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del Giudice G, Serra A, Pavel A, Torres Maia M, Saarimäki LA, Fratello M, Federico A, Alenius H, Fadeel B, Greco D. A Network Toxicology Approach for Mechanistic Modelling of Nanomaterial Hazard and Adverse Outcomes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400389. [PMID: 38923832 PMCID: PMC11348149 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Hazard assessment is the first step in evaluating the potential adverse effects of chemicals. Traditionally, toxicological assessment has focused on the exposure, overlooking the impact of the exposed system on the observed toxicity. However, systems toxicology emphasizes how system properties significantly contribute to the observed response. Hence, systems theory states that interactions store more information than individual elements, leading to the adoption of network based models to represent complex systems in many fields of life sciences. Here, they develop a network-based approach to characterize toxicological responses in the context of a biological system, inferring biological system specific networks. They directly link molecular alterations to the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework, establishing direct connections between omics data and toxicologically relevant phenotypic events. They apply this framework to a dataset including 31 engineered nanomaterials with different physicochemical properties in two different in vitro and one in vivo models and demonstrate how the biological system is the driving force of the observed response. This work highlights the potential of network-based methods to significantly improve their understanding of toxicological mechanisms from a systems biology perspective and provides relevant considerations and future data-driven approaches for the hazard assessment of nanomaterials and other advanced materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy del Giudice
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinki00790Finland
| | - Angela Serra
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinki00790Finland
- Tampere Institute for Advanced StudyTampere UniversityTampere33100Finland
| | - Alisa Pavel
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
| | - Marcella Torres Maia
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
| | - Laura Aliisa Saarimäki
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinki00790Finland
| | - Michele Fratello
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
| | - Antonio Federico
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinki00790Finland
- Tampere Institute for Advanced StudyTampere UniversityTampere33100Finland
| | - Harri Alenius
- Human Microbiome Research Program (HUMI)University of HelsinkiHelsinki00014Finland
- Institute of Environmental MedicineKarolinska InstitutetStockholm171 77Sweden
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Institute of Environmental MedicineKarolinska InstitutetStockholm171 77Sweden
| | - Dario Greco
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampere33520Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinki00790Finland
- Tampere Institute for Advanced StudyTampere UniversityTampere33100Finland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinki00790Finland
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Sau S, Dey A, Pal P, Das B, Maity KK, Dash SK, Tamili DK, Das B. Immunomodulatory and immune-toxicological role of nanoparticles: Potential therapeutic applications. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 135:112251. [PMID: 38781608 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, Nanoparticle-based immunotherapeutic research has invoked global interest due to their unique properties. The immune system is a shielding structure that defends living things from external threats. Before the use of any materials in drug design, it is essential to study the immunological response to avoid triggering undesirable immune responses in the body. This review tries to summarize the properties, various applications, and immunotherapeutic aspects of NP-induced immunomodulation relating to therapeutic development and toxicity in human health. The role of NPs in the immune system and their modulatory functions, resulting in immunosuppression or immunostimulation, exerts benefits or dangers depending on their compositions, sizes, surface chemistry, and so forth. After NPs enter into the body, they can interact with body fluid exposing, them to different body proteins to form protein corona particles and other bio-molecules (DNA, RNA, sugars, etc.), which may alter their bioactivity. Phagocytes are the first immune cells that can interact with foreign materials including nanoparticles. Immunostimulation and immunosuppression operate in two distinct manners. Overall, functionalized nanocarriers optimized various therapeutic implications by stimulating the host immune system and regulating the tranquility of the host immune system. Among others, toxicity and bio-clearance of nanomaterials are always prime concerns at the preclinical and clinical stages before final approval. The interaction of nanoparticles with immune cells causes direct cell damage via apoptosis and necroses as well as immune signaling pathways also become influenced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somnath Sau
- Department of Physiology and Natural Science Research Center of Belda College Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Belda College, Belda-721424, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India; Department of Nutrition and Coastal Environmental Studies, Egra S.S.B. College Research Centre, Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Egra-721429, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Alo Dey
- Department of Physiology and Natural Science Research Center of Belda College Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Belda College, Belda-721424, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritam Pal
- Department of Physiology and Natural Science Research Center of Belda College Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Belda College, Belda-721424, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Bishal Das
- Department of Physiology and Natural Science Research Center of Belda College Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Belda College, Belda-721424, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India; Department of Physiology, Debra Thana Sahid Kshudiram Smriti Mahavidyalaya, Debra-721124, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Kankan Kumar Maity
- Department of Chemistry and Natural Science Research Center of Belda College Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Belda College, Belda-721424, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Dash
- Department of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, Malda 732103, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipak Kumar Tamili
- Department of Zoology and Coastal Environmental Studies, Egra S.S.B. College Research Centre, Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Egra-721429, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Balaram Das
- Department of Physiology and Natural Science Research Center of Belda College Affiliated from Vidyasagar University, Belda College, Belda-721424, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India.
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Fatkhutdinova LM, Gabidinova GF, Daminova AG, Dimiev AM, Khamidullin TL, Valeeva EV, Cokou AEE, Validov SZ, Timerbulatova GA. Mechanisms related to carbon nanotubes genotoxicity in human cell lines of respiratory origin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 482:116784. [PMID: 38070752 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of carbon nanotubes (CNT), as well as the underlying mechanisms, remains a pressing topic. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the genotoxic effect and mechanisms of DNA damage under exposure to different types of CNT. Immortalized human cell lines of respiratory origin BEAS-2B, A549, MRC5-SV40 were exposed to three types of CNT: MWCNT Taunit-M, pristine and purified SWCNT TUBALL™ at concentrations in the range of 0.0006-200 μg/ml. Data on the CNT content in the workplace air were used to calculate the lower concentration limit. The genotoxic potential of CNTs was investigated at non-cytotoxic concentrations using a DNA comet assay. We explored reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, direct genetic material damage, and expression of a profibrotic factor TGFB1 as mechanisms related to genotoxicity upon CNT exposure. An increase in the number of unstable DNA regions was observed at a subtoxic concentration of CNT (20 μg/ml), with no genotoxic effects at concentrations corresponding to industrial exposures being found. While the three test articles of CNTs exhibited comparable genotoxic potential, their mechanisms appeared to differ. MWCNTs were found to penetrate the nucleus of respiratory cells, potentially interacting directly with genetic material, as well as to enhance ROS production and TGFB1 gene expression. For A549 and MRC5-SV40, genotoxicity depended mainly on MWCNT concentration, while for BEAS-2B - on ROS production. Mechanisms of SWCNT genotoxicity were not so obvious. Oxidative stress and increased expression of profibrotic factors could not fully explain DNA damage under SWCNT exposure, and other mechanisms might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ayrat M Dimiev
- Kazan Federal University, Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Nanomaterials, Kazan 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Timur L Khamidullin
- Kazan Federal University, Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Nanomaterials, Kazan 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Elena V Valeeva
- Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russian Federation
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Blank-Porat D, Amster E. Effect biomarkers of nanoparticle-exposed workers: A scoping review. Toxicol Ind Health 2023; 39:537-563. [PMID: 37490405 DOI: 10.1177/07482337231185994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The widespread and increasing use of engineered nanomaterials (i.e., particulate materials measuring 1-100 nanometers (nm) in at least one dimension) poses a potential health and safety risk to exposed workers. The unique properties of nanomaterials have made nanomaterials useful in multiple industries. However, their production and use may compromise worker health, presenting an emerging occupational health hazard, the acute and chronic effects of which have not been fully assessed. In this scoping review, we critically assess the literature on biomarkers of effect from nanoparticles and discuss the utility of biomonitoring as a means of assessing the physiological effects of nanoparticle exposure among nanotechnology workers. Multiple databases were queried based on select inclusion and exclusion criteria according to PRISMA guidelines, and articles were independently screened by two topic experts. Of 286 articles initially retrieved, 28 were included after screening and eligibility. The reviewed articles indicated that sensitive effect biomarkers could reflect early health effects of exposure to nanoparticles in the workplace and may be useful for monitoring toxicological effects and associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Blank-Porat
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Haifa School of Public Health, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eric Amster
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Haifa School of Public Health, Haifa, Israel
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Hojo M, Maeno A, Sakamoto Y, Yamamoto Y, Taquahashi Y, Hirose A, Suzuki J, Inomata A, Nakae D. Time-Course of Transcriptomic Change in the Lungs of F344 Rats Repeatedly Exposed to a Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube in a 2-Year Test. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2105. [PMID: 37513116 PMCID: PMC10383707 DOI: 10.3390/nano13142105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive toxicological studies of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) over the last two decades, only a few studies have demonstrated their pulmonary carcinogenicities in chronic animal experiments, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. To obtain molecular insights into CNT-induced lung carcinogenicity, we performed a transcriptomic analysis using a set of lung tissues collected from rats in a 2-year study, in which lung tumors were induced by repeated intratracheal instillations of a multiwalled carbon nanotube, MWNT-7. The RNA-seq-based transcriptome identified a large number of significantly differentially expressed genes at Year 0.5, Year 1, and Year 2. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that macrophage-elicited signaling pathways such as phagocytosis, acute phase response, and Toll-like receptor signaling were activated throughout the experimental period. At Year 2, cancer-related pathways including ERBB signaling and some axonal guidance signaling pathways such as EphB4 signaling were perturbed. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry indicated that several key molecules such as Osteopontin/Spp1, Hmox1, Mmp12, and ERBB2 were markedly altered and/or localized in the preneoplastic lesions, suggesting their participation in the induction of lung cancer. Our findings support a scenario of inflammation-induced carcinogenesis and contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of MWCNT carcinogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Hojo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Ai Maeno
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Sakamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Yukio Yamamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Yuhji Taquahashi
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tono-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akihiko Hirose
- Chemicals Assessment and Research Center, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan, 1-4-25 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
| | - Jin Suzuki
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Akiko Inomata
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Dai Nakae
- Department of Medical Sports, Faculty of Health Care and Medical Sports, Teikyo Heisei University, 4-1 Uruido-Minami, Ichihara 290-0193, Chiba, Japan
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6
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Kumah EA, Fopa RD, Harati S, Boadu P, Zohoori FV, Pak T. Human and environmental impacts of nanoparticles: a scoping review of the current literature. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1059. [PMID: 37268899 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15958-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of nanoparticles have established benefits in a wide range of applications, however, the effects of exposure to nanoparticles on health and the environmental risks associated with the production and use of nanoparticles are less well-established. The present study addresses this gap in knowledge by examining, through a scoping review of the current literature, the effects of nanoparticles on human health and the environment. We searched relevant databases including Medline, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, and SAGE journals, as well as Google, Google Scholar, and grey literature from June 2021 to July 2021. After removing duplicate articles, the title and abstracts of 1495 articles were first screened followed by the full-texts of 249 studies, and this resulted in the inclusion of 117 studies in the presented review.In this contribution we conclude that while nanoparticles offer distinct benefits in a range of applications, they pose significant threats to humans and the environment. Using several biological models and biomarkers, the included studies revealed the toxic effects of nanoparticles (mainly zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, silver, and carbon nanotubes) to include cell death, production of oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and induction of inflammatory responses. Most of the included studies (65.81%) investigated inorganic-based nanoparticles. In terms of biomarkers, most studies (76.9%) used immortalised cell lines, whiles 18.8% used primary cells as the biomarker for assessing human health effect of nanoparticles. Biomarkers that were used for assessing environmental impact of nanoparticles included soil samples and soybean seeds, zebrafish larvae, fish, and Daphnia magna neonates.From the studies included in this work the United States recorded the highest number of publications (n = 30, 25.64%), followed by China, India, and Saudi Arabia recording the same number of publications (n = 8 each), with 95.75% of the studies published from the year 2009. The majority of the included studies (93.16%) assessed impact of nanoparticles on human health, and 95.7% used experimental study design. This shows a clear gap exists in examining the impact of nanoparticles on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Adjoa Kumah
- Depeartment of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Raoul Djou Fopa
- School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK
| | - Saeed Harati
- School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK
| | - Paul Boadu
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Tannaz Pak
- School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK.
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Solorio-Rodriguez SA, Williams A, Poulsen SS, Knudsen KB, Jensen KA, Clausen PA, Danielsen PH, Wallin H, Vogel U, Halappanavar S. Single-Walled vs. Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Influence of Physico-Chemical Properties on Toxicogenomics Responses in Mouse Lungs. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13061059. [PMID: 36985953 PMCID: PMC10057402 DOI: 10.3390/nano13061059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are nanomaterials with one or multiple layers of carbon sheets. While it is suggested that various properties influence their toxicity, the specific mechanisms are not completely known. This study was aimed to determine if single or multi-walled structures and surface functionalization influence pulmonary toxicity and to identify the underlying mechanisms of toxicity. Female C57BL/6J BomTac mice were exposed to a single dose of 6, 18, or 54 μg/mouse of twelve SWCNTs or MWCNTs of different properties. Neutrophil influx and DNA damage were assessed on days 1 and 28 post-exposure. Genome microarrays and various bioinformatics and statistical methods were used to identify the biological processes, pathways and functions altered post-exposure to CNTs. All CNTs were ranked for their potency to induce transcriptional perturbation using benchmark dose modelling. All CNTs induced tissue inflammation. MWCNTs were more genotoxic than SWCNTs. Transcriptomics analysis showed similar responses across CNTs at the pathway level at the high dose, which included the perturbation of inflammatory, cellular stress, metabolism, and DNA damage responses. Of all CNTs, one pristine SWCNT was found to be the most potent and potentially fibrogenic, so it should be prioritized for further toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Williams
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A0K9, Canada; (S.A.S.-R.); (A.W.)
| | - Sarah Søs Poulsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.P.); (K.B.K.); (K.A.J.); (P.A.C.); (P.H.D.); (H.W.); (U.V.)
| | - Kristina Bram Knudsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.P.); (K.B.K.); (K.A.J.); (P.A.C.); (P.H.D.); (H.W.); (U.V.)
| | - Keld Alstrup Jensen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.P.); (K.B.K.); (K.A.J.); (P.A.C.); (P.H.D.); (H.W.); (U.V.)
| | - Per Axel Clausen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.P.); (K.B.K.); (K.A.J.); (P.A.C.); (P.H.D.); (H.W.); (U.V.)
| | - Pernille Høgh Danielsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.P.); (K.B.K.); (K.A.J.); (P.A.C.); (P.H.D.); (H.W.); (U.V.)
| | - Håkan Wallin
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.P.); (K.B.K.); (K.A.J.); (P.A.C.); (P.H.D.); (H.W.); (U.V.)
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulla Vogel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.P.); (K.B.K.); (K.A.J.); (P.A.C.); (P.H.D.); (H.W.); (U.V.)
| | - Sabina Halappanavar
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A0K9, Canada; (S.A.S.-R.); (A.W.)
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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Friesen A, Fritsch-Decker S, Mülhopt S, Quarz C, Mahl J, Baumann W, Hauser M, Wexler M, Schlager C, Gutmann B, Krebs T, Goßmann AK, Weis F, Hufnagel M, Stapf D, Hartwig A, Weiss C. Comparing the Toxicological Responses of Pulmonary Air-Liquid Interface Models upon Exposure to Differentially Treated Carbon Fibers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031927. [PMID: 36768249 PMCID: PMC9915385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the use of carbon fibers (CFs) in various sectors of industry has been increasing. Despite the similarity of CF degradation products to other toxicologically relevant materials such as asbestos fibers and carbon nanotubes, a detailed toxicological evaluation of this class of material has yet to be performed. In this work, we exposed advanced air-liquid interface cell culture models of the human lung to CF. To simulate different stresses applied to CF throughout their life cycle, they were either mechanically (mCF) or thermo-mechanically pre-treated (tmCF). Different aspects of inhalation toxicity as well as their possible time-dependency were monitored. mCFs were found to induce a moderate inflammatory response, whereas tmCF elicited stronger inflammatory as well as apoptotic effects. Furthermore, thermal treatment changed the surface properties of the CF resulting in a presumed adhesion of the cells to the fiber fragments and subsequent cell loss. Triple-cultures encompassing epithelial, macrophage, and fibroblast cells stood out with an exceptionally high inflammatory response. Only a weak genotoxic effect was detected in the form of DNA strand breaks in mono- and co-cultures, with triple-cultures presenting a possible secondary genotoxicity. This work establishes CF fragments as a potentially harmful material and emphasizes the necessity of further toxicological assessment of existing and upcoming advanced CF-containing materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Friesen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied Biosciences, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Susanne Fritsch-Decker
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Sonja Mülhopt
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technical Chemistry, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Caroline Quarz
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied Biosciences, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jonathan Mahl
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technical Chemistry, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Werner Baumann
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technical Chemistry, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Manuela Hauser
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technical Chemistry, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Manuela Wexler
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technical Chemistry, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | | | | | - Tobias Krebs
- Vitrocell Systems GmbH, 79183 Waldkirch, Germany
| | | | | | - Matthias Hufnagel
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied Biosciences, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dieter Stapf
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technical Chemistry, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartwig
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied Biosciences, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (C.W.)
| | - Carsten Weiss
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (C.W.)
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Svadlakova T, Holmannova D, Kolackova M, Malkova A, Krejsek J, Fiala Z. Immunotoxicity of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials, Starring Phagocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168889. [PMID: 36012161 PMCID: PMC9408998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of science, technology and medicine, carbon-based nanomaterials and nanoparticles (CNMs) are becoming attractive nanomaterials that are increasingly used. However, it is important to acknowledge the risk of nanotoxicity that comes with the widespread use of CNMs. CNMs can enter the body via inhalation, ingestion, intravenously or by any other route, spread through the bloodstream and penetrate tissues where (in both compartments) they interact with components of the immune system. Like invading pathogens, CNMs can be recognized by large numbers of receptors that are present on the surface of innate immune cells, notably monocytes and macrophages. Depending on the physicochemical properties of CNMs, i.e., shape, size, or adsorbed contamination, phagocytes try to engulf and process CNMs, which might induce pro/anti-inflammatory response or lead to modulation and disruption of basic immune activity. This review focuses on existing data on the immunotoxic potential of CNMs, particularly in professional phagocytes, as they play a central role in processing and eliminating foreign particles. The results of immunotoxic studies are also described in the context of the entry routes, impacts of contamination and means of possible elimination. Mechanisms of proinflammatory effect depending on endocytosis and intracellular distribution of CNMs are highlighted as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Svadlakova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove and Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Drahomira Holmannova
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Kolackova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove and Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Malkova
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Krejsek
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove and Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Fiala
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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10
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Dai XY, Ren LJ, Yan L, Zhang JQZ, Dong YF, Qing TL, Shi WJ, Li JF, Gao FY, Zhang XF, Tian YJ, Zhu YP, Zhu JB, Chen JK. Vascular toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes targeting vascular endothelial growth factor. Nanotoxicology 2022; 16:597-609. [PMID: 36151876 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2022.2125849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are currently widely used and are expected to be used as drug carriers and contrast agents in clinical practice. Previous studies mainly focused on their lung toxicity; therefore, their effects on the vascular endothelium are unclear. In this study, a human angiogenesis array was used to determine the effect of MWCNTs on the expression profile of angiogenic factors in endothelial cells and to clarify the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in MWCNT-induced endothelial cell injury at the cellular and animal levels. The results indicated that MWCNTs (20-30 nm and 30-50 nm) could enter endothelial cells and disrupt human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. MWCNTs disrupted the tube formation ability and cell migration function of HUVECs. The results from a Matrigel Plug experiment in mice showed that angiogenesis in the MWCNT experimental group was significantly reduced. The results of a protein chip analysis indicated that VEGF expression in the MWCNT treatment group was decreased, a finding that was validated by ELISA results. The protein expression levels of AKT and eNOS in the MWCNT treatment group were significantly decreased; the administration of recombinant VEGF significantly alleviated the migration ability and tube formation ability of endothelial cells injured by MWCNTs, upregulated the protein expression of AKT and eNOS, and increased the number of neovascularization in mice in the MWCNT treatment group. This study demonstrated that MWCNTs affect angiogenesis via the VEGF-Akt-eNOS axis which can be rescued by VEGF endothelial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Dai
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Jun Ren
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lang Yan
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Qian-Zhu Zhang
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Fan Dong
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao-Lin Qing
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jing Shi
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Feng Li
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Gao
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Zhang
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Jun Tian
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Ping Zhu
- Basic Medical Experimental Teaching Center, Basic Medical College, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang-Bo Zhu
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Kuai Chen
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Nanosafety: An Evolving Concept to Bring the Safest Possible Nanomaterials to Society and Environment. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12111810. [PMID: 35683670 PMCID: PMC9181910 DOI: 10.3390/nano12111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of nanomaterials has been increasing in recent times, and they are widely used in industries such as cosmetics, drugs, food, water treatment, and agriculture. The rapid development of new nanomaterials demands a set of approaches to evaluate the potential toxicity and risks related to them. In this regard, nanosafety has been using and adapting already existing methods (toxicological approach), but the unique characteristics of nanomaterials demand new approaches (nanotoxicology) to fully understand the potential toxicity, immunotoxicity, and (epi)genotoxicity. In addition, new technologies, such as organs-on-chips and sophisticated sensors, are under development and/or adaptation. All the information generated is used to develop new in silico approaches trying to predict the potential effects of newly developed materials. The overall evaluation of nanomaterials from their production to their final disposal chain is completed using the life cycle assessment (LCA), which is becoming an important element of nanosafety considering sustainability and environmental impact. In this review, we give an overview of all these elements of nanosafety.
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12
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Gupta SS, Singh KP, Gupta S, Dusinska M, Rahman Q. Do Carbon Nanotubes and Asbestos Fibers Exhibit Common Toxicity Mechanisms? NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12101708. [PMID: 35630938 PMCID: PMC9145953 DOI: 10.3390/nano12101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
During the last two decades several nanoscale materials were engineered for industrial and medical applications. Among them carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the most exploited nanomaterials with global production of around 1000 tons/year. Besides several commercial benefits of CNTs, the fiber-like structures and their bio-persistency in lung tissues raise serious concerns about the possible adverse human health effects resembling those of asbestos fibers. In this review, we present a comparative analysis between CNTs and asbestos fibers using the following four parameters: (1) fibrous needle-like shape, (2) bio-persistent nature, (3) high surface to volume ratio and (4) capacity to adsorb toxicants/pollutants on the surface. We also compare mechanisms underlying the toxicity caused by certain diameters and lengths of CNTs and asbestos fibers using downstream pathways associated with altered gene expression data from both asbestos and CNT exposure. Our results suggest that indeed certain types of CNTs are emulating asbestos fiber as far as associated toxicity is concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchi Smita Gupta
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany; (S.S.G.); (K.P.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Krishna P. Singh
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany; (S.S.G.); (K.P.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Shailendra Gupta
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany; (S.S.G.); (K.P.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway;
| | - Qamar Rahman
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Lucknow 226028, India
- Correspondence:
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13
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Olmedo-Suárez MÁ, Ramírez-Díaz I, Pérez-González A, Molina-Herrera A, Coral-García MÁ, Lobato S, Sarvari P, Barreto G, Rubio K. Epigenetic Regulation in Exposome-Induced Tumorigenesis: Emerging Roles of ncRNAs. Biomolecules 2022; 12:513. [PMID: 35454102 PMCID: PMC9032613 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors, including pollutants and lifestyle, constitute a significant role in severe, chronic pathologies with an essential societal, economic burden. The measurement of all environmental exposures and assessing their correlation with effects on individual health is defined as the exposome, which interacts with our unique characteristics such as genetics, physiology, and epigenetics. Epigenetics investigates modifications in the expression of genes that do not depend on the underlying DNA sequence. Some studies have confirmed that environmental factors may promote disease in individuals or subsequent progeny through epigenetic alterations. Variations in the epigenetic machinery cause a spectrum of different disorders since these mechanisms are more sensitive to the environment than the genome, due to the inherent reversible nature of the epigenetic landscape. Several epigenetic mechanisms, including modifications in DNA (e.g., methylation), histones, and noncoding RNAs can change genome expression under the exogenous influence. Notably, the role of long noncoding RNAs in epigenetic processes has not been well explored in the context of exposome-induced tumorigenesis. In the present review, our scope is to provide relevant evidence indicating that epigenetic alterations mediate those detrimental effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants, focusing mainly on a multi-step regulation by diverse noncoding RNAs subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Olmedo-Suárez
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Licenciatura en Médico Cirujano, Universidad de la Salud del Estado de Puebla (USEP), Puebla 72000, Mexico
| | - Ivonne Ramírez-Díaz
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Facultad de Biotecnología, Campus Puebla, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla 72410, Mexico
| | - Andrea Pérez-González
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Licenciatura en Médico Cirujano, Universidad de la Salud del Estado de Puebla (USEP), Puebla 72000, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Molina-Herrera
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Licenciatura en Médico Cirujano, Universidad de la Salud del Estado de Puebla (USEP), Puebla 72000, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel Coral-García
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Decanato de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus Puebla, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla 72410, Mexico
| | - Sagrario Lobato
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Licenciatura en Médico Cirujano, Universidad de la Salud del Estado de Puebla (USEP), Puebla 72000, Mexico
| | - Pouya Sarvari
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Guillermo Barreto
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Laboratoire IMoPA, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, UMR 73635 Nancy, France
- Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Karla Rubio
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Puebla 72160, Mexico; (M.Á.O.-S.); (I.R.-D.); (A.P.-G.); (A.M.-H.); (M.Á.C.-G.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (G.B.)
- Licenciatura en Médico Cirujano, Universidad de la Salud del Estado de Puebla (USEP), Puebla 72000, Mexico
- Laboratoire IMoPA, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, UMR 73635 Nancy, France
- Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
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14
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Ventura C, Torres V, Vieira L, Gomes B, Rodrigues AS, Rueff J, Penque D, Silva MJ. New “Omics” Approaches as Tools to Explore Mechanistic Nanotoxicology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1357:179-194. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-88071-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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15
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Epigenetic Mechanisms in Understanding Nanomaterial-Induced Toxicity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1357:195-223. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-88071-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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16
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Tirumala MG, Anchi P, Raja S, Rachamalla M, Godugu C. Novel Methods and Approaches for Safety Evaluation of Nanoparticle Formulations: A Focus Towards In Vitro Models and Adverse Outcome Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:612659. [PMID: 34566630 PMCID: PMC8458898 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.612659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotoxicology is an emerging field employed in the assessment of unintentional hazardous effects produced by nanoparticles (NPs) impacting human health and the environment. The nanotoxicity affects the range between induction of cellular stress and cytotoxicity. The reasons so far reported for these toxicological effects are due to their variable sizes with high surface areas, shape, charge, and physicochemical properties, which upon interaction with the biological components may influence their functioning and result in adverse outcomes (AO). Thus, understanding the risk produced by these materials now is an important safety concern for the development of nanotechnology and nanomedicine. Since the time nanotoxicology has evolved, the methods employed have been majorly relied on in vitro cell-based evaluations, while these simple methods may not predict the complexity involved in preclinical and clinical conditions concerning pharmacokinetics, organ toxicity, and toxicities evidenced through multiple cellular levels. The safety profiles of nanoscale nanomaterials and nanoformulations in the delivery of drugs and therapeutic applications are of considerable concern. In addition, the safety assessment for new nanomedicine formulas lacks regulatory standards. Though the in vivo studies are greatly needed, the end parameters used for risk assessment are not predicting the possible toxic effects produced by various nanoformulations. On the other side, due to increased restrictions on animal usage and demand for the need for high-throughput assays, there is a need for developing and exploring novel methods to evaluate NPs safety concerns. The progress made in molecular biology and the availability of several modern techniques may offer novel and innovative methods to evaluate the toxicological behavior of different NPs by using single cells, cell population, and whole organisms. This review highlights the recent novel methods developed for the evaluation of the safety impacts of NPs and attempts to solve the problems that come with risk assessment. The relevance of investigating adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) in nanotoxicology has been stressed in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounika Gayathri Tirumala
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Pratibha Anchi
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Susmitha Raja
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Mahesh Rachamalla
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
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17
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Liu Y, Hu Q, Huang C, Cao Y. Comparison of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and halloysite nanotubes on lipid profiles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. NANOIMPACT 2021; 23:100333. [PMID: 35559834 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tubular nanomaterials (NMs), such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), may be used in biomedicine, but previous studies showed that MWCNTs induced toxicity to endothelial cells (ECs). However, the influence of tubular NMs on EC lipid profiles has gained little attention, probably because ECs are not traditionally considered to be involved in regulating lipid homeostasis. This study compared the different effects of MWCNTs and HNTs on lipid profile changes in human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). The results showed that MWCNTs but not HNTs of the same mass concentrations induced cytotoxicity, ultrastuctural changes and intracellular thiol depletion. Meanwhile, only MWCNTs promoted lipid accumulation due to the induction of ER stress leading to up-regulation of fatty acid synthase (FASN). Interestingly, lipidomics results showed that the main lipid classes induced by MWCNTs but not HNTs were ceramide (Cer) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), with most of the lipid classes unaltered or even decreased after NM exposure. Then, extra Cer and PI were added to explore the implications of increase of these lipids. Adding Cer promoted the cytotoxicity of MWCNTs to HUVECs, indicating the lipotoxic role of Cer. Whereas adding PI partially increased intracellular NO and decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) release due to MWCNT exposure, indicating the signaling role of PI. These results indicated novel roles of lipid dysfunction in NM-induced toxicity to ECs, even though ECs are not the professional cells for controlling lipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Liu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), Nanjing 210037, China; Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China
| | - Qilan Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), Nanjing 210037, China; Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China
| | - Chaobo Huang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China.
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18
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Scala G, Delaval MN, Mukherjee SP, Federico A, Khaliullin TO, Yanamala N, Fatkhutdinova LM, Kisin ER, Greco D, Fadeel B, Shvedova AA. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes elicit concordant changes in DNA methylation and gene expression following long-term pulmonary exposure in mice. CARBON 2021; 178:563-572. [PMID: 37206955 PMCID: PMC10193301 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2021.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) causes inflammation and fibrosis. Our previous work has shown that industrially produced MWCNTs trigger specific changes in gene expression in the lungs of exposed animals. To elucidate whether epigenetic effects play a role for these gene expression changes, we performed whole genome bisulphite sequencing to assess DNA methylation patterns in the lungs 56 days after exposure to MWCNTs. Lung tissues were also evaluated with respect to histopathological changes and cytokine profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was conducted using a multi-plex array. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics data and DNA methylation data revealed concordant changes in gene expression. Functional analysis showed that the muscle contraction, immune system/inflammation, and extracellular matrix pathways were the most affected pathways. Taken together, the present study revealed that MWCNTs exert epigenetic effects in the lungs of exposed animals, potentially driving the subsequent gene expression changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Scala
- Department of Biology, University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Mathilde N. Delaval
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sourav P. Mukherjee
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Federico
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Naveena Yanamala
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Liliya M. Fatkhutdinova
- Department of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Elena R. Kisin
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Dario Greco
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Corresponding author. (D. Greco)
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding author. (B. Fadeel)
| | - Anna A. Shvedova
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Corresponding author. Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA. (A.A. Shvedova)
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19
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Cao Y. Potential roles of Kruppel-like factors in mediating adverse vascular effects of nanomaterials: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:4-16. [PMID: 33837572 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of nanotechnology leads to the exposure of human beings to nanomaterials (NMs), and there is a health concern about the adverse vascular effects of NMs. Current data from epidemiology, controlled human exposure, and animal studies suggested that exposure to NMs could induce cardiopulmonary effects. In support of in vivo findings, in vitro studies showed that direct contact of vascular cells with NMs could induce endothelial cell (EC) activation and promote macrophage foam cell formation, although only limited studies showed that NMs could damage vascular smooth muscle cells and promote their phenotypic switch. It has been proposed that NMs induced adverse vascular effects via different mechanisms, but it is still necessary to understand the upstream events. Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are a set of C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) that can regulate various aspects of vascular biology, but currently, the roles of KLF2 in mediating the adverse vascular effects of NMs have gained little attention by toxicologists. This review summarized current knowledge about the adverse vascular effects of NMs and proposed the potential roles of KLFs in mediating these effects based on available data from toxicological studies as well as the current understanding about KLFs in vascular biology. Finally, the challenges in investigating the role of KLFs in vascular toxicology were also summarized. Considering the important roles of KLFs in vascular biology, further studies are needed to understand the influence of NMs on KLFs and the downstream events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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20
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Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Nanofibres: More Than a Cobweb. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11030745. [PMID: 33809629 PMCID: PMC8002294 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are erroneously considered as singular material entities. Instead, they should be regarded as a heterogeneous class of materials bearing different properties eliciting particular biological outcomes both in vitro and in vivo. Given the pace at which the industrial production of CNTs/CNFs is increasing, it is becoming of utmost importance to acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding their biological activity and their hazardous effects in humans. Animal studies carried out by inhalation showed that some CNTs/CNFs species can cause deleterious effects such as inflammation and lung tissue remodeling. Their physico-chemical properties, biological behavior and biopersistence make them similar to asbestos fibers. Human studies suggest some mild effects in workers handling CNTs/CNFs. However, owing to their cross-sectional design, researchers have been as yet unable to firmly demonstrate a causal relationship between such an exposure and the observed effects. Estimation of acceptable exposure levels should warrant a proper risk management. The aim of this review is to challenge the conception of CNTs/CNFs as a single, unified material entity and prompt the establishment of standardized hazard and exposure assessment methodologies able to properly feed risk assessment and management frameworks.
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21
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Barbarino M, Giordano A. Assessment of the Carcinogenicity of Carbon Nanotubes in the Respiratory System. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061318. [PMID: 33804168 PMCID: PMC7998467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2014, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified the first type of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as possibly carcinogenic to humans, while in the case of other CNTs, it was not possible to ascertain their toxicity due to lack of evidence. Moreover, the physicochemical heterogeneity of this group of substances hamper any generalization on their toxicity. Here, we review the recent relevant toxicity studies produced after the IARC meeting in 2014 on an homogeneous group of CNTs, highlighting the molecular alterations that are relevant for the onset of mesothelioma. Methods: The literature was searched on PubMed and Web of Science for the period 2015-2020, using different combinations keywords. Only data on normal cells of the respiratory system after exposure to fully characterized CNTs for their physico-chemical characteristics were included. Recent studies indicate that CNTs induce a sustained inflammatory response, oxidative stress, fibrosis and histological alterations. The development of mesothelial hyperplasia, mesothelioma, and lungs tumors have been also described in vivo. The data support a strong inflammatory potential of CNTs, similar to that of asbestos, and provide evidence that CNTs exposure led to molecular alterations known to have a key role in mesothelioma onset. These evidences call for an urgent improvement of studies on exposed human populations and adequate systems for monitoring the health of workers exposed to this putative carcinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Barbarino
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Jiang Y, Gong H, Jiang S, She C, Cao Y. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes decrease neuronal NO synthase in 3D brain organoids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141384. [PMID: 32823226 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) might induce the dysfunction of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and impair the function of brains. But to the best of our knowledge, this conclusion was made by using laboratory animals or conventional nerve cell cultures; however, these models might not reflect the complex conditions of human brains. Recently, the development of 3D brain organoids (also known as organotypic cultures) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides a platform to investigate the behaviors of human brains in vitro. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of MWCNTs to 3D brain organoids which expressed the cortical layer markers. It was shown that MWCNTs induced cytotoxicity to 3D brain organoids but not in dose-dependent manner. Exposure to high level of MWCNTs (64 μg/mL) reduced the levels of intracellular NO but increased superoxide. As the mechanism, 64 μg/mL MWCNTs significantly reduced the protein level of nNOS. The nNOS regulators nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) proteins were significantly induced by MWCNTs, whereas Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) proteins were reduced particularly after exposure to low level of MWCNTs (16 μg/mL). The results from fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (MOST) confirmed the decrease of nNOS proteins, not only at the out-layers that directly contacted MWCNTs, but also at the inner-layers. Combined, our results suggested that MWCNTs could decrease nNOS activity by inducing oxidative stress and modulating NF-κB-KLF4 pathway. This study also showed the potential of 3D brain organoids in mechanism-based toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province and Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education for Western Hunan Medicinal Plant and Ethnobotany, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418008, China; Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Lab of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Housheng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province and Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education for Western Hunan Medicinal Plant and Ethnobotany, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418008, China; Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Lab of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Shaohua Jiang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Chaowen She
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province and Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education for Western Hunan Medicinal Plant and Ethnobotany, Huaihua University, Huaihua 418008, China.
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Lab of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China.
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23
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Taylor-Just AJ, Ihrie MD, Duke KS, Lee HY, You DJ, Hussain S, Kodali VK, Ziemann C, Creutzenberg O, Vulpoi A, Turcu F, Potara M, Todea M, van den Brule S, Lison D, Bonner JC. The pulmonary toxicity of carboxylated or aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes in mice is determined by the prior purification method. Part Fibre Toxicol 2020; 17:60. [PMID: 33243293 PMCID: PMC7690083 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-020-00390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inhalation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) poses a potential risk to human health. In order to safeguard workers and consumers, the toxic properties of MWCNTs need to be identified. Functionalization has been shown to either decrease or increase MWCNT-related pulmonary injury, depending on the type of modification. We, therefore, investigated both acute and chronic pulmonary toxicity of a library of MWCNTs derived from a common pristine parent compound (NC7000). Methods MWCNTs were thermally or chemically purified and subsequently surface functionalized by carboxylation or amination. To evaluate pulmonary toxicity, male C57BL6 mice were dosed via oropharyngeal aspiration with either 1.6 or 4 mg/kg of each MWCNT type. Mitsui-7 MWCNT was used as a positive control. Necropsy was performed at days 3 and 60 post-exposure to collect bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs. Results At day 3 all MWCNTs increased the number of neutrophils in BALF. Chemical purification had a greater effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL1) in BALF, while thermal purification had a greater effect on pro-fibrotic cytokines (CCL2, OPN, TGF-β1). At day 60, thermally purified, carboxylated MWCNTs had the strongest effect on lymphocyte numbers in BALF. Thermally purified MWCNTs caused the greatest increase in LDH and total protein in BALF. Furthermore, the thermally purified and carboxyl- or amine-functionalized MWCNTs caused the greatest number of granulomatous lesions in the lungs. The physicochemical characteristics mainly associated with increased toxicity of the thermally purified derivatives were decreased surface defects and decreased amorphous content as indicated by Raman spectroscopy. Conclusions These data demonstrate that the purification method is an important determinant of lung toxicity induced by carboxyl- and amine-functionalized MWCNTs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12989-020-00390-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia J Taylor-Just
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Suite 1104, Toxicology Building, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Mark D Ihrie
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Suite 1104, Toxicology Building, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Katherine S Duke
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Suite 1104, Toxicology Building, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Ho Young Lee
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Suite 1104, Toxicology Building, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Dorothy J You
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Suite 1104, Toxicology Building, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Salik Hussain
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Vamsi K Kodali
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Christina Ziemann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
| | - Otto Creutzenberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adriana Vulpoi
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Flaviu Turcu
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Potara
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Milica Todea
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sybille van den Brule
- Louvain centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Lison
- Louvain centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - James C Bonner
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Suite 1104, Toxicology Building, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
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Zhang W, Liu S, Han D, He Z. Engineered nanoparticle-induced epigenetic changes: An important consideration in nanomedicine. Acta Biomater 2020; 117:93-107. [PMID: 32980543 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are now being applied across a range of disciplines, and as a result numerous studies have now assessed ENP-related bioeffects. Among them, ENP-induced epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression have recently attracted attention. In this review, we describe the diversity of ENP-induced epigenetic changes, focusing on their interplay with related functional biological events, especially oxidative stress, MAPK pathway activation, and inflammation. In doing so, we highlight the underlying mechanisms and biological effects of ENP-induced epigenetic changes. We also summarize how high-throughput technologies have helped to uncover ENP-induced epigenetic changes. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and the challenges related to ENP-induced epigenetic changes that still need to be addressed.
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25
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Boccuni F, Ferrante R, Tombolini F, Natale C, Gordiani A, Sabella S, Iavicoli S. Occupational exposure to graphene and silica nanoparticles. Part I: workplace measurements and samplings. Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:1280-1300. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1834634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Boccuni
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ferrante
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Tombolini
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Natale
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gordiani
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Sabella
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
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26
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Italiani P, Della Camera G, Boraschi D. Induction of Innate Immune Memory by Engineered Nanoparticles in Monocytes/Macrophages: From Hypothesis to Reality. Front Immunol 2020; 11:566309. [PMID: 33123137 PMCID: PMC7573069 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.566309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of engineered nanoparticles to activate cells of the innate immune system, in particular monocytes and macrophages, is considered at the basis of their toxic/inflammatory effects. It is, however, evident that even nanoparticles that do not directly induce inflammatory activation, and are therefore considered as safe, can nevertheless induce epigenetic modifications and affect metabolic pathways in monocytes and macrophages. Since epigenetic and metabolic changes are the main mechanisms of innate memory, we had previously proposed that nanoparticles can induce/modulate innate memory, that is, have the ability of shaping the secondary response to inflammatory challenges. In light of new data, it is now possible to support the original hypothesis and show that different types of nanoparticles can both directly induce innate memory, priming macrophages for a more potent response to subsequent stimuli, and modulate bacteria-induced memory by attenuating the priming-induced enhancement. This evidence raises two important issues. First, in addition to overt toxic/inflammatory effects, we should consider evaluating the capacity to induce innate memory and the related epigenetic and metabolic changes in the immunosafety assessment of nanomaterials, since modulation of innate memory may be at the basis of long-term unwanted immunological effects. The other important consideration is that this capacity of nanomaterials could open a new avenue in immunomodulation and the possibility of using engineered nanomaterials for improving immune responses to vaccines and resistance to infections, and modulate anomalous immune/inflammatory reactions in chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, and a range of other immune-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Italiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Camera
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
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27
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Miller MR, Poland CA. Nanotoxicology: The Need for a Human Touch? SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2001516. [PMID: 32697439 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202001516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
With the ever-expanding number of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) under development there is a vital need for nanotoxicology studies that test the potential for MNMs to cause harm to health. An extensive body of work in cell cultures and animal models is vital to understanding the physicochemical characteristics of MNMs and the biological mechanisms that underlie any detrimental actions to cells and organs. In human subjects, exposure monitoring is combined with measurement of selected health parameters in small panel studies, especially in occupational settings. However, the availability of further in vivo human data would greatly assist the risk assessment of MNMs. Here, the potential for controlled inhalation exposures of MNMs in human subjects is discussed. Controlled exposures to carbon, gold, aluminum, and zinc nanoparticles in humans have already set a precedence to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. These studies have provided considerable insight into the potential (or not) of nanoparticles to induce inflammation, alter lung function, affect the vasculature, reach the systemic circulation, and accumulate in other organs. The need for further controlled exposures of MNMs in human volunteers - to establish no-effect limits, biological mechanisms, and provide vital data for the risk assessment of MNMs - is advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Miller
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Craig A Poland
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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28
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Barosova H, Karakocak BB, Septiadi D, Petri-Fink A, Stone V, Rothen-Rutishauser B. An In Vitro Lung System to Assess the Proinflammatory Hazard of Carbon Nanotube Aerosols. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155335. [PMID: 32727099 PMCID: PMC7432093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro three-dimensional (3D) lung cell models have been thoroughly investigated in recent years and provide a reliable tool to assess the hazard associated with nanomaterials (NMs) released into the air. In this study, a 3D lung co-culture model was optimized to assess the hazard potential of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which is known to provoke inflammation and fibrosis, critical adverse outcomes linked to acute and prolonged NM exposure. The lung co-cultures were exposed to MWCNTs at the air-liquid interface (ALI) using the VITROCELL® Cloud system while considering realistic occupational exposure doses. The co-culture model was composed of three human cell lines: alveolar epithelial cells (A549), fibroblasts (MRC-5), and macrophages (differentiated THP-1). The model was exposed to two types of MWCNTs (Mitsui-7 and Nanocyl) at different concentrations (2–10 μg/cm2) to assess the proinflammatory as well as the profibrotic responses after acute (24 h, one exposure) and prolonged (96 h, repeated exposures) exposure cycles. The results showed that acute or prolonged exposure to different concentrations of the tested MWCNTs did not induce cytotoxicity or apparent profibrotic response; however, suggested the onset of proinflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Barosova
- BioNanomaterials Group, Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (H.B.); (B.B.K.); (D.S.); (A.P.-F.)
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bedia Begum Karakocak
- BioNanomaterials Group, Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (H.B.); (B.B.K.); (D.S.); (A.P.-F.)
| | - Dedy Septiadi
- BioNanomaterials Group, Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (H.B.); (B.B.K.); (D.S.); (A.P.-F.)
| | - Alke Petri-Fink
- BioNanomaterials Group, Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (H.B.); (B.B.K.); (D.S.); (A.P.-F.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Vicki Stone
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
- BioNanomaterials Group, Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (H.B.); (B.B.K.); (D.S.); (A.P.-F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-26-300-9502
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29
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Ghosh M, Janssen L, Martens DS, Öner D, Vlaanderen J, Pronk A, Kuijpers E, Vermeulen R, Nawrot TS, Godderis L, Hoet PH. Increased telomere length and mtDNA copy number induced by multi-walled carbon nanotube exposure in the workplace. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 394:122569. [PMID: 32240902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) except MWCNT-7 have been classified as Group 3 ["Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans"] by the IARC. Despite considerable mechanistic evidence in vitro/in vivo, the classification highlights a general lack of data, especially among humans. In our previous study, we reported epigenetic changes in the MWCNT exposed workers. Here, we evaluated whether MWCNT can also cause alterations in aging related features including relative telomere length (TL) and/or mitochondrial copy number (mtDNAcn). Relative TL and mtDNAcn were measured on extracted DNA from peripheral blood from MWCNT exposed workers (N = 24) and non-exposed controls (N = 43) using a qPCR method. A higher mtDNAcn and longer TL were observed in MWCNT exposed workers when compared to controls. Independent of age, sex, smoking behavior, alcohol consumption and BMI, MWCNT-exposure was associated with an 18.30 % increase in blood TL (95 % CI: 7.15-30.62 %; p = 0.001) and 35.21 % increase in mtDNAcn (95 % CI: 19.12-53.46 %). Our results suggest that exposure to MWCNT can induce an increase in the mtDNAcn and TL; however, the mechanistic basis or consequence of such change requires further experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manosij Ghosh
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa Janssen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Deniz Öner
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelle Vlaanderen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anjoeka Pronk
- TNO, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Eelco Kuijpers
- TNO, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Idewe, Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Peter Hm Hoet
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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30
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Far-reaching advances in the role of carbon nanotubes in cancer therapy. Life Sci 2020; 257:118059. [PMID: 32659368 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer includes a group of diseases involving unregulated cell growth with the potential to invade or expand to other parts of the body, resulting in an estimate of 9.6 million deaths worldwide in 2018. Manifold studies have been conducted to design more efficacious techniques for cancer therapy due to the inadequacy of conventional treatments including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. With the advances in the biomedical applications of nanotechnology-based systems, nanomaterials have gained increasing attention as promising vehicles for targeted cancer therapy and optimizing treatment outcomes. Owing to their outstanding thermal, electrical, optical and chemical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been profoundly studied to explore the various perspectives of their application in cancer treatment. The current study aims to review the role of CNTs whether as a carrier or mediator in cancer treatment for enhancing the efficacy as well as the specificity of therapy and reducing adverse side effects. This comprehensive review indicates that CNTs have the capability to be the next generation nanomaterials to actualize noninvasive targeted eradication of tumors. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the consequences of their biomedical application before the transition into clinical trials, since possible adverse effects of CNTs on biological systems have not been clearly understood.
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Functional effects of differentially expressed microRNAs in A549 cells exposed to MWCNT-7 or crocidolite. Toxicol Lett 2020; 328:7-18. [PMID: 32311379 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are engineered nanomaterials widely used in industrial and biomedical applications. Yet, MWCNT inhalation may induce pulmonary adverse effects, and the MWCNT-7 (Mitsui-7) has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, its molecular mechanisms of action are poorly understood and there are no biomarkers of exposure for occupational monitoring. Several pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer, have been associated with alterations in microRNA expression that are used as biomarkers of disease progression, and differentially-expressed microRNAs (DE miRNAs) can also allow understanding the molecular effects induced by a toxicant. In this study, we identify DE miRNAs in A549 alveolar epithelial cells following 24 h exposure to MWCNT-7 or crocidolite, as well as their enriched cellular functional pathways. These indicate that both materials change cell survival, differentiation and proliferative properties under the influence of AMPK, FoxO, TGF-β and Hippo pathways, and their metabolic activity and cell-to-cell communication. In addition, MWCNT-7 affects the actin cytoskeleton, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and ECM-receptor interactions; crocidolite the PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways, endocytosis, and central carbon metabolism. Since deregulation of these pathways may be related to carcinogenesis, an interaction network of DE miRNAs and corresponding target cancer-related genes was constructed, highlighting the carcinogenic potential of Mitsui-7.
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32
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Öner D, Ghosh M, Coorens R, Bové H, Moisse M, Lambrechts D, Ameloot M, Godderis L, Hoet PHM. Induction and recovery of CpG site specific methylation changes in human bronchial cells after long-term exposure to carbon nanotubes and asbestos. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105530. [PMID: 32062310 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhalation of asbestos induces lung cancer via different cellular mechanisms. Together with the increased production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grows the concern about adverse effects on the lungs given the similarities with asbestos. While it has been established that CNT and asbestos induce epigenetic alterations, it is currently not known whether alterations at epigenetic level remain stable after withdrawal of the exposure. Identification of DNA methylation changes after a low dose of CNT and asbestos exposure and recovery can be useful to determine the fibre/particle toxicity and adverse outcome. METHODS Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were treated with a low and non-cytotoxic dose (0.25 µg/ml) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-NM400) or single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs-SRM2483) and 0.05 µg/ml amosite (brown) asbestos for the course of four weeks (sub-chronic exposure). After this treatment, the cells were further incubated (without particle/fibre) for two weeks, allowing recovery from the exposure (recovery period). Nuclear depositions of the CNTs were assessed using femtosecond pulsed laser microscopy in a label-free manner. DNA methylation alterations were analysed using microarrays that assess more than 850 thousand CpG sites in the whole genome. RESULTS At non-cytotoxic doses, CNTs were noted to be incorporated with in the nucleus after a four weeks period. Exposure to MWCNTs induced a single hypomethylation at a CpG site and gene promoter region. No change in DNA methylation was observed after the recovery period for MWCNTs. Exposure to SWCNTs or amosite induced hypermethylation at CpG sites after sub-chronic exposure which may involve in 'transcription factor activity' and 'sequence-specific DNA binding' gene ontologies. After the recovery period, hypermethylation and hypomethylation were noted for both SWCNTs and amosite. Hippocalcinlike 1 (HPCAL1), protease serine 3 (PRSS3), kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3), kruppel like factor 3 (KLF3) genes were hypermethylated at different time points in either SWCNT-exposed or amosite-exposed cells. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the specific SWCNT (SRM2483) and amosite fibres studied induce hypo- or hypermethylation on CpG sites in DNA after very low-dose exposure and recovery period. This effect was not seen for the studied MWCNT (NM400).
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Öner
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Coorens
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Bové
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan Building C, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Laboratory for Translational Genetics, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Laboratory for Translational Genetics, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory for Translational Genetics, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Agoralaan Building C, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Idewe, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter H M Hoet
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit of Environment and Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Dahm MM, Bertke S, Schubauer-Berigan MK. Predicting Occupational Exposures to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers Based on Workplace Determinants Modeling. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:158-172. [PMID: 30715150 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent cross-sectional epidemiologic studies have examined the association between human health effects and carbon nanotube and nanofiber (CNT/F) workplace exposures. However, due to the latency of many health effects of interest, cohort studies with sufficient follow-up will likely be needed. The objective of this study was to identify workplace determinants that contribute to exposure and develop predictive models to estimate CNT/F exposures for future use in epidemiologic studies. METHODS Exposure measurements were compiled from 15 unique facilities for the metrics of elemental carbon (EC) mass at both the respirable and inhalable aerosol size fractions as well as a quantitative analysis performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These metrics served as the dependent variables in model development. Repeated personal samples were collected from most of the 127 CNT/F worker participants for 252 total observations. Determinants were categorized as company-level or worker-level and used to describe the exposure relationship within the dependent variables. The influence of determinants on variance components was explored using mixed linear models that utilized a backwards stepwise selection process with a lowering of the AIC for model determinant selection. Additional ridge regression models were created that examined predictive performance with and without all two-way interactions. Cross-validation was performed on each model to evaluate the generalizability of its predictive capabilities while predictive performance was evaluated according to the corresponding R2 value and root mean square error (RMSE). RESULTS Determinants at the company-level that increased exposure included an inadequate or semi-adequate engineering control rating, increasing average CNT/F diameter/length, daily quantities of material handled from 101 g to >1 kg and >1 kg, the use of CNF materials, the industry type of hybrid producer/user, and the expert assessment of a high exposure potential. Worker-level determinants associated with higher exposure included handling the dry-powdered form of CNT/F, handling daily quantities of material >1 kg, direct/indirect exposure, having the job title of engineer, using a respirator, using a ventilated or unventilated enclosure, and the job task of powder handling. The mixed linear models explained >60% of the total variance when using all company- and worker-level determinants to create the three exposure models. The cross-validated RMSE values for each of the three mixed models ranged from 2.50 to 4.23. Meanwhile, the ridge regression models, without all two-way interactions, estimated cross-validated RMSE values of 2.85, 2.23, and 2.76 for the predictive models of inhalable EC, respirable EC, and TEM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The ridge regression models demonstrated the best performance for predicting exposures to CNT/F for each exposure metric, although they only provided a modest predictive capability. Therefore, it was concluded that the models alone would not be adequate in predicting workplace exposures and would need to be integrated with other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Dahm
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephen Bertke
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary K Schubauer-Berigan
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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State of knowledge on the occupational exposure to carbon nanotubes. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 225:113472. [PMID: 32035287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) trigger fascination as well as anxiety, given their unique physical and chemical properties, and continuing concerns around their possible health effects. CNT exposure assessment is an integral component of occupational and environmental epidemiology, risk assessment, and management. We conducted a systematic review to analyze the quality of CNT occupational exposure assessments in field studies and to assess the relevance of available quantitative data from occupational hygiene and epidemiological perspectives. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for the period 2000-2018. To grade the quality of each study, we used a standardized grid of seven criteria. The first criterion addressed 12 items deemed most relevant CNT physical-chemical properties with respect to their in vitro and in vivo toxicity. We included 27 studies from 11 countries in the review and graded them high (n = 2), moderate (n = 15) and low quality (n = 10). Half of the studies measured elemental carbon mass concentration (EC) using different methods and aerosol fractions. In 85% of studies, the observed values exceed the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Recommended Exposure Limit. The quantification of CNT agglomerates and/or CNT contained fibers becomes increasingly common although lacking methodological standardization. Work activities with the greatest mean CNT mass concentrations were non-enclosed and included sieving, harvesting, packaging, reactor cleaning, extrusion and pelletizing. Some of the large studies defined standardized job titles according to exposure estimates at corresponding workstations and classified them by decreasing CNT exposure level: technicians > engineers > chemists. The already initiated harmonization of CNT exposure assessment and result reporting need to continue to favor not only studies in the field, but also to identify companies and workers using CNTs to characterize their exposures as well as monitor their health. This will enable an objective and realistic evaluation of risks associated with CNT applications and an appropriate risk management.
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Khaliullin TO, Yanamala N, Newman MS, Kisin ER, Fatkhutdinova LM, Shvedova AA. Comparative analysis of lung and blood transcriptomes in mice exposed to multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 390:114898. [PMID: 31978390 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.114898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) causes inflammation, fibroproliferation, immunotoxicity, and systemic responses in rodents. However, the search for representative biomarkers of exposure is an ongoing endeavor. Whole blood gene expression profiling is a promising new approach for the identification of novel disease biomarkers. We asked if the whole blood transcriptome reflects pathology-specific changes in lung gene expression caused by MWCNT. To answer this question, we performed mRNA sequencing analysis of the whole blood and lung in mice administered MWCNT or vehicle solution via pharyngeal aspiration and sacrificed 56 days later. The pattern of lung mRNA expression as determined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was indicative of continued inflammation, immune cell trafficking, phagocytosis, and adaptive immune responses. Simultaneously, innate immunity-related transcripts (Plunc, Bpifb1, Reg3g) and cancer-related pathways were downregulated. IPA analysis of the differentially expressed genes in the whole blood suggested increased hematopoiesis, predicted activation of cancer/tumor development pathways, and atopy. There were several common upregulated genes between whole blood and lungs, important for adaptive immune responses: Cxcr1, Cd72, Sharpin, and Slc11a1. Trim24, important for TH2 cell effector function, was downregulated in both datasets. Hla-dqa1 mRNA was upregulated in the lungs and downregulated in the blood, as was Lilrb4, which controls the reactivity of immune response. "Cancer" disease category had opposing activation status in the two datasets, while the only commonality was "Hypersensitivity". Transcriptome changes occurring in the lungs did not produce a completely replicable pattern in whole blood; however, specific systemic responses may be shared between transcriptomic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur O Khaliullin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA; Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Naveena Yanamala
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Mackenzie S Newman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Elena R Kisin
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Liliya M Fatkhutdinova
- Department of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Anna A Shvedova
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA; Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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Zhang Q, Liang Y, Yuan H, Li S, Wang JB, Li XM, Tao JH, Pan HF, Ye DQ. Integrated analysis of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profiling in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arch Med Sci 2019; 15:872-879. [PMID: 31360182 PMCID: PMC6657242 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2018.79145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A great deal of research has reported dysregulated expression of genes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to analyze the lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profile in SLE. MATERIAL AND METHODS RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to detect the dysregulated RNAs in SLE. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis were used to explore the function of these differentially expressed RNAs. RESULTS 2,353 lncRNAs, 827 mRNAs and 24 miRNAs were shown to be differentially expressed. GO analyses demonstrated that differentially expressed RNAs were enriched in a variety of molecular functions and biological processes including ribonucleotide, protein serine/threonine kinase activity function, regulation of B cell differentiation and others. KEGG pathway analyses revealed that differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were both enriched in FcγR-mediated phagocytosis, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism pathways. The up-regulated miRNAs target genes were mainly enriched in the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The down-regulated miRNAs target genes were significantly enriched in metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, bile secretion and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathways. CONCLUSIONS The current study reveals a comprehensive expression profile of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs and implies potential regulatory functions of these RNAs which are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Si Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jie-Bing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jin-Hui Tao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dong-Qing Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Dahm MM, Evans DE, Bertke S, Grinshpun SA. Evaluation of total and inhalable samplers for the collection of carbon nanotube and carbon nanofiber aerosols. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2019; 53:958-970. [PMID: 35392279 PMCID: PMC8985588 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2019.1618437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers (CNT/F) exposure and epidemiologic studies have utilized 25-mm and 37-mm open-faced cassettes (OFC) to assess the inhalable aerosol fraction. It has been previously established that the 37-mm OFC under-samples particles greater than 20 μm in diameter, but the size-selective characteristics of the 25-mm OFC have not yet been fully evaluated. This article describes an experimental study conducted to determine if the 25- and 37-mm OFCs performed with relative equivalence to a reference inhalable aerosol sampler when challenged with CNT/F particles. Side-by-side paired samples were collected within a small Venturi chamber using a 25-mm styrene OFC, 37-mm styrene OFC, 25-mm aluminum OFC, and Button Inhalable Aerosol Sampler. Three types of CNT/F materials and an Arizona road dust were used as challenge aerosols for the various sampler configurations. Repeated experiments were conducted for each sampler configuration and material. The OFC samplers operated at flow rates of 2 and 5 liters per minute. Results showed that the 25-mm OFC performed comparably to the Button Sampler when challenged with CNT/F aerosols, which was demonstrated in five of the six experimental scenarios with an average error of 20%. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the sampling efficiency of the 25- and 37-mm OFCs adequately followed the ISO/ACGIH/CEN inhalable sampling convention when challenged with CNT/F aerosols. Past exposure and epidemiologic studies that used these OFC samplers can directly compare their results to studies that have used other validated inhalable aerosol samplers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Dahm
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Douglas E. Evans
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Stephen Bertke
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Sergey A. Grinshpun
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Schulte PA, Leso V, Niang M, Iavicoli I. Current state of knowledge on the health effects of engineered nanomaterials in workers: a systematic review of human studies and epidemiological investigations. Scand J Work Environ Health 2019; 45:217-238. [PMID: 30653633 PMCID: PMC6494687 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The widespread application of nano-enabled products and the increasing likelihood for workplace exposures make understanding engineered nanomaterial (ENM) effects in exposed workers a public and occupational health priority. The aim of this study was to report on the current state of knowledge on possible adverse effects induced by ENM in humans to determine the toxicological profile of each type of ENM and potential biomarkers for early detection of such effects in workers. Methods A systematic review of human studies and epidemiological investigations of exposed workers relative to the possible adverse effects for the most widely used ENM was performed through searches of major scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Results Twenty-seven studies were identified. Most of the epidemiological investigations were cross-sectional. The review found limited evidence of adverse effects in workers exposed to the most commonly used ENM. However, some biological alterations are suggestive for possible adverse impacts. The primary targets of some ENM exposures were the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Changes in biomarker levels compared with controls were also observed; however, limited exposure data and the relatively short period since the first exposure may have influenced the incidence of adverse effects found in epidemiological studies. Conclusions There is a need for longitudinal epidemiologic investigations with clear exposure characterizations for various ENM to discover potential adverse health effects and identify possible indicators of early biological alterations. In this state of uncertainty, precautionary controls for each ENM are warranted while further study of potential health effects continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1150 Tusculum Avenue, MS C-14, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
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Hilton G, Barosova H, Petri-Fink A, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Bereman M. Leveraging proteomics to compare submerged versus air-liquid interface carbon nanotube exposure to a 3D lung cell model. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 54:58-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Schulte P, Leso V, Niang M, Iavicoli I. Biological monitoring of workers exposed to engineered nanomaterials. Toxicol Lett 2018; 298:112-124. [PMID: 29920308 PMCID: PMC6239923 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
As the number of nanomaterial workers increase there is need to consider whether biomonitoring of exposure should be used as a routine risk management tool. Currently, no biomonitoring of nanomaterials is mandated by authoritative or regulatory agencies. However, there is a growing knowledge base to support such biomonitoring, but further research is needed as are investigations of priorities for biomonitoring. That research should be focused on validation of biomarkers of exposure and effect. Some biomarkers of effect are generally nonspecific. These biomarkers need further interpretation before they should be used. Overall biomonitoring of nanomaterial workers may be important to supplement risk assessment and risk management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, MS C-14, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
| | - V Leso
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - M Niang
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - I Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Stefaniak AB, Bowers LN, Knepp AK, Virji MA, Birch EM, Ham JE, Wells JR, Chaolong Q, Schwegler-Berry D, Friend S, Johnson AR, Martin SB, Qian Y, LeBouf RF, Birch Q, Hammond D. Three-dimensional printing with nano-enabled filaments releases polymer particles containing carbon nanotubes into air. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:840-851. [PMID: 30101413 PMCID: PMC6398333 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Fused deposition modeling (FDM™) 3-dimensional printing uses polymer filament to build objects. Some polymer filaments are formulated with additives, though it is unknown if they are released during printing. Three commercially available filaments that contained carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were printed with a desktop FDM™ 3-D printer in a chamber while monitoring total particle number concentration and size distribution. Airborne particles were collected on filters and analyzed using electron microscopy. Carbonyl compounds were identified by mass spectrometry. The elemental carbon content of the bulk CNT-containing filaments was 1.5 to 5.2 wt%. CNT-containing filaments released up to 1010 ultrafine (d < 100 nm) particles/g printed and 106 to 108 respirable (d ~0.5 to 2 μm) particles/g printed. From microscopy, 1% of the emitted respirable polymer particles contained visible CNTs. Carbonyl emissions were observed above the limit of detection (LOD) but were below the limit of quantitation (LOQ). Modeling indicated that, for all filaments, the average proportional lung deposition of CNT-containing polymer particles was 6.5%, 5.7%, and 7.2% for the head airways, tracheobronchiolar, and pulmonary regions, respectively. If CNT-containing polymer particles are hazardous, it would be prudent to control emissions during use of these filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren N. Bowers
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Alycia K. Knepp
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - M. Abbas Virji
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Eileen M. Birch
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jason E. Ham
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - J. R. Wells
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Qi Chaolong
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Sherri Friend
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Alyson R. Johnson
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Stephen B. Martin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Yong Qian
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ryan F. LeBouf
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Quinn Birch
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Duane Hammond
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Knudsen KB, Berthing T, Jackson P, Poulsen SS, Mortensen A, Jacobsen NR, Skaug V, Szarek J, Hougaard KS, Wolff H, Wallin H, Vogel U. Physicochemical predictors of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-induced pulmonary histopathology and toxicity one year after pulmonary deposition of 11 different Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 124:211-227. [PMID: 30168672 PMCID: PMC7379927 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are widely used nanomaterials that cause pulmonary toxicity upon inhalation. The physicochemical properties of MWCNT vary greatly, which makes general safety evaluation challenging to conduct. Identification of the toxicity‐inducing physicochemical properties of MWCNT is therefore of great importance. We have evaluated histological changes in lung tissue 1 year after a single intratracheal instillation of 11 well‐characterized MWCNT in female C57BL/6N BomTac mice. Genotoxicity in liver and spleen was evaluated by the comet assay. The dose of 54 μg MWCNT corresponds to three times the estimated dose accumulated during a work life at a NIOSH recommended exposure limit (0.001 mg/m3). Short and thin MWCNT were observed as agglomerates in lung tissue 1 year after exposure, whereas thicker and longer MWCNT were detected as single fibres, suggesting biopersistence of both types of MWCNT. The thin and entangled MWCNT induced varying degree of pulmonary inflammation, in terms of lymphocytic aggregates, granulomas and macrophage infiltration, whereas two thick and straight MWCNT did not. By multiple regression analysis, larger diameter and higher content of iron predicted less histopathological changes, whereas higher cobalt content significantly predicted more histopathological changes. No MWCNT‐related fibrosis or tumours in the lungs or pleura was found. One thin and entangled MWCNT induced increased levels of DNA strand breaks in liver; however, no physicochemical properties could be related to genotoxicity. This study reveals physicochemical‐dependent difference in MWCNT‐induced long‐term, pulmonary histopathological changes. Identification of diameter size and cobalt content as important for MWCNT toxicity provides clues for designing MWCNT, which cause reduced human health effects following pulmonary exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina B Knudsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Trine Berthing
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Petra Jackson
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Sarah S Poulsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Alicja Mortensen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Nicklas R Jacobsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Vidar Skaug
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Józef Szarek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary Medicine and Administration, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karin S Hougaard
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Henrik Wolff
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Håkan Wallin
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulla Vogel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, DTU, Lyngby, Denmark
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Felley-Bosco E, MacFarlane M. Asbestos: Modern Insights for Toxicology in the Era of Engineered Nanomaterials. Chem Res Toxicol 2018; 31:994-1008. [PMID: 30156102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Asbestos fibers are naturally occurring silicates that have been extensively used in the past, including house construction, but because of their toxicity, their use has been banned in 63 countries. Despite this, more than one million metric tons of asbestos are still consumed annually in countries where asbestos use has not been banned. Asbestos-related disease incidence is still increasing in several countries, including those countries that banned the use of asbestos more than 30 years ago. We highlight here recent knowledge obtained in experimental models about the mechanisms leading to tumor development following asbestos exposure, including genetic and epigenetic changes. Importantly, the landscape of alterations observed experimentally in tumor samples is consistent with alterations observed in clinical tumor samples; therefore, studies performed on early/precancer stages should help inform secondary prevention, which remains crucial in the absence of an efficient primary prevention. Knowledge gathered on asbestos should also help address future challenges, especially in view of the increased production of new materials that may behave similarly to asbestos fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology , University Hospital Zurich , Sternwartstrasse 14 , 8091 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Marion MacFarlane
- MRC Toxicology Unit , University of Cambridge , Hodgkin Building, Leicester LE1 9HN , United Kingdom
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44
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Beard JD, Erdely A, Dahm MM, de Perio MA, Birch ME, Evans DE, Fernback JE, Eye T, Kodali V, Mercer RR, Bertke SJ, Schubauer-Berigan MK. Carbon nanotube and nanofiber exposure and sputum and blood biomarkers of early effect among U.S. workers. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 116:214-228. [PMID: 29698898 PMCID: PMC5970999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbon nanotubes and nanofibers (CNT/F) are increasingly used for diverse applications. Although animal studies suggest CNT/F exposure may cause deleterious health effects, human epidemiological studies have typically been small, confined to single workplaces, and limited in exposure assessment. OBJECTIVES We conducted an industrywide cross-sectional epidemiological study of 108 workers from 12 U.S. sites to evaluate associations between occupational CNT/F exposure and sputum and blood biomarkers of early effect. METHODS We assessed CNT/F exposure via personal breathing zone, filter-based air sampling to measure background-corrected elemental carbon (EC) (a CNT/F marker) mass and microscopy-based CNT/F structure count concentrations. We measured 36 sputum and 37 blood biomarkers. We used factor analyses with varimax rotation to derive factors among sputum and blood biomarkers separately. We used linear, Tobit, and unconditional logistic regression models to adjust for potential confounders and evaluate associations between CNT/F exposure and individual biomarkers and derived factors. RESULTS We derived three sputum and nine blood biomarker factors that explained 78% and 67%, respectively, of the variation. After adjusting for potential confounders, inhalable EC and total inhalable CNT/F structures were associated with the most sputum and blood biomarkers, respectively. Biomarkers associated with at least three CNT/F metrics were 72 kDa type IV collagenase/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-18, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in sputum and MMP-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, metalloproteinase inhibitor 1/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, GPx, SOD, endothelin-1, fibrinogen, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion protein 1, and von Willebrand factor in blood, although directions of associations were not always as expected. CONCLUSIONS Inhalable rather than respirable CNT/F was more consistently associated with fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Beard
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Aaron Erdely
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Matthew M Dahm
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marie A de Perio
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - M Eileen Birch
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Douglas E Evans
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph E Fernback
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tracy Eye
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Vamsi Kodali
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Robert R Mercer
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Stephen J Bertke
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary K Schubauer-Berigan
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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45
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Ghosh M, Öner D, Duca RC, Bekaert B, Vanoirbeek JAJ, Godderis L, Hoet PHM. Single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes induce sequence-specific epigenetic alterations in 16 HBE cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20351-20365. [PMID: 29755656 PMCID: PMC5945544 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have identified carbon nanotube (CNT)-induced epigenetic changes as one of the key players in patho-physiological response. In the present study, we investigated whether CNT exposure is associated with epigenetic changes in human bronchial epithelial cells (16 HBE), in vitro. We focused on global DNA methylation, methylation of LINE-1 elements and promoter sequence of twelve functionally important genes (SKI, DNMT1, HDAC4, NPAT, ATM, BCL2L11, MAP3K10, PIK3R2, MYO1C, TCF3, FGFR 1 and AGRN). Additionally, we studied the influence of CNT exposure on miRNA expression. Using a LC-MS/MS method and pyrosequencing for LINE-1, we observed no significant changes in global DNA methylation (%) between the concentrations of multi-walled and single-walled CNT (MWCNT and SWCNT, respectively). Significant changes in sequence-specific methylation was observed in at least one CpG site for DNMT1 (SWCNT), HDAC4 (MWCNT), NPAT/ATM (MWCNT and SWCNT), MAP3K10 (MWCNT), PIK3R2 (MWCNT and SWCNT) and MYO1C (SWCNT). While changes in DNA methylation of the genes were relatively small, these changes were associated with changes in RNA expression, especially for MWCNT. However, the study did not reveal any significant alteration in the miRNA expression, associated with MWCNT and SWCNT exposure. Based on our results, mainly MWCNT influence DNA methylation and expression of the studied genes and could have significant impact on several critical cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manosij Ghosh
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Deniz Öner
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Radu C Duca
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Bekaert
- Forensic Biomedical Sciences, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen A J Vanoirbeek
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Idewe, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Peter H M Hoet
- KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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46
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Nymark P, Kohonen P, Hongisto V, Grafström RC. Toxic and Genomic Influences of Inhaled Nanomaterials as a Basis for Predicting Adverse Outcome. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2018; 15:S91-S97. [PMID: 29676641 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201706-478mg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
An immense variety of different types of engineered nanomaterials are currently being developed and increasingly applied to consumer products. Importantly, engineered nanomaterials may pose unexplored adverse health effects because of their small size. Particularly in occupational settings, the dustiness of certain engineered nanomaterials involves risk of inhalation and influences on lung function. These facts call for quick and cost-effective safety testing practices, such as that obtained through multiparametric high-throughput screening using cultured human lung cells. The predictive value of such in vitro-based testing depends partly on the effectiveness of coverage of the mechanisms underlying toxicity effects. The concept of adverse outcome pathways covers the array of causative effects starting from a molecular initiating event via cellular-, organ-, individual-, and population-level effects. Screening for adverse outcome pathway-related effects that drive the eventual toxic outcome provides a good basis for developing predictive testing methods and data-driven integrated testing strategies for hazard and risk assessment. Temporal and inherited genomic changes are likely to drive many adverse responses to engineered nanomaterials, such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes, of which one specific form has recently been evaluated as possibly carcinogenic. Here, we briefly describe current state-of-the-art strategies for analyzing and understanding genomic influences of engineered nanomaterial exposure, including the selected focus on lung disease, and strategies for using mechanistic knowledge to predict and prevent adverse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny Nymark
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
- 2 Division of Toxicology, Misvik Biology, Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Kohonen
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
- 2 Division of Toxicology, Misvik Biology, Turku, Finland
| | - Vesa Hongisto
- 2 Division of Toxicology, Misvik Biology, Turku, Finland
| | - Roland C Grafström
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
- 2 Division of Toxicology, Misvik Biology, Turku, Finland
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47
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Pietroiusti A, Stockmann-Juvala H, Lucaroni F, Savolainen K. Nanomaterial exposure, toxicity, and impact on human health. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1513. [PMID: 29473695 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) has grown after the turn of the 21st century. Also, the production of ENM has globally grown, and exposure of workers especially via the lungs to ENM has increased. This review tackles with effects of ENM on workers' health because occupational environment is the main source of exposure to ENM. Assessment of exposure to ENM is demanding, and today there are no occupational exposure level (OEL) for ENM. This is partly due to challenges of such measurements, and in part to the unknown causality between ENM metrics and effects. There are also marked gaps in systematic knowledge on ENM hazards. Human health surveys of exposed workers, or human field studies have not identified specific effects of ENM linking them with a specific exposure. There is, however, a consensus that material characteristics such as size, and chemistry influence effects of ENM. Available data suggest that multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) affect the immunological system and cause inflammation of the lungs, or signs of asthma whereas carbon nanofibers (CNF) may cause interstitial fibrosis. Metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles together with MWCNT induce genotoxicity, and a given type of MWCNT has been identified as a possible human carcinogen. Currently, lack of understanding of mechanisms of effects of ENM renders assessment of hazards and risks of ENM material-by-material a necessity. The so called "omics" approaches utilizing ENM-induced alterations in gene and protein expression may be useful in the development of a new paradigm for ENM hazard and risk assessment. This article is categorized under: Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pietroiusti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Lucaroni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Kai Savolainen
- Work Environment, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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48
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Kuijpers E, Pronk A, Kleemann R, Vlaanderen J, Lan Q, Rothman N, Silverman D, Hoet P, Godderis L, Vermeulen R. Cardiovascular effects among workers exposed to multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Occup Environ Med 2018; 75:351-358. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesThe increase in production of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has led to growing concerns about health risks. In this study, we assessed the association between occupational exposure to MWCNTs and cardiovascular biomarkers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed among 22 workers of a company commercially producing MWCNTs (subdivided into lab personnel with low or high exposure and operators), and a gender and age-matched unexposed population (n=42). Exposure to MWCNTs and 12 cardiovascular markers were measured in participants’ blood (phase I). In a subpopulation of 13 exposed workers and six unexposed workers, these measures were repeated after 5 months (phase II). We analysed associations between MWCNT exposure and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, adjusted for age, body mass index, sex and smoking.ResultsWe observed an upward trend in the concentration of endothelial damage marker intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), with increasing exposure to MWCNTs in both phases. The operator category showed significantly elevated ICAM-1 geometric mean ratios (GMRs) compared with the controls (phase I: GMR=1.40, P=1.30E-3; phase II: GMR=1.37, P=0.03). The trends were significant both across worker categories (phase I: P=1.50E-3; phase II: P=0.01) and across measured GM MWCNT concentrations (phase I: P=3.00E-3; phase II: P=0.01). No consistent significant associations were found for the other cardiovascular markers.ConclusionThe associations between MWCNT exposure and ICAM-1 indicate endothelial activation and an increased inflammatory state in workers with MWCNT exposure.
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49
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Dahm MM, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Evans DE, Birch ME, Bertke S, Beard JD, Erdely A, Fernback JE, Mercer RR, Grinshpun SA. Exposure assessments for a cross-sectional epidemiologic study of US carbon nanotube and nanofiber workers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:429-440. [PMID: 29339022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent animal studies have suggested the potential for wide-ranging health effects resulting from exposure to carbon nanotubes and nanofibers (CNT/F). To date, no studies in the US have directly examined the relationship between occupational exposure and potential human health effects. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to measure CNT/F exposures among US workers with representative job types, from non-exposed to highly exposed, for an epidemiologic study relating exposure to early biologic effects. METHODS 108 participants were enrolled from 12 facilities across the US. Personal, full-shift exposures were assessed based on the mass of elemental carbon (EC) at the respirable and inhalable aerosol particle size fractions, along with quantitatively characterizing CNT/F and estimating particle size via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, sputum and dermal samples were collected and analyzed to determine internal exposures and exposures to the hands/wrists. RESULTS The mean exposure to EC was 1.00 μg/m3 at the respirable size fraction and 6.22 μg/m3 at the inhalable fraction. Analysis by TEM found a mean exposure of 0.1275 CNT/F structures/cm3, generally to agglomerated materials between 2 and 10 μm. Internal exposures to CNT/F via sputum analysis were confirmed in 18% of participants while ∼70% had positive dermal exposures. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the occurrence of a broad range of exposures to CNT/F within 12 facilities across the US. Analysis of collected sputum indicated internal exposures are currently occurring within the workplace. This is an important first step in determining if exposures in the workforce have any acute or lasting health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Dahm
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Mary K Schubauer-Berigan
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Douglas E Evans
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - M Eileen Birch
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Stephen Bertke
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - John D Beard
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Aaron Erdely
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Joseph E Fernback
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Robert R Mercer
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Sergey A Grinshpun
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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50
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Ghosh M, Öner D, Poels K, Tabish AM, Vlaanderen J, Pronk A, Kuijpers E, Lan Q, Vermeulen R, Bekaert B, Hoet PH, Godderis L. Changes in DNA methylation induced by multi-walled carbon nanotube exposure in the workplace. Nanotoxicology 2017; 11:1195-1210. [PMID: 29191063 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2017.1406169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the epigenetic alterations in blood cells, induced by occupational exposure to multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The study population comprised of MWCNT-exposed workers (n=24) and unexposed controls (n=43) from the same workplace. We measured global DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation levels on the 5th cytosine residues using a validated liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Sequence-specific methylation of LINE1 retrotransposable element 1 (L1RE1) elements, and promoter regions of functionally important genes associated with epigenetic regulation [DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4)], DNA damage/repair and cell cycle pathways [nuclear protein, coactivator of histone transcription/ATM serine/threonine kinase (NPAT/ATM)], and a potential transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) repressor [SKI proto-oncogene (SKI)] were studied using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Analysis of global DNA methylation levels and hydroxymethylation did not reveal significant difference between the MWCNT-exposed and control groups. No significant changes in Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine (CpG) site methylation were observed for the LINE1 (L1RE1) elements. Further analysis of gene-specific DNA methylation showed a significant change in methylation for DNMT1, ATM, SKI, and HDAC4 promoter CpGs in MWCNT-exposed workers. Since DNA methylation plays an important role in silencing/regulation of the genes, and many of these genes have been associated with occupational and smoking-induced diseases and cancer (risk), aberrant methylation of these genes might have a potential effect in MWCNT-exposed workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manosij Ghosh
- a Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Deniz Öner
- a Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Katrien Poels
- a Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Ali M Tabish
- a Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Jelle Vlaanderen
- b Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Anjoeka Pronk
- c TNO, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research , Zeist , The Netherlands
| | - Eelco Kuijpers
- c TNO, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research , Zeist , The Netherlands
| | - Qing Lan
- d Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- b Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Bram Bekaert
- e Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology , University Hospitals Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Peter Hm Hoet
- a Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- a Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment & Health , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.,f External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work , Idewe , Heverlee , Belgium
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