Long-term pulmonary iron oxide nanoparticles exposure disrupts hepatic iron-lipid homeostasis and increases plaque vulnerability in ApoE-/- mice

Copper oxide nanoparticles disrupt lysosomal function and promote foam cell formation in RAW264.7 macrophages

Macrophage-derived foam cells are crucial in the development of atherosclerosis, a multifaceted and progressive disorder characterized by lipid and fibrous accumulation in major arteries. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have found widespread applications but their potential role in atherosclerosis remains understudied. In this study, we investigated the impact of CuONPs on foam cell formation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results showed that CuONPs, at concentrations as low as 10 μg/ml, significantly exacerbated foam cell formation induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Exposure to CuONPs stimulated LDL release and elevated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components, including NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed accumulation of CuONPs within macrophage lysosomes, leading to disrupted lysosomal function. CuONPs-treated cells exhibited autophagosome accumulation due to impaired lysosomal degradation, as confirmed by Western blot analysis showing abnormal expression of LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 proteins. Flow cytometry analysis further demonstrated decreased lysosomal acidity in CuONPs-exposed cells. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism whereby CuONPs activate the inflammasome, disrupt lysosomal function, and hinder cholesterol efflux, thereby exacerbating the formation of macrophage-derived foam cells. These results highlight the potential risks of CuONPs exposure and provide important insights into the role of environmental particulate matter in the development of atherosclerosis.

Impact of a Nanoscale Iron-Chlorobenzene Mixture on Pulmonary Injury in Rat Pups: Extending Exposure Knowledge Using Network Technology

Particulate matter coexists with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the atmosphere, which can enter the human body by accompanying inhalable particles in the respiratory tract. Photochemical conversion further alters the chemical composition of the precursor particles and secondary products. This study investigated the effects of nanoscale iron-chlorobenzene mixtures and their photochemical conversion products on early lung development in rat pups. Using network toxicology and animal experiments, we constructed a compound toxicity-target network and developed air exposure models. This study revealed that both pollutants, before and after photochemical conversion, bound to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), increased oxidative stress, altered lung tissue morphology, and reduce inflammatory factor expression. Rat pups were highly sensitive to pollutants during critical stages of lung development. However, no significant differences in oxidative stress or inflammation were observed between the pollutants, likely because of immature lung tissues. Once tissue damage reached a threshold, the response to increasing pollutant concentrations diminished. This study provides insights into atmospheric pollutant toxicity and scientific evidence for the risk assessment of dioxin-like nanoscale mixtures.

Cardiovascular toxic effects of nanoparticles and corresponding molecular mechanisms

Rapid advancements in nanotechnology have been integrated into various disciplines, leading to an increased prevalence of nanoparticle exposure. The widespread utilization of nanomaterials and heightened levels of particulate pollution have prompted government departments to intensify their focus on assessing the safety of nanoparticles (NPs). The cardiovascular system, crucial for maintaining human health, has emerged as vulnerable to damage from nanoparticle exposure. A mounting body of evidence indicates that interactions can occur when NPs come into contact with components of the cardiovascular system, contributing to adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving these events remain elusive. This work provides a comprehensive review of recent advance on nanoparticle-induced adverse cardiovascular events and offers insight into the associated molecular mechanisms. Finally, the influencing factors of NPs-induced cardiovascular toxicity are discussed.

Proteomics revealed composition- and size-related regulators for hepatic impairments induced by silica nanoparticles

Along with the growing production and application of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), increased human exposure and ensuing safety evaluation have progressively attracted concern. Accumulative data evidenced the hepatic injuries upon SiNPs inhalation. Still, the understanding of the hepatic outcomes resulting from SiNPs exposure, and underlying mechanisms are incompletely elucidated. Here, SiNPs of two sizes (60 nm and 300 nm) were applied to investigate their composition- and size-related impacts on livers of ApoE-/- mice via intratracheal instillation. Histopathological and biochemical analysis indicated SiNPs promoted inflammation, lipid deposition and fibrosis in the hepatic tissue, accompanied by increased ALT, AST, TC and TG. Oxidative stress was activated upon SiNPs stimuli, as evidenced by the increased hepatic ROS, MDA and declined GSH/GSSG. Of note, these alterations were more dramatic in SiNPs with a smaller size (SiNPs-60) but the same dosage. LC-MS/MS-based quantitative proteomics unveiled changes in mice liver protein profiles, and filtered out particle composition- or size-related molecules. Interestingly, altered lipid metabolism and oxidative damage served as two critical biological processes. In accordance with correlation analysis and liver disease-targeting prediction, a final of 10 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were selected as key potential targets attributable to composition- (4 molecules) and size-related (6 molecules) liver impairments upon SiNPs stimuli. Overall, our study provided strong laboratory evidence for a comprehensive understanding of the harmful biological effects of SiNPs, which was crucial for toxicological evaluation to ensure nanosafety.