their Influence on Human Health

It is a matter of common knowledge in the literature that engineered metal oxide nanoparticles have properties that are efficient for the design of innovative food/beverage packages. Although nanopackages have many benefits, there are circumstances when these materials are able to release nanoparticles into the food/beverage matrix. Once dispersed into food, engineered metal oxide nanoparticles travel through the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently enter human cells, where they display various behaviors influencing human health or wellbeing. This review article provides an insight into the antimicrobial mechanisms of metal oxide nanoparticles as essential for their benefits in food/beverage packaging and provides a discussion on the oral route of these nanoparticles from nanopackages to the human body. This contribution also highlights the potential toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles for human health. The fact that only a small number of studies address the issue of food packaging based on engineered metal oxide nanoparticles should be particularly noted.

Adverse Outcome Pathways Associated with the Ingestion of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles-A Systematic Review

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) are widely used, and humans are exposed through food (E171), cosmetics (e.g., toothpaste), and pharmaceuticals. The oral and gastrointestinal (GIT) tract are the first contact sites, but it may be systemically distributed. However, a robust adverse outcome pathway (AOP) has not been developed upon GIT exposure to TiO₂-NPs. The aim of this review was to provide an integrative analysis of the published data on cellular and molecular mechanisms triggered after the ingestion of TiO₂-NPs, proposing plausible AOPs that may drive policy decisions. A systematic review according to Prisma Methodology was performed in three databases of peer-reviewed literature: Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 787 records were identified, screened in title/abstract, being 185 used for data extraction. The main endpoints identified were oxidative stress, cytotoxicity/apoptosis/cell death, inflammation, cellular and systemic uptake, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. From the results, AOPs were proposed where colorectal cancer, liver injury, reproductive toxicity, cardiac and kidney damage, as well as hematological effects stand out as possible adverse outcomes. The recent transgenerational studies also point to concerns with regard to population effects. Overall, the findings further support a limitation of the use of TiO₂-NPs in food, announced by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Genotoxicity of Particles From Grinded Plastic Items in Caco-2 and HepG2 Cells

Large plastic litters degrade in the environment to micro- and nanoplastics, which may then enter the food chain and lead to human exposure by ingestion. The present study explored ways to obtain nanoplastic particles from real-life food containers. The first set of experiments gave rise to polypropylene nanoplastic suspensions with a hydrodynamic particle size range between 100 and 600 nm, whereas the same grinding process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) produced suspensions of particles with a primary size between 100 and 300 nm. The exposure did not cause cytotoxicity measured by the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and water soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) assays in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells. Nanoplastics of transparent PET food containers produced a modest concentration-dependent increase in DNA strand breaks, measured by the alkaline comet assay [net induction of 0.28 lesions/10⁶ bp at the highest concentration (95% CI: 0.04; 0.51 lesions/10⁶ base pair)]. The exposure to nanoplastics from transparent polypropylene food containers was also positively associated with DNA strand breaks [i.e., net induction of 0.10 lesions/10⁶ base pair (95% CI: −0.04; 0.23 lesions/10⁶ base pair)] at the highest concentration. Nanoplastics from grinding of black colored PET food containers demonstrated no effect on HepG2 and Caco-2 cells in terms of cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species production or changes in cell cycle distribution. The net induction of DNA strand breaks was 0.43 lesions/10⁶ bp (95% CI: 0.09; 0.78 lesions/10⁶ bp) at the highest concentration of nanoplastics from black PET food containers. Collectively, the results indicate that exposure to nanoplastics from real-life consumer products can cause genotoxicity in cell cultures.

Estimation of Titanium Dioxide Intake by Diet and Stool Assessment among US Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND

Titanium dioxide (TiO2/E171) is used in foods primarily as a whitening agent. Little is known regarding TiO2 exposure in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify stool TiO2 content among US adults and evaluate its association with estimated intake.

METHODS

Adults participated in phase 1 [three 24-h dietary recalls (DRs) and stool TiO2 measured from 3 matched samples (n = 52)] and/or phase 2 [tailored FFQ and stool TiO2 measured from 3 samples over 3 mo (n = 61)]. TiO2 in foods was estimated from a database, and concentration in 49 additional foods and 339 stool samples were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Associations between dietary and stool TiO2 were assessed by log-linear multivariable regression. USDA food groups (n = 49, servings/d) were related to stool TiO2 by stepwise regression.

RESULTS

TiO2 food content varied by brand. Mean TiO2 intake from three 24-h DRs [0.19 ± 0.31 mg/(kg body weight · d)] was lower than from the FFQ [0.30 ± 0.21 mg/(kg body weight · d)]. Dietary TiO2 was not predictive of stool TiO2, in phase 1 or phase 2, 10^(β) per 10 times higher dietary TiO2: 1.138 [10^(95% CI): 0.635, 2.037, P = 0.66] and 0.628 [10^(95% CI): 0.206, 1.910, P = 0.41], respectively. Food groups related to stool TiO2 were 1) milk desserts, sauces, and gravies [10^(β) per servings/d: 3.361; 10^(95% CI): 0.312, 36.163; P = 0.002] and 2) yeast breads [10^(β): 1.430; 10^(95% CI): 0.709, 2.884; P = 0.002] in phase 1 and 1) cream and cream substitutes [10^(β) = 10.925; 10^(95% CI): 1.952, 61.137; P = 0.01] and 2) milk and milk drinks [10^(β) = 0.306; 10^(95% CI): 0.086, 1.092, P = 0.07] in phase 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Intake of certain foods was associated with higher stool TiO2 content. There is a need for valid estimation of TiO2 intakes via the improvement of a dietary assessment method and a TiO2 food composition database. Future research should assess whether high stool TiO2 content is related to adverse health outcomes.

Intestinal Microecology of Mice Exposed to TiO2 Nanoparticles and Bisphenol A

Exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) and bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous, especially through dietary and other environmental pathways. In the present study, adult C57BL/6J mice were exposed to TiO₂ NPs (100 mg/kg), BPA (0, 5, and 50 mg/kg), or their binary mixtures for 13 weeks. The 16S rDNA amplification sequence analysis revealed that co-exposure to TiO₂ NPs and BPA altered the intestinal microbiota; however, this alteration was mainly caused by TiO₂ NPs. Faecal metabolomics analysis revealed that 28 metabolites and 3 metabolic pathways were altered in the co-exposed group. This study is the first to reveal the combined effects of TiO₂ NPs and BPA on the mammalian gut microbial community and metabolism dynamics, which is of great value to human health. The coexistence of TiO₂ NPs and BPA in the gut poses a potential health risk due to their interaction with the gut microbiota.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Induce Fibrosis and Telomere Length Alterations

Telomere shortening can result in cellular senescence and in increased level of genome instability, which are key events in numerous of cancer types. Despite this, few studies have focused on the effect of nanomaterial exposure on telomere length as a possible mechanism involved in nanomaterial-induced carcinogenesis. In this study, effects of exposure to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on telomere length were investigated in mice exposed by intrapleural injection, as well as in human lung epithelial and mesothelial cell lines. In addition, cell cycle, apoptosis, and regulation of genes involved in DNA damage repair were assessed. Exposure to MWCNT led to severe fibrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells in pleura, and mesothelial cell hyperplasia. These histological alterations were accompanied by deregulation of genes involved in fibrosis and immune cell recruitment, as well as a significant shortening of telomeres in the pleura and the lung. Assessment of key carcinogenic mechanisms in vitro confirmed that long-term exposure to the long MWCNT led to a prominent telomere shortening in epithelial cells, which coincided with G1-phase arrest and enhanced apoptosis. Altogether, our data show that telomere shortening resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis may be an important mechanism in long MWCNT-induced inflammation and fibrosis.

Investigation of the genotoxicity of digested titanium dioxide nanomaterials in human intestinal cells

The widespread use of titanium dioxide nanomaterials (TiO₂ NMs) in food and consumer products such as toothpaste or food contact materials, suggests the relevance of human oral exposure to these nanomaterials (NMs) and raises the possibility of adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). We previously showed that the in vitro digestion of TiO₂ NMs may increase their toxicity in intestinal cells. In this work, we analyzed the genotoxicity and the intracellular reactive oxygen species induction by physiologically relevant concentrations of three different TiO₂ NMs (NM-102, NM-103 and NM-105) in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 intestinal cells, while considering the potential influence of the digestion process in the NMs' physiochemical characteristics. The results evidenced a DNA-damaging effect dependent on the NM, more relevant for the rutile/anatase NM-105, possibly due to its lower hydrodynamic size in the cells medium. In addition, the results of the micronucleus assay suggest effects on chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk, in the HT29-MTX-E12 cells, for all the tested TiO₂ NMs, especially after the in vitro digestion. This work supports the evidence for concerns on the use of TiO₂ NMs as a food additive, recently reported by EFSA, and for their use in applications in consumer products that may drive human exposure through ingestion.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity of Ingested Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials

An exponential increase in products containing titanium dioxide nanomaterials (TiO2), in agriculture, food and feed industry, lead to increased oral exposure to these nanomaterials (NMs). Thus, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) emerges as a possible route of exposure that may drive systemic exposure, if the intestinal barrier is surpassed. NMs have been suggested to produce adverse outcomes, such as genotoxic effects, that are associated with increased risk of cancer, leading to a concern for public health. However, to date, the differences in the physicochemical characteristics of the NMs studied and other variables in the test systems have generated contradictory results in the literature. Processes like human digestion may change the NMs characteristics, inducing unexpected toxic effects in the intestine. Using TiO2 as case-study, this chapter provides a review of the works addressing the interactions of NMs with biological systems in the context of intestinal tract and digestion processes, at cellular and molecular level. The knowledge gaps identified suggest that the incorporation of a simulated digestion process for in vitro studies has the potential to improve the model for elucidating key events elicited by these NMs, advancing the nanosafety studies towards the development of an adverse outcome pathway for intestinal effects.

Advances in genotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in vivo and in vitro

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are currently one of the most widely used nanomaterials. Due to an increasing scope of applications, the exposure of humans to TiO₂ NP is inevitable, such as entering the body through the mouth with food additives or drugs, invading the damaged skin with cosmetics, and entering the body through the respiratory tract during the process of production and handling. Compared with TiO₂ coarse particles, TiO₂ NPs have stronger conductivity, reaction activity, photocatalysis, and permeability, which may lead to greater toxicity to organisms. Given that TiO₂ was classified as a category 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans), the genotoxicity of TiO₂ NPs has become the focus of attention. There have been a series of previous studies investigating the potential genotoxicity of TiO₂ NPs, but the existing research results are still controversial and difficult to conclude. More than half of studies have shown that TiO₂ NPs can cause genotoxicity, suggesting that TiO₂ NPs are likely to be genotoxic to humans. And the genotoxicity of TiO₂ NPs is closely related to the exposure concentration, mode and time, and experimental cells/animals as well as its physicochemical properties (crystal type, size, and shape). This review summarized the latest research progress of related genotoxic effects through in vivo studies and in vitro cell tests, hoping to provide ideas for the evaluation of TiO₂ NPs genotoxicity.

Engineered nanomaterials induce alterations in biological barriers: focus on paracellular permeability

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are widely used in medical diagnosis and treatment, as food additives and as energy materials. ENPs may exert adverse or beneficial effects on the human body, which may be linked to interactions with biological barriers. In this review, the authors summarize the influences of four typical metal/metal oxide nanomaterials (Ag, TiO₂, Au, ZnO nanoparticles) on the paracellular permeability of biological barriers. Disruptions on tight junctions, adhesion junctions, gap junctions and desmosomes via complex signaling pathways, such as the MAPK, PKC and ROCK signaling pathways, affect paracellular permeability. Reactive oxygen species and cytokines underlie the mechanism of ENP-triggered alterations in paracellular permeability. This review provides the information necessary for the cautious application of nanoparticles in medicine and life sciences in the future.

Titanium dioxide particles from the diet: involvement in the genesis of inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer

The gastrointestinal tract is a complex interface between the external environment and the immune system. Its ability to control uptake across the mucosa and to protect the body from damage of harmful substances from the lumen is defined as the intestinal barrier function (IBF). The IBF involves four elements: the intestinal microbiota, the mucus layer, the epithelium and the immune system. Its dysfunction is linked with human diseases including inflammatory, metabolic, infectious, autoimmune and neurologic disorders. Most of these diseases are complex and involve genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Over the past 10 years, many genetic polymorphisms predisposing to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been identified. Yet, it is now clear that they are insufficient to explain the onset of these chronic diseases. Although it has been evidenced that some environmental factors such as cigarette smoking or carbohydrate intake are associated with IBD, other environmental factors also present potential health risks such as ingestion of food additives introduced in the human diet, including those composed of mineral particles, by altering the four elements of the intestinal barrier function. The aim of this review is to provide a critical opinion on the potential of TiO₂ particles, especially when used as a food additive, to alter the four elements of the intestinal barrier function, and consequently to evaluate if this additive would likely play a role in the development and/or exacerbation of IBD.

Potassium bromate as positive assay control for the Fpg-modified comet assay

The comet assay is a popular assay in biomonitoring studies. DNA strand breaks (or unspecific DNA lesions) are measured using the standard comet assay. Oxidative stress-generated DNA lesions can be measured by employing DNA repair enzymes to recognise oxidatively damaged DNA. Unfortunately, there has been a tendency to fail to report results from assay controls (or maybe even not to employ assay controls). We believe this might have been due to uncertainty as to what really constitutes a positive control. It should go without saying that a biomonitoring study cannot have a positive control group as it is unethical to expose healthy humans to DNA damaging (and thus potentially carcinogenic) agents. However, it is possible to include assay controls in the analysis (here meant as a cryopreserved sample of cells i.e. included in each experiment as a reference sample). In the present report we tested potassium bromate (KBrO3) as a positive comet assay control for the formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg)-modified comet assay. Ten laboratories used the same procedure for treatment of monocytic THP-1 cells with KBrO3 (0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 mM for 1 h at 37°C) and subsequent cryopreservation. Results from one laboratory were excluded in the statistical analysis because of technical issues in the Fpg-modified comet assay. All other laboratories found a concentration-response relationship in cryopreserved samples (regression coefficients from 0.80 to 0.98), although with different slopes ranging from 1.25 to 11.9 Fpg-sensitive sites (%DNA in tail) per 1 mM KBrO3. Our results demonstrate that KBrO3 is a suitable positive comet assay control.

Inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in mice after intrapleural exposure to carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are speculated to cause mesothelioma by persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue injury and genotoxicity. To investigate pleural response to CNTs, we exposed C57BL/6 mice by intrapleural injection of 0.2 or 5 µg multi-walled CNTs (MWCNT-7, NM-401 and NM-403) or single-walled CNTs (NM-411). Inflammatory response, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of pleural lavage cells and genotoxicity in cells from the mesothelial surface were assessed at day 1 and 90 after the exposure. Long and rigid types of MWCNTs (MWCNT-7 and NM-401) caused acute inflammation, characterized by influx of macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils into the pleural cavity. The inflammation was still evident at 90 days after the exposure, although it had reduced dramatically. The cellular ROS production was increased at day 90 after the exposure to MWCNT-7 and NM-401. The short and tangled type of MWCNT (i.e. NM-403) did not cause pleural inflammation or ROS production in pleural fluid cells. The exposure to NM-411 did not cause consistent inflammation responses or cellular ROS production. Levels of DNA strand breaks and DNA oxidation damage were unaltered, except for NM-411-exposed mice that had increased level of DNA strand breaks at 90 days after the exposure. In conclusion, the long and rigid CNTs caused prolonged inflammatory response and increased ROS production in pleural lavage cells, yet it was not reflected in higher levels of DNA damage in pleural tissue.

Long-Term Exposure to Nanosized TiO2 Triggers Stress Responses and Cell Death Pathways in Pulmonary Epithelial Cells

There is little in vitro data available on long-term effects of TiO₂ exposure. Such data are important for improving the understanding of underlying mechanisms of adverse health effects of TiO₂. Here, we exposed pulmonary epithelial cells to two doses (0.96 and 1.92 µg/cm²) of TiO₂ for 13 weeks and effects on cell cycle and cell death mechanisms, i.e., apoptosis and autophagy were determined after 4, 8 and 13 weeks of exposure. Changes in telomere length, cellular protein levels and lipid classes were also analyzed at 13 weeks of exposure. We observed that the TiO₂ exposure increased the fraction of cells in G1-phase and reduced the fraction of cells in G2-phase, which was accompanied by an increase in the fraction of late apoptotic/necrotic cells. This corresponded with an induced expression of key apoptotic proteins i.e., BAD and BAX, and an accumulation of several lipid classes involved in cellular stress and apoptosis. These findings were further supported by quantitative proteome profiling data showing an increase in proteins involved in cell stress and genomic maintenance pathways following TiO₂ exposure. Altogether, we suggest that cell stress response and cell death pathways may be important molecular events in long-term health effects of TiO₂.

Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive

The present opinion deals with an updated safety assessment of the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) based on new relevant scientific evidence considered by the Panel to be reliable, including data obtained with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and data from an extended one-generation reproductive toxicity (EOGRT) study. Less than 50% of constituent particles by number in E 171 have a minimum external dimension < 100 nm. In addition, the Panel noted that constituent particles < 30 nm amounted to less than 1% of particles by number. The Panel therefore considered that studies with TiO2 NPs < 30 nm were of limited relevance to the safety assessment of E 171. The Panel concluded that although gastrointestinal absorption of TiO2 particles is low, they may accumulate in the body. Studies on general and organ toxicity did not indicate adverse effects with either E 171 up to a dose of 1,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day or with TiO2 NPs (> 30 nm) up to the highest dose tested of 100 mg/kg bw per day. No effects on reproductive and developmental toxicity were observed up to a dose of 1,000 mg E 171/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested in the EOGRT study. However, observations of potential immunotoxicity and inflammation with E 171 and potential neurotoxicity with TiO2 NPs, together with the potential induction of aberrant crypt foci with E 171, may indicate adverse effects. With respect to genotoxicity, the Panel concluded that TiO2 particles have the potential to induce DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage, but not gene mutations. No clear correlation was observed between the physico-chemical properties of TiO2 particles and the outcome of either in vitro or in vivo genotoxicity assays. A concern for genotoxicity of TiO2 particles that may be present in E 171 could therefore not be ruled out. Several modes of action for the genotoxicity may operate in parallel and the relative contributions of different molecular mechanisms elicited by TiO2 particles are not known. There was uncertainty as to whether a threshold mode of action could be assumed. In addition, a cut-off value for TiO2 particle size with respect to genotoxicity could not be identified. No appropriately designed study was available to investigate the potential carcinogenic effects of TiO2 NPs. Based on all the evidence available, a concern for genotoxicity could not be ruled out, and given the many uncertainties, the Panel concluded that E 171 can no longer be considered as safe when used as a food additive.

Reactive oxygen species production, genotoxicity and telomere length in FE1-Muta™Mouse lung epithelial cells exposed to carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are fiber-like nanomaterials, which are used in various applications with possible exposure to humans. The genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential of CNTs remain to be fully understood. This study assessed the genotoxicity of three different multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (MWCNT-7, NM-401 and NM-403) and one single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) (NM-411) in FE1-Muta™Mouse lung epithelial (MML) cells using the alkaline comet assay. With the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe, we assessed the effect of CNT-exposure on the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We measured the effect of a 10-week CNT exposure on telomere length using quantitative PCR. Two of the included MWCNTs (NM-401 and MWCNT-7) and the SWCNT (NM-411) caused a significant increase in the level of DNA damage at concentrations up to 40 µg/ml (all concentrations pooled, p < 0.05), but no concentration-response relationships were found. All of the CNTs caused an increase in intracellular ROS production compared to unexposed cells (p_trend < 0.05). Results from the long-term exposure showed longer telomere length in cells exposed to MWCNTs compared to unexposed cells (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our results indicated that the included CNTs cause ROS production and DNA strand breaks in FE1-MML cells. Moreover, the MWCNTs, but not the SWCNT, had an impact on telomere length in a long-term exposure scenario.

Possible Adverse Effects of Food Additive E171 (Titanium Dioxide) Related to Particle Specific Human Toxicity, Including the Immune System

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is used as a food additive (E171) and can be found in sauces, icings, and chewing gums, as well as in personal care products such as toothpaste and pharmaceutical tablets. Along with the ubiquitous presence of TiO₂ and recent insights into its potentially hazardous properties, there are concerns about its application in commercially available products. Especially the nano-sized particle fraction (<100 nm) of TiO₂ warrants a more detailed evaluation of potential adverse health effects after ingestion. A workshop organized by the Dutch Office for Risk Assessment and Research (BuRO) identified uncertainties and knowledge gaps regarding the gastrointestinal absorption of TiO₂, its distribution, the potential for accumulation, and induction of adverse health effects such as inflammation, DNA damage, and tumor promotion. This review aims to identify and evaluate recent toxicological studies on food-grade TiO₂ and nano-sized TiO₂ in ex-vivo, in-vitro, and in-vivo experiments along the gastrointestinal route, and to postulate an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) following ingestion. Additionally, this review summarizes recommendations and outcomes of the expert meeting held by the BuRO in 2018, in order to contribute to the hazard identification and risk assessment process of ingested TiO₂.

An optimized comet-based in vitro DNA repair assay to assess base and nucleotide excision repair activity

This optimized protocol (including links to instruction videos) describes a comet-based in vitro DNA repair assay that is relatively simple, versatile, and inexpensive, enabling the detection of base and nucleotide excision repair activity. Protein extracts from samples are incubated with agarose-embedded substrate nucleoids ('naked' supercoiled DNA) containing specifically induced DNA lesions (e.g., resulting from oxidation, UVC radiation or benzo[a]pyrene-diol epoxide treatment). DNA incisions produced during the incubation reaction are quantified as strand breaks after electrophoresis, reflecting the extract's incision activity. The method has been applied in cell culture model systems, human biomonitoring and clinical investigations, and animal studies, using isolated blood cells and various solid tissues. Once extracts and substrates are prepared, the assay can be completed within 2 d.

Effect of oral exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles on lipid metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rats

Ingestion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) via dietary and environmental exposure may pose health risks. The research about the potential effect of orally ingested nanoparticles on nutritional metabolism has been limited. We conducted an animal experiment to investigate the effect of oral exposure to TiO2 NPs on lipid metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with TiO2 NPs (29 ± 9 nm) orally at doses of 0, 2, 10, 50 mg per kg bw daily for 90 days. Lipid metabolism is evaluated by biomarkers of serum lipids and lipidomics. TiO2 NPs caused a significant decrease of body weight in rats after exposure at doses of 10 and 50 mg kg-1 from the 8th to 13th week. The level of triglycerides (TG) decreased (0.398 ± 0.114 vs. 0.248 ± 0.058 nmol L-1) and the lipidomic signature changed significantly in the serum of rats treated with TiO2 NPs (50 mg kg-1). Sixty-nine well-matched lipophilic metabolites were differentially expressed and the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway significantly changed. The concentrations of 32 metabolites including 19 kinds of phosphatidylcholines (PCs) increased and 37 metabolites including lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs) and glycerophosphocholine decreased significantly in the TiO2 NP exposed group (50 mg kg-1). The accumulation of the lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde, MDA) and the decreased activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD were observed and closely related to differential metabolites. In conclusion, orally ingested TiO2 NPs (50 mg kg-1) could have an impact on lipid metabolism, for which the strong induction of oxidative stress may be the main reason. The present study led to a better understanding of the oral toxicity of food-related TiO2 NPs.

Gastrointestinal Absorption and Toxicity of Nanoparticles and Microparticles: Myth, Reality and Pitfalls explored through Titanium Dioxide

Daily oral exposure to vast numbers (>1013/adult/day) of micron or nano-sized persistent particles has become the norm for many populations. Significant airborne particle exposure is deleterious, so what about ingestion? Titanium dioxide in food grade form (fgTiO2) , which is an additive to some foods, capsules, tablets and toothpaste, may provide clues. Certainly, exposed human populations accumulate these particles in specialised intestinal cells at the base of large lymphoid follicles (Peyer's patches) and it's likely that a degree of absorption goes beyond this- i.e. lymphatics to blood circulation to tissues. We critically review the evidence and pathways. Regarding potential adverse effects, our primary message, for today's state-of-art, is that in vivo models have not been good enough and at times woeful. We provide a 'caveats list' to improve approaches and experimentation and illustrate why studies on biomarkers of particle uptake, and lower gut/mesenteric lymph nodes as targets, should be prioritized.

Effect of combustion-derived particles on genotoxicity and telomere length: A study on human cells and exposed populations

Particulate matter (PM) from combustion processes has been associated with oxidative stress to DNA, whereas effects related to telomere dysfunction are less investigated. We collected air-borne PM from a passenger cabin of a diesel-propelled train and at a training facility for smoke diving exercises. Effects on oxidative stress biomarkers, genotoxicity measured by the comet assay and telomere length in PM-exposed A549 cells were compared with the genotoxicity and telomere length in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human volunteers exposed to the same aerosol source. Although elevated levels of DNA strand breaks and oxidatively damaged DNA in terms of Fpg-sensitive sites were observed in PBMCs from exposed humans, the PM collected at same locations did not cause genotoxicity in the comet assay in A549 cells. Nevertheless, A549 cells displayed telomere length shortening after four weeks exposure to PM. This is in line with slightly shorter telomere length in PBMCs from exposed humans, although it was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the results indicate that genotoxic potency measured by the comet assay of PM in A549 cells may not predict genotoxicity in exposed humans, whereas telomere length measurements may be a novel indicator of genotoxic stress in cell cultures and humans.

Hazard assessment of small-size plastic particles: is the conceptual framework of particle toxicology useful?

Humans are exposed to plastic particles, but there are no studies on environmental plastics in cell cultures or animals. The toxicological understanding arises from model particles like polystyrene, polyethylene or non-plastic particles like food-grade titanium dioxide. The majority of studies on polystyrene particles show toxicological effects on measures of oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal dysfunction and apoptosis. The toxic effects in cell cultures mainly occur at high concentrations. Polyethylene particles seem to generate inflammatory reactions, whereas other toxicological effects have not been assessed. There are very few studies on effects of polystyrene particles in animal models and these have not demonstrated overt indices of toxicity. Studies in animals are the likely way for hazard assessment of micro- or nanoplastics. However, co-culture systems that mimic the complex architecture of mammalian tissues can cost-efficiently determine the hazards of micro- and nanoplastics. Future studies should include low doses of micro- and nanoplastic particles, which are more relevant in the assessment of health risk than the extrapolation of effects from high doses to realistic doses. Based on studies on model particles, environmental exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles may be a hazard to human health.

EFSA statement on the review of the risks related to the exposure to the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) performed by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES)

On 15 April 2019, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) published an opinion on the risks related to the exposure to the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) taking into account the most recent scientific studies available. Further to this publication, EFSA was requested by the European Commission to provide urgent scientific and technical assistance regarding the opinion issued by ANSES. In the ANSES opinion, 25 new relevant publications published between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed together with previous opinions by EFSA and ANSES and a systematic review on in vitro genotoxicity of nano titanium dioxide. In this statement, EFSA concludes that the ANSES opinion published in April 2019 does not identify any major new findings that would overrule the conclusions made in the previous two scientific opinions on the safety of titanium dioxide (E 171) as a food additive issued by the EFSA ANS Panel in 2016 and 2018. The ANSES opinion reiterates the previously identified uncertainties and data gaps, which are currently being addressed in the context of the follow-up activities originating from the previous EFSA evaluations and their recommendations. In addition to the aspects for which the follow-up work is currently ongoing, ANSES recommends further investigation of in vivo genotoxicity. EFSA considers this recommendation should be revisited once the ongoing work on the physico-chemical characterisation of the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) is completed.