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Chen J, Chen H, Wu Y, Meng J, Jin L. Parental exposure to CdSe/ZnS QDs affects cartilage development in rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) offspring. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 256:109304. [PMID: 35257888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cartilage development is a sensitive process that is easily disturbed by environmental toxins. In this study, the toxicity of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on the skeleton of the next generation (F1) was evaluated using rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) as model animals. Four-month-old sexually mature parental rare minnows (F0) were selected and treated with 0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 nmol/L CdSe/ZnS quantum dots for 4 days. Embryos of F1 generation rare minnows were obtained by artificial insemination. The results showed that with increasing maternal quantum dots exposure, the body length of F1 embryos decreased, the overall calcium content decreased, and the deformity and mortality rates increased. Alcian blue staining results showed that the lengths of the craniofacial mandible, mandibular arch length, mandibular width, and CH-CH and CH-PQ angles of larvae of rare minnows increased; histological hematoxylin-eosin staining further indicated that quantum dots affected the development of chondrocytes. Furthermore, high concentrations of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots inhibited the transcript expression of the bmp2b, bmp4, bmp6, runx2b, sox9a, lox1 and col2α1 genes. In conclusion, CdSe/ZnS quantum dots can affect the skeletal development of F1 generation embryos of rare minnows at both the individual and molecular levels, the damage to the craniofacial bone is more obvious, and the toxic effect of high concentrations of quantum dots (400 nmol/L and 800 nmol/L) is more significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yingyi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Juanzhu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Li Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Alijagic A, Engwall M, Särndahl E, Karlsson H, Hedbrant A, Andersson L, Karlsson P, Dalemo M, Scherbak N, Färnlund K, Larsson M, Persson A. Particle Safety Assessment in Additive Manufacturing: From Exposure Risks to Advanced Toxicology Testing. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:836447. [PMID: 35548681 PMCID: PMC9081788 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.836447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) or industrial three-dimensional (3D) printing drives a new spectrum of design and production possibilities; pushing the boundaries both in the application by production of sophisticated products as well as the development of next-generation materials. AM technologies apply a diversity of feedstocks, including plastic, metallic, and ceramic particle powders with distinct size, shape, and surface chemistry. In addition, powders are often reused, which may change the particles’ physicochemical properties and by that alter their toxic potential. The AM production technology commonly relies on a laser or electron beam to selectively melt or sinter particle powders. Large energy input on feedstock powders generates several byproducts, including varying amounts of virgin microparticles, nanoparticles, spatter, and volatile chemicals that are emitted in the working environment; throughout the production and processing phases. The micro and nanoscale size may enable particles to interact with and to cross biological barriers, which could, in turn, give rise to unexpected adverse outcomes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, activation of signaling pathways, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Another important aspect of AM-associated risks is emission/leakage of mono- and oligomers due to polymer breakdown and high temperature transformation of chemicals from polymeric particles, both during production, use, and in vivo, including in target cells. These chemicals are potential inducers of direct toxicity, genotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. Nevertheless, understanding whether AM particle powders and their byproducts may exert adverse effects in humans is largely lacking and urges comprehensive safety assessment across the entire AM lifecycle—spanning from virgin and reused to airborne particles. Therefore, this review will detail: 1) brief overview of the AM feedstock powders, impact of reuse on particle physicochemical properties, main exposure pathways and protective measures in AM industry, 2) role of particle biological identity and key toxicological endpoints in the particle safety assessment, and 3) next-generation toxicology approaches in nanosafety for safety assessment in AM. Altogether, the proposed testing approach will enable a deeper understanding of existing and emerging particle and chemical safety challenges and provide a strategy for the development of cutting-edge methodologies for hazard identification and risk assessment in the AM industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Alijagic
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Andi Alijagic,
| | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Eva Särndahl
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Helen Karlsson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center in Linköping, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alexander Hedbrant
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Lena Andersson
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Patrik Karlsson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Nikolai Scherbak
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alexander Persson
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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AKÇAN R, AYDOGAN HC, YILDIRIM MŞ, TAŞTEKİN B, SAĞLAM N. Nanotoxicity: a challenge for future medicine. Turk J Med Sci 2020; 50:1180-1196. [PMID: 32283898 PMCID: PMC7379444 DOI: 10.3906/sag-1912-209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Due to nanomaterials’ potential benefits for diagnosis and treatment, they are widely used in medical applications and personal care products. Interaction of nanomaterials, which are very small in size, with tissue, cell and microenvironment, can reveal harmful effects that cannot be created with chemically identical and larger counterparts in biological organisms. In this review, a challenge for future medicine, nanotoxicity of nanomaterials is discussed. Materials and methods A detailed review of related literature was performed and evaluated as per medical applications of nanomaterials their toxicity. Results and conclusion Most authors state “the only valid technology will be nanotechnology in the next era”; however, there is no consensus on the impact of this technology on humankind, environment and ecological balance. Studies dealing with the toxic effect of nanomaterials on human health have also varied with developing technology. Nanotoxicology studies such as in vivo-like on 3D human organs, cells, advanced genetic studies, and -omic approaches begin to replace conventional methods. Nanotoxicity and adverse effects of nanomaterials in exposed producers, industry workers, and patients make nanomaterials a double-edged sword for future medicine. In order to control and tackle related risks, regulation and legislations should be implemented, and researchers have to conduct joint multidisciplinary studies in various fields of medical sciences, nanotechnology, nanomedicine, and biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramazan AKÇAN
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, AnkaraTurkey
| | - Halit Canberk AYDOGAN
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, AnkaraTurkey
| | - Mahmut Şerif YILDIRIM
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, AfyonkarahisarTurkey
| | - Burak TAŞTEKİN
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, AnkaraTurkey
| | - Necdet SAĞLAM
- Department of Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, AnkaraTurkey
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4
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Priyam A, Singh PP, Gehlout S. Role of Endocrine-Disrupting Engineered Nanomaterials in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:704. [PMID: 30542324 PMCID: PMC6277880 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology has enabled the development of innovative technologies and products for several industrial sectors. Their unique physicochemical and size-dependent properties make the engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) superior for devising solutions for various research and development sectors, which are otherwise unachievable by their bulk forms. However, the remarkable advantages mediated by ENMs and their applications have also raised concerns regarding their possible toxicological impacts on human health. The actual issue stems from the absence of systematic data on ENM exposure-mediated health hazards. In this direction, a comprehensive exploration on the health-related consequences, especially with respect to endocrine disruption-related metabolic disorders, is largely lacking. The reasons for the rapid increase in diabetes and obesity in the modern world remain largely unclear, and epidemiological studies indicate that the increased presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment may influence the incidence of metabolic diseases. Functional similarities, such as mimicking natural hormonal actions, have been observed between the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and ENMs, which supports the view that different types of NMs may be capable of altering the physiological activity of the endocrine system. Disruption of the endocrine system leads to hormonal imbalance, which may influence the development and pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Evidence from many in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies, suggests that ENMs generally exert deleterious effects on the molecular/hormonal pathways and the organ systems involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM. However, the available data from several such studies are not congruent, especially because of discrepancies in study design, and therefore need to be carefully examined before drawing meaningful inferences. In this review, we discuss the outcomes of ENM exposure in correlation with the development of T2DM. In particular, the review focuses on the following sub-topics: (1) an overview of the sources of human exposure to NMs, (2) systems involved in the uptake of ENMs into human body, (3) endocrine disrupting engineered nanomaterials (EDENMs) and mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of T2DM, (4) evidence of the role of EDENMs in the pathogenesis of T2DM from in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies, and (5) conclusions and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pushplata Prasad Singh
- TERI Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India
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5
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Xu G, Lin G, Lin S, Wu N, Deng Y, Feng G, Chen Q, Qu J, Chen D, Chen S, Niu H, Mei S, Yong KT, Wang X. The Reproductive Toxicity of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots on the in vivo Ovarian Function and in vitro Fertilization. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37677. [PMID: 27876896 PMCID: PMC5120285 DOI: 10.1038/srep37677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the usefulness of quantum dots (QDs) in biomedicine and optoelectronics, their toxicity risks remain a major obstacle for clinical usages. Hence, we studied the reproductive toxicity of CdSe/ZnS QDs on two aspects, (i) in vivo ovarian functions and (ii) in vitro fertilization process. The body weight, estrous cycles, biodistribution of QDs, and oocyte maturation are evaluated on female mice treated with QDs. The mRNA level of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHr) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHr) in ovaries are assayed. Then, the matured cumulus-oocyte-complexes are harvested to co-culture with in vitro capacitated sperms, and the in vitro fertilization is performed. The result revealed that QDs are found in the ovaries, but no changes are detected on the behavior and estrous cycle on the female mice. The mRNA downregulations of FSHr and LHr are observed and the number of matured oocytes has shown a significant decrease when the QDs dosage was above 1.0 pmol/day. Additionally, we found the presence of QDs has reduced the in vitro fertilization success rate. This study highly suggests that the exposure of CdSe/ZnS QDs to female mice can cause adverse effects to the ovary functions and such QDs may have limited applications in clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaixia Xu
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.,CINTRA CNRS/NTU/THALES, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Guimiao Lin
- School of Medicine, The Research Institute of Urinary and Reproduction, The Engineering Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Key laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Suxia Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Na Wu
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yueyue Deng
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Gang Feng
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.,School of Medicine, The Research Institute of Urinary and Reproduction, The Engineering Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Key laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.,School of Medicine, The Research Institute of Urinary and Reproduction, The Engineering Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Key laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Junle Qu
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Danni Chen
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Siping Chen
- School of Medicine, The Research Institute of Urinary and Reproduction, The Engineering Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Key laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Hanben Niu
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education/Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Shujiang Mei
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518020, P. R. China
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- CINTRA CNRS/NTU/THALES, Singapore 637553, Singapore.,School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- School of Medicine, The Research Institute of Urinary and Reproduction, The Engineering Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Key laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
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Delayed adverse effects of neonatal exposure to polymeric nanoparticle poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide methyl ether on hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis development and function in Wistar rats. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 57:165-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.07.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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7
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Larson JK, Carvan MJ, Hutz RJ. Engineered nanomaterials: an emerging class of novel endocrine disruptors. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:20. [PMID: 24899576 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have garnered great attention for their potentially beneficial applications in medicine, industry, and consumer products due to their advantageous physicochemical properties and inherent size. However, studies have shown that these sophisticated molecules can initiate toxicity at the subcellular, cellular, and/or tissue/organ level in diverse experimental models. Investigators have also demonstrated that, upon exposure to ENMs, the physicochemical properties that are exploited for public benefit may mediate adverse endocrine-disrupting effects on several endpoints of mammalian reproductive physiology (e.g., steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, pregnancy). Elucidating these complex interactions within reproductive cells and tissues will significantly advance our understanding of ENMs as an emerging class of novel endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxicants. Herein we reviewed the recent developments in reproductive nanotoxicology and identified the gaps in our knowledge that may serve as future research directions to foster continued advancement in this evolving field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy K Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Children's Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Michael J Carvan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Children's Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Reinhold J Hutz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Children's Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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8
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Iavicoli I, Fontana L, Leso V, Bergamaschi A. The effects of nanomaterials as endocrine disruptors. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:16732-801. [PMID: 23949635 PMCID: PMC3759935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140816732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, nanoparticles have been increasingly used in several industrial, consumer and medical applications because of their unique physico-chemical properties. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that these properties are also closely associated with detrimental health effects. There is a serious lack of information on the potential nanoparticle hazard to human health, particularly on their possible toxic effects on the endocrine system. This topic is of primary importance since the disruption of endocrine functions is associated with severe adverse effects on human health. Consequently, in order to gather information on the hazardous effects of nanoparticles on endocrine organs, we reviewed the data available in the literature regarding the endocrine effects of in vitro and in vivo exposure to different types of nanoparticles. Our aim was to understand the potential endocrine disrupting risks posed by nanoparticles, to assess their underlying mechanisms of action and identify areas in which further investigation is needed in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the role of nanoparticles as endocrine disruptors. Current data support the notion that different types of nanoparticles are capable of altering the normal and physiological activity of the endocrine system. However, a critical evaluation of these findings suggests the need to interpret these results with caution since information on potential endocrine interactions and the toxicity of nanoparticles is quite limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Iavicoli
- Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma 00168, Italy.
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Lu X, Liu Y, Kong X, Lobie PE, Chen C, Zhu T. Nanotoxicity: a growing need for study in the endocrine system. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:1654-1671. [PMID: 23401134 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201201517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials (NMs) are engineered for commercial purposes such as semiconductors, building materials, cosmetics, and drug carriers, while natural nanoparticles (NPs) already exist in the environment. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, they may interact actively with biological systems. Some of these interactions might be detrimental to human health, and therefore studies on the potential 'nanotoxicity' of these materials in different organ systems are warranted. The purpose of developing the concept of nanotoxicity is to recognize and evaluate the hazards and risks of NMs and evaluate safety. This review will summarize and discuss recent reports derived from cell lines or animal models concerning the effects of NMs on, and their application in, the endocrine system of mammalian and other species. It will present an update on current studies of the effects of some typical NMs-such as metal-based NMs, carbon-based NMs, and dendrimers-on endocrine functions, in which some effects are adverse or unwanted and others are favorable or intended. Disruption of endocrine function is associated with adverse health outcomes including reproductive failure, metabolic syndrome, and some types of cancer. Further investigations are therefore required to obtain a thorough understanding of any potential risk of pathological endocrine disruption from products containing NMs. This review aims to provide impetus for further studies on the interactions of NMs with endocrine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Lu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Abstract
The dramatic increase in the use of nanoparticles (NP) in industry and research has raised questions about the potential toxicity of such materials. Unfortunately, not enough is known about how the novel, technologically-attractive properties of NPs correlate with the interactions that may take place at the nano/bio interface. The academic, industrial, and regulatory communities are actively seeking answers to the growing concerns on the impact of nanotechnology on humans. In this Account we adopt quantum dots (QDs) as an illustrative example of the difficulties associated with the development of a rational science-based approach to nanotoxicology. The optical properties of QDs are far superior to those of organic dyes in terms of emission and absorption bandwidths, quantum yield, and resistance to photobleaching. Moreover, QDs may be decorated with targeting moieties or drugs and, therefore, are candidates for site-specific medical imaging and for drug delivery, for example in cancer treatment. Earlier this year researchers demonstrated that QD-based imaging using monkeys caused no adverse effects although QDs accumulated in lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, and spleen for up to 3 months after injection. Such persistence of QDs in live animals does, however, raise concerns about the safety of using QDs both in the laboratory and in the clinic. Researchers anticipate that QDs will be increasingly used not only in clinical applications but also in various manufactured products. For example, QD-solar cells have emerged as viable contenders to complement or replace dye-sensitized solar cells; CdTe/CdS thin film cells have already captured approximately 10 percent of the global market, and in addition, QDs can serve as components of sensors and as emitting materials in LEDs. Given the clear indications that QDs will inevitably become components of a wide range of manufactured and consumer products, researchers and policy makers need to understand the possible health risks associated with exposure to QDs. In this Account, we initially review the known mechanisms by which QDs can damage cells, including oxidative stress elicited by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We discuss lesser-known impairments induced in cells by nanomolar to picomolar concentrations of QDs, which imply that cadmium-containing QDs can exert genotoxic, epigenetic, and metalloestrogenic effects. These observations strongly suggest that minute concentrations of QDs could be sufficient to cause long lasting, even transgenerational, effects. We also consider various modes by which humans could be exposed to QDs in their work or through the environment. Although considerable advances have been made in enhancing the stability and overall quality of QDs, over time they can partially degrade in the environment or in biological systems, and eventually cause small, but cumulative undesirable effects. A combination of toxicological, genetic, epigenetic and imaging approaches is required to create comprehensive guidelines for evaluating the nanotoxicity of nanomaterials, including QDs. Prior to biological investigations with these materials, an indispensible step must be the full characterization of NPs by complementary techniques. Specifically, the concentration, size, charge, and ligand stability of NPs in biological media must be known if we are to understand fully how the properties of nanoparticles and of their biological environment contribute to cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise M. Winnik
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, CP 6128 Succursale Centre Ville, Montreal QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Dusica Maysinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: associated disorders and mechanisms of action. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 2012:713696. [PMID: 22991565 PMCID: PMC3443608 DOI: 10.1155/2012/713696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and/or prevalence of health problems associated with endocrine-disruption have increased. Many chemicals have endocrine-disrupting properties, including bisphenol A, some organochlorines, polybrominated flame retardants, perfluorinated substances, alkylphenols, phthalates, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylphenols, solvents, and some household products including some cleaning products, air fresheners, hair dyes, cosmetics, and sunscreens. Even some metals were shown to have endocrine-disrupting properties. Many observations suggesting that endocrine disruptors do contribute to cancer, diabetes, obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility are listed in this paper. An overview is presented of mechanisms contributing to endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruptors can act through classical nuclear receptors, but also through estrogen-related receptors, membrane-bound estrogen-receptors, and interaction with targets in the cytosol resulting in activation of the Src/Ras/Erk pathway or modulation of nitric oxide. In addition, changes in metabolism of endogenous hormones, cross-talk between genomic and nongenomic pathways, cross talk with estrogen receptors after binding on other receptors, interference with feedback regulation and neuroendocrine cells, changes in DNA methylation or histone modifications, and genomic instability by interference with the spindle figure can play a role. Also it was found that effects of receptor activation can differ in function of the ligand.
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