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Wu J, Ding X, Pang Y, Liu Q, Lei J, Zhang H, Zhang T. Research advance of occupational exposure risks and toxic effects of semiconductor nanomaterials. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38837250 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, semiconductor nanomaterials, as one of the most promising and applied classes of engineered nanomaterials, have been widely used in industries such as photovoltaics, electronic devices, and biomedicine. However, occupational exposure is unavoidable during the production, use, and disposal stages of products containing these materials, thus posing potential health risks to workers. The intricacies of the work environment present challenges in obtaining comprehensive data on such exposure. Consequently, there remains a significant gap in understanding the exposure risks and toxic effects associated with semiconductor nanomaterials. This paper provides an overview of the current classification and applications of typical semiconductor nanomaterials. It also delves into the existing state of occupational exposure, methodologies for exposure assessment, and prevailing occupational exposure limits. Furthermore, relevant epidemiological studies are examined. Subsequently, the review scrutinizes the toxicity of semiconductor nanomaterials concerning target organ toxicity, toxicity mechanisms, and influencing factors. The aim of this review is to lay the groundwork for enhancing the assessment of occupational exposure to semiconductor nanomaterials, optimizing occupational exposure limits, and promoting environmentally sustainable development practices in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanting Pang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haopeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Fang Q, Tang M. Oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity of quantum dots and influencing factors. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024. [PMID: 38606672 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) have significant potential for treating and diagnosing CNS diseases. Meanwhile, the neurotoxicity of QDs has garnered attention. In this review, we focus on elucidating the mechanisms and consequences of CNS oxidative stress induced by QDs. First, we discussed the pathway of QDs transit into the brain. We then elucidate the relationship between QDs and oxidative stress from in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, the main reasons and adverse outcomes of QDs leading to oxidative stress are discussed. In addition, the primary factors that may affect the neurotoxicity of QDs are analyzed. Finally, we propose potential strategies for mitigating QDs neurotoxicity and outline future perspectives for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
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Cheng Q, Duan Y, Fan W, Li D, Zhu C, Ma T, Liu J, Yu M. Cellular uptake, intracellular behavior, and acute/sub-acute cytotoxicity of a PEG-modified quantum dot with promising in-vivo biomedical applications. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20028. [PMID: 37809902 PMCID: PMC10559774 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantum Dots (QDs) modified with branched Polyethylene Glycol-amine (6- or 8-arm PEG-amine) coupled with methoxy PEG (mPEG) hold great promise for in vivo biomedical applications due to a long half-life in blood and negligible toxicity. However, the potential risks regarding their concomitant prolonged co-incubation with cardiovascular and blood cells remains inconclusive. In the present study, the feasible, effective and convenient proliferating-restricted cell line models representing the circulatory system were established to investigate the cellular internalization followed by intracellular outcomes and resulting acute/sub-acute cytotoxicity of the 6-arm PEG-amine/mPEG QDs. We found a dose-, time- and cell type-dependent cellular uptake of the 6-arm PEG-amine/mPEG QDs, which was ten-fold lower compared to the traditional linear PEG-modified counterpart. The QDs entered cells via multiple endocytic pathways and were mostly preserved in Golgi apparatus for at least one week instead of degradation in lysosomes, resulting in a minimal acute cytotoxicity, which is much lower than other types of PEG-modified QDs previously reported. However, a sub-acute cytotoxicity of QDs were observed several days post exposure using the concentrations eliciting no-significant acute cytotoxic effects, which was associated with elevated ROS generation caused by QDs remained inside cells. Finally, a non-cytotoxic concentration of the QDs was identified at the sub-acute cytotoxic level. Our study provided important information for clinical translation of branched PEG-amine/mPEG QDs by elucidating the QDs-cell interactions and toxicity mechanism using the proliferation-restricted cell models representing circulatory system. What's more, we emphasized the indispensability of sub-acute cytotoxic effects in the whole biosafety evaluation process of nanomaterials like QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiping Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Third Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Fan
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongxu Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Cuiwen Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tiantian Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingxia Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Xia B, Lin G, Zheng S, Zhang H, Yu Y. Differential effects of PEGylated Cd-free CuInS 2/ZnS quantum dot (QDs) on substance P and LL-37 induced human mast cell activation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 245:114108. [PMID: 36174319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CuInS2/ZnS-PEG quantum dots (QDs) are among the most widely used near infrared non-cadmium QDs and are favored because of their non-cadmium content and strong tissue penetration. However, with their increasing use, there is great concern about whether exposure to QDs is potentially risky to the environment and humans. Furthermore, toxicological data related to CuInS2/ZnS-PEG QDs are scarce. In the study, we found that CuInS2/ZnS-PEG QDs (0-100 μg/mL) could internalize into human LAD2 mast cells without affecting their survival rate, nor did it cause degranulation or release of IL-8 and TNF-α. However, CuInS2/ZnS-PEG QDs significantly inhibited Substance P (SP) and LL-37-induced degranulation and chemotaxis of LAD2 cells by inhibiting calcium mobilization. Lower concentrations of CuInS2/ZnS-PEG QDs promoted the release of TNF-α and IL-8 stimulated by SP, but higher concentrations of CuInS2/ZnS-PEG QDs significantly inhibited the release of TNF-α and IL-8. On the other hand, CuInS2/ZnS-PEG QDs promoted LL-37-mediated TNF-α release from LAD2 cells in a dose-dependent manner from 6.25 to 100 μg/mL, while release of IL-8 triggered by LL-37 was dose-dependently inhibited within a dose concentration of 12.5-100 μg/mL. Collectively, our data demonstrated that CuInS2/ZnS-PEG QDs differentially mediated human mast cell activation induced by SP and LL-37.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Xia
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Guimiao Lin
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Siman Zheng
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Yangyang Yu
- Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China.
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Yan LJ, Allen DC. Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury: Oxidative Damage as a Unifying Mechanism. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1575. [PMID: 34827573 PMCID: PMC8615899 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a nonessential metal that has heavily polluted the environment due to human activities. It can be absorbed into the human body via the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and the skin, and can cause chronic damage to the kidneys. The main site where cadmium accumulates and causes damage within the nephrons is the proximal tubule. This accumulation can induce dysfunction of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, leading to electron leakage and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cadmium may also impair the function of NADPH oxidase, resulting in another source of ROS. These ROS together can cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, triggering epithelial cell death and a decline in kidney function. In this article, we also reviewed evidence that the antioxidant power of plant extracts, herbal medicines, and pharmacological agents could ameliorate cadmium-induced kidney injury. Finally, a model of cadmium-induced kidney injury, centering on the notion that oxidative damage is a unifying mechanism of cadmium renal toxicity, is also presented. Given that cadmium exposure is inevitable, further studies using animal models are warranted for a detailed understanding of the mechanism underlying cadmium induced ROS production, and for the identification of more therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jun Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
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Huang Y, Li X, Wu Y, Zhao Q, Huang M, Liang X. Involvement of nitrosative stress cytotoxicity induced by CdTe quantum dots in human vascular endothelial cells. J Toxicol Sci 2021; 46:273-282. [PMID: 34078834 DOI: 10.2131/jts.46.273] [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: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are new types of fluorescent nanomaterials which can be utilized as ideal agents for intracellular tracking, drug delivery, biomedical imaging and diagnosis. It is urgent to understand their potential toxicity and the interactions with the toxin-susceptible vascular system, especially vascular endothelial cells. In this study, we intended to explore whether the cytotoxicity of CdTe (cadmium telluride) QDs was partly induced by nitrosative stress in vascular endothelial cells. Our results showed that the intracellular amount of CdTe QDs was gradually increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and a concentration-dependent decrease in viability were observed when incubated with CdTe QDs of 20-80 nM. The peroxynitrite level was significantly up-regulated by QDs treatment, which indicated the nitrosative stress was activated. Furthermore, nitrotyrosine level was increased after 24 hr CdTe QDs exposure in a dose-dependent manner, which suggested that CdTe QDs-induced nitrosative stress was associated with tyrosine nitration in EA.hy926. In addition, CdTe QDs induced EA.hy926 apoptosis, and the percentage of cells with low Δψm was increased after CdTe QDs treatment, indicating the mitochondrion depolarization was induced. The increased ROS fluorescence was observed in a QDs dose-dependent manner, which suggested that the oxidative stress was also involved in the CdTe QDs-induced endothelial cytotoxicity. Our work provided experimental evidence into QDs toxicity and potential vascular risks induced by nitrosative stress for the future applications of QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation Technology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xiaozhuan Li
- Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation Technology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Mingzhu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Clinical Research and Evaluation Technology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China.,Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xingguang Liang
- Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
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