Histotoxicity induced by copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on developing mice (Mus musculus)

The wide range of applications of nanoparticles (NPs) in various industries have led to serious consequences in terms of teratogenic toxicity. The aim of current work was to evaluate the teratogenic effects of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in albino mice.In this experimental study, after mating, inseminated 40 female mice were divided randomly into 4 pools (1 control and 3 experimental), ten each. Doses were administered intravenously (We followed the protocol by Yaqub et al. (2018), intravenous application is faster route as compared to oral dosage)to all the experimental groups on the 6th day of gestation (GD), dose concentrations were 200, 133.3 and 100 mg/kg body weights respectively.The doses were prepared in sequence (1/2, 1/3, 1/4 0f LD50) according to already published work. The effects of CuO-NPs show linear relationship with the above sequence. The control group was administered only with distilled water.The gravid females were sacrificed through cervical disruption at the 18th day of gestation, fetuses were removed and divided into four sets (pools) for morphometric, morphological and histological studies. Data were subjected to statistical analysis by using Tukey's test in light of ANOVA at p < 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the present study showed that CuO-NPs various concentrations affect developmental abnormalities i.e.runt embryos, resorbed uteri, exencephaly, hygroma, macroglossia, micromelia, open eye, omphalocoel, scoliosis, kyphosis and kinked tail. It is concluded that exposure to CuO-NPs may potentially lead to the developmental deformities in mice.

Identification of a Gene Signature Predicting (Nano)Particle-Induced Adverse Lung Outcome in Rats

Nanoparticles are extensively used in industrial products or as food additives. However, despite their contribution to improving our quality of life, concerns have been raised regarding their potential impact on occupational and public health. To speed up research assessing nanoparticle-related hazards, this study was undertaken to identify early markers of harmful effects on the lungs. Female Sprague Dawley rats were either exposed to crystalline silica DQ-12 with instillation, or to titanium dioxide P25, carbon black Printex-90, or multi-walled carbon nanotube Mitsui-7 with nose-only inhalation. Tissues were collected at three post-exposure time points to assess short- and long-term effects. All particles induced lung inflammation. Histopathological and biochemical analyses revealed phospholipid accumulation, lipoproteinosis, and interstitial thickening with collagen deposition after exposure to DQ-12. Exposure to the highest dose of Printex-90 and Mitsui-7, but not P25, induced some phospholipid accumulation. Comparable histopathological changes were observed following exposure to P25, Printex-90, and Mitsui-7. Comparison of overall gene expression profiles identified 15 potential early markers of adverse lung outcomes induced by spherical particles. With Mitsui-7, a distinct gene expression signature was observed, suggesting that carbon nanotubes trigger different toxicity mechanisms to spherical particles.

Copper oxide nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo toxicity, mechanisms of action and factors influencing their toxicology

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have received increasing interest due to their distinctive properties, including small particle size, high surface area, and reactivity. Due to these properties, their applications have been expanded rapidly in various areas such as biomedical properties, industrial catalysts, gas sensors, electronic materials, and environmental remediation. However, because of these widespread uses, there is now an increased risk of human exposure, which could lead to short- and long-term toxicity. This review addresses the underlying toxicity mechanisms of CuO NPs in cells which include reactive oxygen species generation, leaching of Cu ion, coordination effects, non-homeostasis effect, autophagy, and inflammation. In addition, different key factors responsible for toxicity, characterization, surface modification, dissolution, NPs dose, exposure pathways and environment are discussed to understand the toxicological impact of CuO NPs. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that CuO NPs cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and inflammation in bacterial, algal, fish, rodents, and human cell lines. Therefore, to make CuO NPs a more suitable candidate for various applications, it is essential to address their potential toxic effects, and hence, more studies should be done on the long-term and chronic impacts of CuO NPs at different concentrations to assure the safe usage of CuO NPs.

A Novel Vision of Reinforcing Nanofibrous Masks with Metal Nanoparticles: Antiviral Mechanisms Investigation

Prevention of spreading viral respiratory disease, especially in case of a pandemic such as coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), has been proved impossible without considering obligatory face mask-wearing protocols for both healthy and contaminated populations. The widespread application of face masks for long hours and almost everywhere increases the risks of bacterial growth in the warm and humid environment inside the mask. On the other hand, in the absence of antiviral agents on the surface of the mask, the virus may have a chance to stay alive and be carried to different places or even put the wearers at risk of contamination when touching or disposing the masks. In this article, the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of some of the potent metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in the role of promising virucidal agents have been reviewed, and incorporation of them in an electrospun nanofibrous structure has been considered an applicable method for the fabrication of innovative respiratory protecting materials with upgraded safety levels.

Graphical Abstract

Mechanisms underlying the health effects of desert sand dust

Desertification and climate change indicate a future expansion of the global area of dry land and an increase in the risk of drought. Humans may therefore be at an ever-increasing risk of frequent exposure to, and resultant adverse health effects of desert sand dust. This review appraises a total of 52 experimental studies that have sought to identify mechanisms and intermediate endpoints underlying epidemiological evidence of an impact of desert dust on cardiovascular and respiratory health. Toxicological studies, in main using doses that reflect or at least approach real world exposures during a dust event, have demonstrated that virgin sand dust particles and dust storm particles sampled at remote locations away from the source induce inflammatory lung injury and aggravate allergen-induced nasal and pulmonary eosinophilia. Effects are orchestrated by cytokines, chemokines and antigen-specific immunoglobulin potentially via toll-like receptor/myeloid differentiation factor signaling pathways. Findings suggest that in addition to involvement of adhered chemical and biological pollutants, mineralogical components may also be implicated in the pathogenesis of human respiratory disorders during a dust event. Whilst comparisons with urban particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) suggest that allergic inflammatory responses are greater for microbial element-rich dust- PM2.5, aerosols generated during dust events appear to have a lower oxidative potential compared to combustion-generated PM2.5 sampled during non-dust periods. In vitro findings suggest that the significant amounts of suspended desert dust during storm periods may provide a platform to intermix with chemicals on its surfaces, thereby increasing the bioreactivity of PM2.5 during dust storm episodes, and that mineral dust surface reactions are an unrecognized source of toxic organic chemicals in the atmosphere, enhancing toxicity of aerosols in urban environments. In summary, the experimental research on desert dust on respiratory endpoints go some way in clarifying the mechanistic effects of atmospheric desert dust on the upper and lower human respiratory system. In doing so, they provide support for biological plausibility of epidemiological associations between this particulate air pollutant and events including exacerbation of asthma, hospitalization for respiratory infections and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Contribution of toxicologic pathologists for the safety of human health in biomedical research-past, present, and future of the JSTP

The research field of “Toxicologic Pathology” evaluates potentially toxic chemical exposures and chemically mediated illnesses in humans and experimental animals. Comparative studies of chemical exposures between model organisms and humans are essential for the risk assessment of chemicals and human health. Here we review the development and activities of the Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology (JSTP) during its 37-year history. Toxicological pathology studies provide many interesting and valuable findings. Rodent cancer bioassay data demonstrate the importance of dose levels, times, and duration of exposures to chemicals that possibly cause human cancers. Studies of toxic injuries in the nasal cavity demonstrate that specific chemical compounds affect different target cells and tissues. These observations are relevant for current air pollution studies in the preventive medicine field. Future toxicological pathology studies will be enhanced by applying molecular pathology with advanced observation techniques. In addition to the nasal cavity, another sense organ such as the tongue should be a potential next program of our mission for risk assessment of inhaled and ingested chemicals. As a message to the younger members of the JSTP, interdisciplinary and global cooperation should be emphasized. Elucidating the mechanisms of toxicologic pathology with a combination of advanced expertise in genetics and molecular biology offers promise for future advances by JSTP members.

Relationship between Lung Carcinogenesis and Chronic Inflammation in Rodents

Simple Summary

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are various risk factors for lung cancer, including tobacco smoking, inhalation of dust particles, chronic inflammation, and genetic factors. Chronic inflammation has been considered a key factor that promotes tumor progression via production of cytokines, chemokines, cytotoxic mediators, and reactive oxygen species by inflammatory cells. Here, we review rodent models of lung tumor induced by tobacco, tobacco-related products, and pro-inflammatory materials as well as genetic modifications, and discuss the relationship between chronic inflammation and lung tumor. Through this review, we hope to clarify the effects of chronic inflammation on lung carcinogenesis and help develop new treatments for lung cancer.

Abstract

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with an estimated 1.76 million deaths reported in 2018. Numerous studies have focused on the prevention and treatment of lung cancer using rodent models. Various chemicals, including tobacco-derived agents induce lung cancer and pre-cancerous lesions in rodents. In recent years, transgenic engineered rodents, in particular, those generated with a focus on the well-known gene mutations in human lung cancer (KRAS, EGFR, and p53 mutations) have been widely studied. Animal studies have revealed that chronic inflammation significantly enhances lung carcinogenesis, and inhibition of inflammation suppresses cancer progression. Moreover, the reduction in tumor size by suppression of inflammation in animal experiments suggests that chronic inflammation influences the promotion of tumorigenesis. Here, we review rodent lung tumor models induced by various chemical carcinogens, including tobacco-related carcinogens, and transgenics, and discuss the roles of chronic inflammation in lung carcinogenesis.

Single Intratracheal Quartz Instillation Induced Chronic Inflammation and Tumourigenesis in Rat Lungs

Crystalline silica (quartz) is known to induce silicosis and cancer in the lungs. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between quartz-induced chronic inflammation and lung carcinogenesis in rat lungs after a single exposure to quartz. F344 rats were treated with a single intratracheal instillation (i.t.) of quartz (4 mg/rat), and control rats were treated with a single i.t. of saline. After 52 or 96 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the lungs and other organs were used for analyses. Quartz particles were observed in the lungs of all quartz-treated rats. According to our scoring system, the lungs of rats treated with quartz had higher scores for infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils, oedema, fibrosis, and granuloma than the lungs of control rats. After 96 weeks, the quartz-treated rats had higher incidences of adenoma (85.7%) and adenocarcinoma (81.0%) than control rats (20% and 20%, respectively). Quartz-treated and control rats did not show lung neoplastic lesions at 52 weeks after treatment. The number of lung neoplastic lesions per rat positively correlated with the degree of macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration, oedema, fibrosis, and lymph follicle formation around the bronchioles. In conclusion, single i.t. of quartz may induce lung cancer in rat along with chronic inflammation.

Characteristics of surfactant proteins in tumorigenic and inflammatory lung lesions in rodents

Surfactant proteins (SPs) are essential for the proper structure and respiratory function of the lungs. There are four subtypes of SPs: SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D. The expectorant drug ambroxol hydrochloride is clinically used to stimulate pulmonary surfactant and airway serous secretion. In addition, previous studies showed that ambroxol regulated SP production and attenuated pulmonary inflammation, with ambroxol hydrochloride being found to suppress quartz-induced lung inflammation via stimulation of pulmonary surfactant and airway serous secretion. In this study, we investigated the expression of SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D in neoplastic and inflammatory lung lesions in rodents, as well as their possible application as potential markers for diagnostic purposes. SP-B and SP-C showed strong expression in lung hyperplasia and adenoma, whereas SP-A and SP-D were expressed in the mucus or exudates of inflammatory alveoli. Rodent tumorigenic hyperplasic tissues induced by various carcinogens were positive for napsin A, an aspartic proteinase involved in the maturation of SP-B; this indicated a focal increase in type II pneumocytes in the lungs. Therefore, high expression of napsin A in the alveolar walls may serve as a useful marker for prediction of the tumorigenic potential of lung hyperplasia in rodents.

Nano-CuO impairs spatial cognition associated with inhibiting hippocampal long-term potentiation via affecting glutamatergic neurotransmission in rats

Manufactured metal nanoparticles and their applications are continuously expanding because of their unique characteristics while their increasing use may predispose to potential health problems. Several studies have reported the adverse effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (nano-CuO) relative to ecotoxicity and cell toxicity, whereas little is known about the neurotoxicity of nano-CuO. The present study aimed to examine its effects on spatial cognition, hippocampal function, and the possible mechanisms. Male Wistar rats were used to establish an animal model, and nano-CuO was administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was employed to evaluate learning and memory. The long-term potentiation (LTP) from Schaffer collaterals to the hippocampal CA1 region, and the effects of nano-CuO on synases were recorded in the hippocampal CA1 neurons of rats. MWM test showed that learning and memory abilities were impaired significantly by nano-CuO ( p < 0.05). The LTP test demonstrated that the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) slopes were significantly lower in nano-CuO-treated groups compared with the control group ( p < 0.01). Furthermore, the data of whole-cell patch-clamp experiments showed that nano-CuO markedly depressed the frequencies of both spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs), indicating an effect of nano-CuO on inhibiting the release frequency of glutamate presynapticly ( p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the amplitudes of both sEPSC and mEPSC were significantly reduced in nano-CuO-treated animals, which suggested that the effect of nano-CuO modulates postsynaptic receptor kinetics ( p < 0.01). Paired pulse facilitation (PPF) ( p < 0.05) and the expression of NR2A, but not NR2B, of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subunits ( p < 0.05), were decreased significantly. In conclusion, nano-CuO impaired glutamate transmission presynapticly and postsynapticly, which may contribute importantly to diminished LTP and other induced cognitive deficits.

Intranasal Delivery of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Induces Pulmonary Toxicity and Fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are widely used as catalysts or semiconductors in material fields. Recent studies have suggested that CuO NPs have adverse genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects on various cells. However, little is known about the toxicity of CuO NPs following exposure to murine lungs. The purpose of this fundamental research was to investigate whether CuO NPs could induce epithelial cell injury, pulmonary inflammation, and eventually fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. Our studies showed that CuO NPs aggravated pulmonary inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. CuO NPs induced apoptosis of epithelial cells as indicated by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry and western blot analysis, which was partially caused by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, CuO NPs exposure promoted collagen accumulation and expression of the progressive fibrosis marker α-SMA in the lung tissues, indicating that CuO NP inhalation could induce pulmonary fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. All data provide novel evidence that there is an urgent need to prevent the adverse effects of CuO NPs in the human respiratory system.

Interaction of PM2.5 airborne particulates with ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles and their effect on bacteria

A significant knowledge gap in nanotechnology is the absence of standardized protocols for examining and comparison the effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on different environment media. Despite the large number of studies on ecotoxicity of nanoparticles, most of them disregard the particles physicochemical transformation under real exposure conditions and interaction with different environmental components like air, soil, water, etc. While one of the main exposure ways is inhalation and/or atmosphere for human and environment, there is no investigation between airborne particulates and nanoparticles. In this study, some metal oxide nanoparticle (ZnO and TiO₂) transformation and behavior in PM2.5 air particulate media were examined and evaluated by the influence on nanoparticle physicochemical properties (size, surface charge, surface functionalization) and on bacterium (Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus/Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria) by testing in various concentrations of PM2.5 airborne particulate media to contribute to their environmental hazard and risk assessment in atmosphere. PM2.5 airborne particulate media affected their toxicity and physicochemical properties when compared the results obtained in controlled conditions. ZnO and TiO₂ surfaces were functionalized mainly with sulfoxide groups in PM2.5 air particulates. In addition, tested particles were not observed to be toxic in controlled conditions. However, these were observed inhibition in PM2.5 airborne particulates media by the exposure concentration. These observations and dependence of the bacteria viability ratio explain the importance of particulate matter-nanoparticle interaction.

A Novel Exposure System Termed NAVETTA for In Vitro Laminar Flow Electrodeposition of Nanoaerosol and Evaluation of Immune Effects in Human Lung Reporter Cells

A new prototype air-liquid interface (ALI) exposure system, a flatbed aerosol exposure chamber termed NAVETTA, was developed to investigate deposition of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) on cultured human lung A549 cells directly from the gas phase. This device mimics human lung cell exposure to NPs due to a low horizontal gas flow combined with cells exposed at the ALI. Electrostatic field assistance is applied to improve NP deposition efficiency. As proof-of-principle, cell viability and immune responses after short-term exposure to nanocopper oxide (CuO)-aerosol were determined. We found that, due to the laminar aerosol flow and a specific orientation of inverted transwells, much higher deposition rates were obtained compared to the normal ALI setup. Cellular responses were monitored with postexposure incubation in submerged conditions, revealing CuO dissolution in a concentration-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity was the result of ionic and nonionic Cu fractions. Using the optimized inverted ALI/postincubation procedure, pro-inflammatory immune responses, in terms of interleukin (IL)-8 promoter and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activity, were observed within short time, i.e. One hour exposure to ALI-deposited CuO-NPs and 2.5 h postincubation. NAVETTA is a novel option for mimicking human lung cell exposure to NPs, complementing existing ALI systems.

Neurotoxicity of Copper

Copper is an essential trace metal that is required for several important biological processes, however, an excess of copper can be toxic to cells. Therefore, systemic and cellular copper homeostasis is tightly regulated, but dysregulation of copper homeostasis may occur in disease states, resulting either in copper deficiency or copper overload and toxicity. This chapter will give an overview on the biological roles of copper and of the mechanisms involved in copper uptake, storage, and distribution. In addition, we will describe potential mechanisms of the cellular toxicity of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge on the connection of copper toxicity with neurodegenerative diseases.

Suppressive effects of the expectorant drug ambroxol hydrochloride on quartz-induced lung inflammation in F344 rats

Surfactant proteins (SPs) are essential to respiratory structure and function. The expectorant drug ambroxol hydrochloride is clinically prescribed to stimulate pulmonary surfactant and airway serous secretion. Therefore, ambroxol hydrochloride may affect SP production and pulmonary inflammation. Lung toxicity of fine particles of various materials has been examined previously in our in vivo bioassay using the intratracheal (i.t.) instillation approach. In the present study, we evaluated modulatory effects of ambroxol hydrochloride on quartz-induced lung inflammation in F344 rats. Male 6-week-old F344 rats were exposed by i.t. instillation to 2 mg of quartz particles suspended in 0.2 mL of saline. Ambroxol hydrochloride was administered at 0, 12, and 120 ppm in rat basal diet for 28 days, and then formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung, liver, and kidney samples were prepared. No changes in general condition, body and organ weights, or food consumption upon exposure to quartz were noted. The mean ambroxol intake in rats of the 12 ppm group was comparable to the human conventional dose. Histopathology of lung lesions was evaluated, and the degree of inflammation was scored. At 120 ppm, ambroxol hydrochloride significantly decreased individual lung inflammation scores for pulmonary edema and lymph follicle proliferation around the bronchiole, as well as the total inflammation score, in quartz-treated rats. Expression of SP-C in the type II alveolar cells and macrophages was greater in inflammatory lesions than in non-inflamed areas. Ambroxol treatment did not affect expression of SP-B and SP-C. In conclusion, we demonstrated that ambroxol hydrochloride relieves quartz-induced lung inflammation.

Organ burden and pulmonary toxicity of nano-sized copper (II) oxide particles after short-term inhalation exposure

Introduction: Increased use of nanomaterials has raised concerns about the potential for undesirable human health and environmental effects. Releases into the air may occur and, therefore, the inhalation route is of specific interest. Here we tested copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) after repeated inhalation as hazard data for this material and exposure route is currently lacking for risk assessment.

Methods: Rats were exposed nose-only to a single exposure concentration and by varying the exposure time, different dose levels were obtained (C × T protocol). The dose is expressed as 6 h-concentration equivalents of 0, 0.6, 2.4, 3.3, 6.3, and 13.2 mg/m³ CuO NPs, with a primary particle size of 10 9.2–14 nm and an MMAD of 1.5 μm.

Results: Twenty-four hours after a 5-d exposure, dose-dependent lung inflammation and cytotoxicity were observed. Histopathological examinations indicated alveolitis, bronchiolitis, vacuolation of the respiratory epithelium, and emphysema in the lung starting at 2.4 mg/m³. After a recovery period of 22 d, limited inflammation was still observed, but only at the highest dose of 13.2 mg/m³. The olfactory epithelium in the nose degenerated 24 h after exposure to 6.3 and 13.2 mg/m³, but this was restored after 22 d. No histopathological changes were detected in the brain, olfactory bulb, spleen, kidney and liver.

Conclusion: A 5-d, 6-h/day exposure equivalent to an aerosol of agglomerated CuO NPs resulted in a dose-dependent toxicity in rats, which almost completely resolved during a 3-week post-exposure period.

Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Inorganic-Organic Composite Microparticles To Treat Bacterial Lung Infection

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is an antibiotic that has been clinically trialed for the treatment of lung infections by aerosolization. However, CIP is rapidly systemically absorbed after lung administration, increasing the risk for subtherapeutic pulmonary concentrations and resistant bacteria selection. In the presence of calcium, CIP forms complexes that reduce its oral absorption. Such complexation may slow down CIP absorption from the lung thereby maintaining high concentration in this tissue. Thus, we developed inhalable calcium-based inorganic-organic composite microparticles to sustain CIP within the lung. The aerodynamics and micromeritic properties of the microparticles were characterized. FTIR and XRD analysis suggest that the inorganic component of the particles comprised amorphous calcium carbonate and amorphous calcium formate, and that CIP and calcium interact in a 1:1 stoichiometry in the particles. CIP was completely released from the microparticles within 7 h, with profiles showing a slight dependence on pH (5 and 7.4) compared to the dissolution of pure CIP. Transport studies of CIP across Calu-3 cell monolayers, in the presence of various calcium concentrations, showed a decrease of up to 84% in CIP apparent permeability. The apparent minimum inhibitory concentration of CIP against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus was not changed in the presence of the same calcium concentration. These results indicate that the designed particles should provide sustained levels of CIP with therapeutic effect in the lung. With these microparticles, it should be possible to control CIP pharmacokinetics within the lung, based on controlled CIP release from the particles and reduced apparent permeability across the epithelial barrier due to the cation-CIP interaction.

Assessment of the lung toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles: current status

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are being used in several industrial and commercial products. Inhalation is one of the most significant routes of metal oxide NP exposure. Hence, the toxicity of CuO NPs in lung tissues is of great concern. In vitro studies have indicated that CuO NPs induce cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and genetic toxicity in cultivated human lung cells. Leaching of Cu ions, reactive oxygen species generation and autophagy appear to be the underlying mechanisms of Cu NP toxicity in lung cells. In vivo studies on the lung toxicity of CuO NPs are largely lacking. Some studies have shown that intratracheal instillation of CuO NPs induced oxidative stress, inflammation and neoplastic lesions in rats. This review critically assessed the current findings of the toxicity of CuO NPs in the lung.

Comparative proteomic analysis of the molecular responses of mouse macrophages to titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles unravels some toxic mechanisms for copper oxide nanoparticles in macrophages

Titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles are more and more widely used because of their catalytic properties, of their light absorbing properties (titanium dioxide) or of their biocidal properties (copper oxide), increasing the risk of adverse health effects. In this frame, the responses of mouse macrophages were studied. Both proteomic and targeted analyses were performed to investigate several parameters, such as phagocytic capacity, cytokine release, copper release, and response at sub toxic doses. Besides titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles, copper ions were used as controls. We also showed that the overall copper release in the cell does not explain per se the toxicity observed with copper oxide nanoparticles. In addition, both copper ion and copper oxide nanoparticles, but not titanium oxide, induced DNA strands breaks in macrophages. As to functional responses, the phagocytic capacity was not hampered by any of the treatments at non-toxic doses, while copper ion decreased the lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine and nitric oxide productions. The proteomic analyses highlighted very few changes induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles, but an induction of heme oxygenase, an increase of glutathione synthesis and a decrease of tetrahydrobiopterin in response to copper oxide nanoparticles. Subsequent targeted analyses demonstrated that the increase in glutathione biosynthesis and the induction of heme oxygenase (e.g. by lovastatin/monacolin K) are critical for macrophages to survive a copper challenge, and that the intermediates of the catecholamine pathway induce a strong cross toxicity with copper oxide nanoparticles and copper ions.

Rat strain differences in levels and effects of chronic inflammation due to intratracheal instillation of quartz on lung tumorigenesis induced by DHPN

Chronic inflammatory effects of single intratracheal instillation (i.t.) of quartz on rat lung tumorigenesis were examined using 4 different animal models. At first, in order to determine an appropriate dose of quartz i.t. to promote lung tumorigenesis, F344 male rats were administrated single 0, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 mg quartz/rat after initiation by N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl) nitrosamine (DHPN). Further studies were performed to examine strain differences of the effects of chronic inflammation caused by quartz i.t. in 3 strains of rat, i.e. F344, Wistar-Hannover and SD. Each was instilled with 2mg quartz/rat after DHPN administration and sacrificed in week 24. In addition, strain differences in generation of inflammation were determined at days 1 and 28. Finally, for determination of long-term effects period, F344 and Wistar-Hannover rats were similarly treated, but the experiment was terminated at week 52. In F344 rats, the tumor areas in DHPN treated groups showed a tendency to increase along with the dose of quartz. F344 rats demonstrated the highest and Wistar-Hannover rats the lowest sensitivity to quartz in acute and chronic phases in the 3 strains. In 52 week, in F344 rats, the multiplicity of tumors and the serum concentration of IL-6 in the group treated with DHPN and quartz were significantly increased. The present experiments indicated that chronic inflammation due to quartz instillation exerted promoting effects on lung carcinogenesis in F344, SD and Wistar-Hannover rats. The strain differences in tumor promotion appeared to correlate with inflammatory reactions to quartz and increase of IL-6.

Immunohistochemical characteristics of surfactant proteins a, B, C and d in inflammatory and tumorigenic lung lesions of f344 rats

Surfactant proteins (SPs), originally known as human lung surfactants, are essential to respiratory structure and function. There are 4 subtypes, SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D, with SP-A and SP-D having immunological functions, and SP-B and SP-C having physicochemical properties that reduce the surface tension at biological interfaces. In this experiment, the expressions of SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D in lung neoplastic lesions induced by N-bis (2-hydroxypropyl) nitrosamine (DHPN) and inflammatory lesions due to quartz instillation were examined and compared immunohistochemically. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) lung samples featuring inflammation were obtained with a rat quartz instillation model, and neoplastic lesions, hyperplasias and adenomas, were obtained with the rat DHPN-induced lung carcinogenesis model. In the rat quartz instillation model, male 10-week old F344 rats were exposed by intratracheal instillation (IT) to quartz at a dose of 2 mg/rat suspended in saline (0.2 ml) on day 0, and sacrificed on day 28. Lung tumorigenesis in F344 male rats was initiated by DHPN in drinking water for 2 weeks, and the animals were then sacrificed in week 30. Lung proliferative lesions, hyperplasias and adenomas, were observed with DHPN, and inflammation was observed with quartz. The expressions of SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D were examined immunohistochemically. SP-B and SP-C showed strong expression in lung hyperplasias and adenomas, while SP-A and SP-D were observed in mucus or exudates in inflammatory alveoli. These results suggest the possibility that SP-B and SP-C are related to lung tumorigenesis.

Napsin A is possibly useful marker to predict the tumorigenic potential of lung bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasia in F344 rats

There are 2 types of bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasia found in rat lungs. One is 'inflammatory hyperplasia' with a potential to recover in future with removal of the stimulating insult and the other is 'latent tumorigenic hyperplasia' as an independent preneoplastic lesion for adenocarcinoma. In the present experiment, we focused on rat lung bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasia induced by 4-(methyl-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), which decreases with time after induction and reverts to normal, or by N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN), with tumorigenic potential to progress to adenoma and adenocarcinoma. Though NNK is a typical carcinogen inducing lung adenocarcinoma in female A/J mice, the tumorigenic potential by NNK in rats is weak. Differences between hyperplasias induced by DHPN and by NNK were here examined immunohistochemically. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded lung samples with hyperplastic and inflammatory lesions were obtained from rats exposed to DHPN or NNK and from lung inflammation models induced with fine particles like CuO, NiO and quartz. The 19 markers were examined immunohistochemically. Napsin A, in the inflammatory lesions and hyperplasia induced by NNK, was positive for macrophages and secretions in the alveoli spaces but less so in the walls of the alveoli. In the proliferative lesions including hyperplasia induced by DHPN, strong positive staining for napsin A was observed in the walls of the alveoli. Thus high expression was suggested to be possibly useful for detecting tumorigenic potential of rat lung hyperplasia.

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro extracellular and intracellular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of new second-line antitubercular drug-palladium complexes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work was to characterize novel palladium (Pd) complexes with second-line antitubercular drugs, namely capreomycin (C), kanamycin (K) and ofloxacin (Ofx), and to address the in vitro extracellular and intracellular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

METHODS

Synthesis reaction kinetics and complex properties were assessed. Kf was calculated from the transition state quasi-equilibrium approximation and Arrhenius plot. The complexes were characterized for qualitative solubility, stoichiometry, powder size and morphology, element analysis, and thermal behaviour. Structural analyses were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Activity was evaluated against H37Ra M. tuberculosis strain and in infected THP-1 cells, and compared with that of the parent drugs.

KEY FINDINGS

The complexes showed log Kf of 6 for CPd and OfxPd, and 10 for KPd indicating good stability. Stoichiometry of 1:1, 2: 3 and 1:3 resulted for OfxPd, KPd, and CPd. OfxPd structure matched that in literature, while K and C had more complex structures with possible multiple coexisting species. The complexes had extracellular activity comparable with drugs and an improved efficacy against intracellular infection of M. tuberculosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel anti-tuberculosis (TB) complexes had promising properties, and extracellular and intracellular activity, which makes them potential tools for intracellular targeting of pulmonary TB.

Toxicity of nicotine by repeated intratracheal instillation to f344 rats

In vivo, nicotine in cigarette smoke induces various effects not only on the respiratory system but also the central and peripheral nerve systems, circulatory organs and digestive organs, and there is a possibility of promotion of lung tumorigenesis. The present experiment was conducted to examine histopathological changes caused by nicotine in the lung with repeated intratracheal instillation (i.t.). Six-week-old male F344 rats were administered nicotine by i.t. at doses of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg nicotine/rat every 3 weeks beginning at week 4, for up to a total of 9 times and were then sacrificed at week 30. The total number of administrations, total dose of nicotine and effective number of rats were 9 times, 0.45 mg and 5 rats and 4 times, 0.20 mg and 5 rats for the 0.05 mg nicotine/rat group; 3 times, 0.30 mg and 5 rats and 4 times, 0.40 mg and 3 rats for the 0.1 mg group; and 3 times, 0.60 mg and 3 rats for the 0.2 mg group, respectively. As a control group, 5 rats were administered 0.2 ml saline/rat 9 times. Some rats administered 0.1 and 0.2 mg nicotine suffered convulsions just after administration. Histopathologically, though proliferative changes were not observed, neutrophil infiltration, edema and fibrosis in the lung were induced by nicotine. In conclusion, repeated treatment of nicotine promoted neurologic symptoms in the acute phase, and strong inflammation in the lungs in the chronic phase, even at a low dose. Toxicity of nicotine is suggested to depend not on total dose of nicotine in the experiment but rather on repeated injury with consecutive administration.

Copper(II) oxide nanoparticles penetrate into HepG2 cells, exert cytotoxicity via oxidative stress and induce pro-inflammatory response

The potential toxic effects of two types of copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) with different specific surface areas, different shapes (rod or spheric), different sizes as raw materials and similar hydrodynamic diameter in suspension were studied on human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. Both CuO NPs were shown to be able to enter into HepG2 cells and induce cellular toxicity by generating reactive oxygen species. CuO NPs increased the abundance of several transcripts coding for pro-inflammatory interleukins and chemokines. Transcriptomic data, siRNA knockdown and DNA binding activities suggested that Nrf2, NF-κB and AP-1 were implicated in the response of HepG2 cells to CuO NPs. CuO NP incubation also induced activation of MAPK pathways, ERKs and JNK/SAPK, playing a major role in the activation of AP-1. In addition, cytotoxicity, inflammatory and antioxidative responses and activation of intracellular transduction pathways induced by rod-shaped CuO NPs were more important than spherical CuO NPs. Measurement of Cu(2+) released in cell culture medium suggested that Cu(2+) cations released from CuO NPs were involved only to a small extent in the toxicity induced by these NPs on HepG2 cells.

Copper oxide nanoparticles induce autophagic cell death in A549 cells

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are among the most highly produced nanomaterials, and have many diverse functions in catalysis, environmental remediation, as sensors, and in the production of personal care products. In this study, the toxicity of several widely used metal oxide NPs such as copper oxide, silica, titanium oxide and ferric oxide NPs, were evaluated In vitro. We exposed A549, H1650 and CNE-2Z cell lines to metal oxide NPs, and found CuO NPs to be the most toxic, SiO2 mild toxic, while the other metal oxide NPs had little effect on cell viability. Furthermore, the autophagic biomarker LC3-II significantly increased in A549 cells treated with CuO NPs, and the use of the autophagy inhibitors wortmannin and 3-methyladenin significantly improved cell survival. These results indicate that the cytoxicity of CuO NPs may involve the autophagic pathway in A549 cells.

Intratracheally administered titanium dioxide or carbon black nanoparticles do not aggravate elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in rats

Background

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and carbon black (CB) nanoparticles (NPs) have biological effects that could aggravate pulmonary emphysema. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pulmonary administration of TiO₂ or CB NPs in rats could induce and/or aggravate elastase-induced emphysema, and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

On day 1, Sprague-Dawley rats were intratracheally instilled with 25 U kg⁻¹ pancreatic porcine elastase or saline. On day 7, they received an intratracheal instillation of TiO₂ or CB (at 100 and 500 μg) dispersed in bovine serum albumin or bovine serum albumin alone. Animals were sacrificed at days 8 or 21, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellularity, histological analysis of inflammation and emphysema, and lung mRNA expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), macrophage inflammatory protein-2, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1, and -12 were measured. In addition, pulmonary MMP-12 expression was also analyzed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry.

Results

TiO₂ NPs per se did not modify the parameters investigated, but CB NPs increased perivascular/peribronchial infiltration, and macrophage MMP-12 expression, without inducing emphysema. Elastase administration increased BAL cellularity, histological inflammation, HO-1, IL-1β and macrophage MMP-12 expression and induced emphysema. Exposure to TiO₂ NPs did not modify pulmonary responses to elastase, but exposure to CB NPs aggravated elastase-induced histological inflammation without aggravating emphysema.

Conclusions

TiO₂ and CB NPs did not aggravate elastase-induced emphysema. However, CB NPs induced histological inflammation and MMP-12 mRNA and protein expression in macrophages.

Pathological Study of Chronic Pulmonary Toxicity Induced by Intratracheally Instilled Asian Sand Dust (Kosa)

Asian sand dust (ASD) events are associated with an increase in pulmonary morbidity and mortality. The number of ASD events has increased rapidly in the east Asian region since 2000. To study the chronic lung toxicity of ASD, saline suspensions of low doses (200 and 400 µg) and high doses (800 and 3,000 µg) of ASD were intratracheally instilled into ICR mice. Animals were sacrificed at 24 hr, 1 week, or 1, 2, or 3 months after instillation. Histopathological examination revealed that ASD induced acute inflammation at 24 hr after instillation. The acute inflammation was transient and subsided at 1 week and 1 month after instillation. At 2 and 3 months after instillation, focal infiltration of lymphocytes with accumulation of epithelioid macrophages, which is a suggestive finding of transformation to granuloma, and granuloma formation were occasionally observed. Aggregation of macrophages containing particles was observed in the pulmonary lymph nodes at 3 months after instillation in high-dose groups. Prolonged inflammatory foci (granuloma) and presence of ASD particles in pulmonary lymph nodes would have a chance to induce immunological modulation leading to adverse health effects in the exposed animals.

Development of a spray-drying method for the formulation of respirable microparticles containing ofloxacin-palladium complex

The purpose of this study was to produce low-releasing spray-dried polymeric microparticles (MP) useful to target alveolar macrophages in tuberculosis (TB) inhalation therapy. Ofloxacin (Ofx) was encapsulated as ofloxacin-palladium (Ofx-Pd) complex into poly DL-lactide (PLA) MP by spray-drying. Ofx-Pd was prepared according to a method previously reported. A D-optimal design was employed to optimize drug content (DC), aerodynamic diameter (d(ae)) and span. d(ae) was calculated coupling tap-density to particle size analysis. The MP were characterized by SEM, UV spectrophotometry, and DSC. In vitro drug release was performed in comparison to Ofx loaded PLA MP. The Ofx-Pd complex formed spontaneously with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Inlet temperature, drug loading and polymer concentration resulted the most influential. Optimal MP had span of 0.9, a round shape, d(ae) of 2.5 μm, and DC of 30% (w/w). DSC and SEM analyses correlated with particle size. The optimized MP formulation showed a very low release at pH 7.4 compared to spray-dried Ofx loaded MP, the release increased slightly at lower pHs. Potentially inhalable MP were obtained by an optimized spray-drying process. The very low initial drug release at physiologic pH could be useful to target alveolar macrophages and to avoid systemic exposure.

Differential toxicity of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles of similar hydrodynamic diameter on human differentiated intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers is correlated in part to copper release and shape

The potential toxic effects of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were studied on differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers, a classical in vitro model of human small intestine epithelium. Two types of CuO NPs, with different specific surface area, different sizes as raw material but the same hydrodynamic diameter in suspension, differentially disturbed the monolayer integrity, were cytotoxic and triggered an increase of the abundance of several transcripts coding for pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Specific surface area was not a major variable explaining the increased toxicity when intestinal epithelium is exposed to rod-shaped CuO NPs, compared with spherical CuO NPs. The results suggest that release of Cu(II) cations and shape of these CuO NPs are likely to be implicated in the toxicity of these CuO NPs.

Differential pro-inflammatory effects of metal oxide nanoparticles and their soluble ions in vitro and in vivo; zinc and copper nanoparticles, but not their ions, recruit eosinophils to the lungs

Abstract Nickel, zinc, and copper oxide nanoparticles (NiONP, ZnONP, and CuONP) and their aqueous extracts (AEs) were applied to A549 lung epithelial cells to determine the cytotoxicity, IL-8 production, and activation of transcription factors. Nanoparticles (NPs) and their AEs were also instilled into rat lungs to evaluate acute and chronic inflammatory effects. In vitro AEs had specific effects; for example NiOAE had no effect and ZnOAE affected all parameters measured. NPs themselves all had cytotoxic effects but only ZnONP and CuONP impacted pro-inflammatory endpoints. The inflammatory cells in the BAL were also different from AEs and NPs with ZnONP and CuONP recruiting eosinophils and neutrophils whilst ZnOAE and CuOAE elicited only mild neutrophilic inflammation that had resolved by four weeks. NiONP recruited neutrophils only whilst NiOAE did not cause any inflammation. Understanding differences in the toxic role of the ionic components of metal oxide NPs will contribute to full hazard identification and characterisation.

Metal oxide nanoparticles induce unique inflammatory footprints in the lung: important implications for nanoparticle testing

BACKGROUND

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in industry, cosmetics, and biomedicine.

OBJECTIVES

We examined hazards of several well-characterized high production volume NPs because of increasing concern about occupational exposure via inhalation.

METHODS

A panel of well-characterized NPs [cerium oxide (CeO₂NP), titanium dioxide (TiO₂NP), carbon black (CBNP), silicon dioxide (SiO₂NP), nickel oxide (NiONP), zinc oxide (ZnONP), copper oxide (CuONP), and amine-modified polystyrene beads] was instilled into lungs of rats. We evaluated the inflammation potencies of these NPs 24 hr and 4 weeks postinstillation. For NPs that caused significant inflammation at 24 hr, we then investigated the characteristics of the inflammation. All exposures were carried out at equal-surface-area doses.

RESULTS

Only CeO₂NP, NiONP, ZnONP, and CuONP were inflammogenic to the lungs of rats at the high doses used. Strikingly, each of these induced a unique inflammatory footprint both acutely (24 hr) and chronically (4 weeks). Acutely, patterns of neutrophil and eosinophil infiltrates differed after CeO₂NP, NiONP, ZnONP, and CuONP treatment. Chronic inflammatory responses also differed after 4 weeks, with neutrophilic, neutrophilic/lymphocytic, eosinophilic/fibrotic/granulomatous, and fibrotic/granulomatous inflammation being caused respectively by CeO₂NP, NiONP, ZnONP, and CuONP.

CONCLUSION

Different types of inflammation imply different hazards in terms of pathology, risks, and risk severity. In vitro testing could not have differentiated these complex hazard outcomes, and this has important implications for the global strategy for NP hazard assessment. Our results demonstrate that NPs cannot be viewed as a single hazard entity and that risk assessment should be performed separately and with caution for different NPs.

Pathological Study of Acute Pulmonary Toxicity Induced by Intratracheally Instilled Asian Sand Dust (Kosa)

The objective of this study was to investigate acute lung toxicity caused by Asian sand dust. Simulated Asian sand dust collected from the Tennger desert in China (CJ-2 particles) and Asian sand dust collected from the atmosphere in Japan (Tottori particles) were used. Saline suspensions of 50, 200, 800, and 3,000 µg Asian sand dust were intratracheally instilled to ICR mice. Localized accumulation of the dust particles was observed in the bronchioles and the alveoli of the lung tissues; acute inflammatory changes characterized by infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils were observed around the particles. Degenerated alveolar walls and bronchial epithelial cells, as well as a weakened positive immunolabeling for laminin, were observed to be associated with particle attachment. Positive immunolabelings for interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor–α inducible nitric oxide synthase, and dimeric copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase were observed mainly in the inflammatory cells in the lesions; these findings were not observed in the controls or in areas lacking lesions. These results suggest that Asian sand dust particles caused damage to the lung tissue through a direct physical effect. In addition, secondary released cytokines and oxidative stress generated in the lesion may be involved in the development of the acute lung toxicity.

Impact of hydrogel nanoparticle size and functionalization on in vivo behavior for lung imaging and therapeutics

Polymer chemistry offers the possibility of synthesizing multifunctional nanoparticles which incorporate moieties that enhance diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of cargo delivery to the lung. However, since rules for predicting particle behavior following modification are not well-defined, it is essential that probes for tracking fate in vivo are also included. Accordingly, we designed polyacrylamide-based hydrogel particles of differing sizes, functionalized with a nona-arginine cell-penetrating peptide (Arg(9)), and labeled with imaging components to assess lung retention and cellular uptake after intratracheal administration. Radiolabeled microparticles (1-5 microm diameter) and nanoparticles (20-40 nm diameter) without and with Arg(9) showed diffuse airspace distribution by positron emission tomography imaging. Biodistribution studies revealed that particle clearance and extrapulmonary distribution was, in part, size dependent. Microparticles were rapidly cleared by mucociliary routes but, unexpectedly, also through the circulation. In contrast, nanoparticles had prolonged lung retention enhanced by Arg(9) and were significantly restricted to the lung. For all particle types, uptake was predominant in alveolar macrophages and, to a lesser extent, lung epithelial cells. In general, particles did not induce local inflammatory responses, with the exception of microparticles bearing Arg(9). Whereas microparticles may be advantageous for short-term applications, nanosized particles constitute an efficient high-retention and non-inflammatory vehicle for the delivery of diagnostic imaging agents and therapeutics to lung airspaces and alveolar macrophages that can be enhanced by Arg(9). Importantly, our results show that minor particle modifications may significantly impact in vivo behavior within the complex environments of the lung, underscoring the need for animal modeling.

Lack of Modifying Effects of Intratracheal Instillation of Quartz or Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) in Drinking Water on Lung Tumor Development Initiated with 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in Female A/J Mice

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of inflammation, induced by intratracheal instillation (i.t.) of quartz as an environmental factor in the lung or drinking of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) as an environmental factor in the colon on lung tumors in female A/J mice initiated with NNK. For comparison, colonic preneoplastic lesions, aberrant crypt foci (ACF), were also assessed. A/J mice at 6 weeks of age were divided into 5 groups, and Groups 1, 2 and 3 were pretreated with NNK (2 mg / 0.1 ml saline / mouse, intraperitoneal injection) at week 0. For a week, 2% DSS in drinking water was administered to the mice in Groups 2 and 4 beginning in week 1. In week 2, the mice of Groups 3 and 5 were exposed to intratracheal instillation of quartz (0.1 mg/rat) suspended in 25 μl saline. The experiment was terminated after 16 weeks. The results for the lung tumors and colonic ACFs showed a lack of modifying effects of the inflammation in either site. Hematologically and histopathologically, the inflammation induced by 0.1 mg quartz in the lung and 2% DSS in the colon was lacking or only mild at the end of 16 weeks. These results suggest that there may be differences in sensitivity to inflammation that determine tumor promoting potential.

Lung Carcinogenic Bioassay of CuO and TiO(2) Nanoparticles with Intratracheal Instillation Using F344 Male Rats

Toxicity assessment of nanoparticles, now widespread in our environment, is an important issue. We have focused attention on the carcinogenic potential of copper oxide (CuO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂). In experiment 1, a sequential pilot study, the effectiveness of a carcinogenic bioassay featuring intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of 20 mg 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) or 0.1% N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN) in drinking water for 2 weeks was examined. Based on the results, DHPN, as the lung carcinogen, and evaluation at week 30 were selected as the most appropriate for our purposes in Experiment 1. In experiment 2, the carcinogenic bioassay was used to assess the carcinogenic potentials of instilled nanoparticles of CuO and TiO₂. There were no significant intergroup differences in the lung neoplastic lesions induced by DHPN, although the neoplastic lesions induced by the nanoparticles in the CuO or TiO₂ intratracheal instillation (i.t.) groups, demonstrated a tendency to increase compared with the microparticles administration. At the very least, the carcinogenic bioassay with DHPN proved useful for assessment of the modifying effects of instilled particles, and further assessment of the carcinogenic potential of nanoparticles appears warranted.

An intratracheal instillation bioassay system for detection of lung toxicity due to fine particles in f344 rats

It is an urgent priority to establish in vivo bioassays for detection of hazards related to fine particles, which can be inhaled into deep lung tissue by humans. In order to establish an appropriate bioassay for detection of lung damage after particle inhalation, several experiments were performed in rats using quartz as a typical lung toxic particle. The results of pilot experiments suggest that Days 1 and 28 after intratracheal instillation of 2 mg of fine test particles in vehicle are most appropriate for detection of acute and subacute inflammatory changes, respectively. Furthermore, the BrdU incorporation on Day 1 and the iNOS level on Day 28 proved to be suitable end-point markers for this purpose. An examination of the toxicity of a series of particles was performed with the developed bioassay. Although some materials, including nanoparticles, demonstrated toxicity that was too strong for sensitive assessment, a ranking order could be clarified. The bioassay thus appears suitable for rapid hazard identification with a possible ranking of the toxicity of various particles at single concentrations.