RESUMO
In this work, we demonstrate the use of capillary electrophoresis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, as competitive methods primarily for ion chromatography, to determine changes in the concentration of small inorganic ions in the Nostoc sp. culture medium. Although macronutrients were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis with conductivity detection, micronutrients were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The different light settings (light intensity and spectral composition) had a visible effect on the culture growth and depletion of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate ions, and iron and manganese elements when comparing the behavior under red or violet light with that under blue light.
Assuntos
Meios de Cultura , Eletroforese Capilar , Espectrometria de Massas , Nostoc , Eletroforese Capilar/métodos , Nostoc/química , Nostoc/metabolismo , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Meios de Cultura/química , Nutrientes/análise , Luz , Magnésio/análiseRESUMO
Nickel(Ni)-containing materials have been widely used in a wide range of medical applications, including orthopaedics. Despite their excellent properties, there is still a problem with the release of nickel ions into the patient's body, which can cause changes in the behaviour of surrounding cells and tissues. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Ni on bone cells with an emphasis on the determination of Ni localization in cellular compartments in time. For these purposes, one of the most suitable models for studying the effects induced by metal implants was used-the patient's osteoarthritic cells. Thanks to this it was possible to simulate the pathophysiological conditions in the patient's body, as well as to evaluate the response of the cells which come into direct contact with the material after the implantation of the joint replacement. The largest differences in cell viability, proliferation and cell cycle changes occurred between Ni 0.5 mM and 1 mM concentrations. Time-dependent localization of Ni in cells showed that there is a continuous transport of Ni ions between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, as well as between the cell and the environment. Moreover, osteoarthritic osteoblasts showed faster changes in concentration and ability to accumulate more Ni, especially in the nucleus, than physiological osteoblasts. The differences in Ni accumulation process explains the higher sensitivity of patient osteoblasts to Ni and may be crucial in further studies of implant-derived cytotoxic effects.
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Proliferação de Células , Sobrevivência Celular , Níquel , Osteoartrite , Osteoblastos , Níquel/metabolismo , Osteoblastos/metabolismo , Osteoblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Osteoartrite/metabolismo , Osteoartrite/patologia , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Íons/metabolismo , Ciclo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células CultivadasRESUMO
Herby, the interaction of metallothioneins with commonly used Pt-based anticancer drugs - cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin - was investigated using the combined power of elemental (i.e. LA-ICP-MS, CE-ICP-MS) and molecular (i.e. MALDI-TOF-MS) analytical techniques providing not only required information about the interaction, but also the benefit of low sample consumption. The amount of Cd and Pt incorporated within the protein was determined for protein monomers and dimer/oligomers formed by non-oxidative dimerization. Moreover, fluorescence spectrometry using Zn2+-selective fluorescent indicator - FluoZin3 - was employed to monitor the ability of Pt drugs to release natively occurring Zn from the protein molecule. The investigation was carried out using two protein isoforms (i.e. MT2, MT3), and significant differences in behaviour of these two isoforms were observed. The main attention was paid to elucidating whether the protein dimerization/oligomerization may be the reason for the potential failure of the anticancer therapy based on these drugs. Based on the results, it was demonstrated that the interaction of MT2 (both monomers and dimers) interacted with Pt drugs significantly less compared to MT3 (both monomers and dimers). Also, a significant difference between monomeric and dimeric forms (both MT2 and MT3) was not observed. This may suggest that dimer formation is not the key factor leading to the inactivation of Pt drugs.
Assuntos
Metalotioneína , Espectrometria de Fluorescência , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz , Metalotioneína/metabolismo , Metalotioneína/química , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz/métodos , Espectrometria de Fluorescência/métodos , Carboplatina/farmacologia , Oxaliplatina/farmacologia , Cisplatino/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/química , Compostos Organoplatínicos/farmacologia , Compostos Organoplatínicos/química , Platina/química , Metalotioneína 3 , Citostáticos/farmacologia , Citostáticos/química , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , HumanosRESUMO
Metal recycling is essential for strengthening a circular economy. Microbial leaching (bioleaching) is an economical and environmentally friendly technology widely used to extract metals from insoluble ores or secondary resources such as dust, ashes, and slags. On the other hand, microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) would offer an energy-efficient application for recovering valuable metals from an aqueous solution. In this study, we investigated a MEC for Zn recovery from metal-laden bioleachate for the first time by applying a constant potential of -100 mV vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M NaCl) on a synthetic wastewater-treating bioanode. Zn was deposited onto the cathode surface with a recovery efficiency of 41 ± 13% and an energy consumption of 2.55 kWh kg-1. For comparison, Zn recovery from zinc sulfate solution resulted in a Zn recovery efficiency of 100 ± 0% and an energy consumption of 0.70 kWh kg-1. Furthermore, selective metal precipitation of the bioleachate was performed. Individual metals were almost completely precipitated from the bioleachate at pH 5 (Al), pH 7 (Zn and Fe), and pH 9 (Mg and Mn).
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Although the general concept of nanotechnology relies on exploitation of size-dependent properties of nanoscaled materials, the relation between the size/morphology of nanoparticles with their biological activity remains not well understood. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the biological activity of Se nanoparticles, one of the most promising candidates of nanomaterials for biomedicine, possessing the same crystal structure, but differing in morphology (nanorods vs. spherical particles) and aspect ratios (AR, 11.5 vs. 22.3 vs. 1.0) in human cells and BALB/c mice. Herein, we report that in case of nanorod-shaped Se nanomaterials, AR is a critical factor describing their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. However, spherical nanoparticles (AR 1.0) do not fit this statement and exhibit markedly higher cytotoxicity than lower-AR Se nanorods. Beside of cytotoxicity, we also show that morphology and size substantially affect the uptake and intracellular fate of Se nanomaterials. In line with in vitro data, in vivo i.v. administration of Se nanomaterials revealed the highest toxicity for higher-AR nanorods followed by spherical nanoparticles and lower-AR nanorods. Moreover, we revealed that Se nanomaterials are able to alter intracellular redox homeostasis, and affect the acidic intracellular vesicles and cytoskeletal architecture in a size- and morphology-dependent manner. Although the tested nanoparticles were produced from the similar sources, their behavior differs markedly, since each type is promising for several various application scenarios, and the presented testing protocol could serve as a concept standardizing the biological relevance of the size and morphology of the various types of nanomaterials and nanoparticles.
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The biological leaching of metals from different waste streams by bacteria is intensively investigated to address metal recycling and circular economy goals. However, usually external addition of sulfuric acid is required to maintain the low pH optimum of the bacteria to ensure efficient leaching. Extremely acidophilic Acidithiobacillus spp. producing sulfuric acid and ferric iron have been investigated for several decades in the bioleaching of metal-containing ores. Their application has now been extended to the extraction of metals from artificial ores and other secondary sources. In this study, an optimized process for producing biogenic sulfuric acid from elemental sulfur by two sulfur-oxidizing species, A. thiooxidans and A. caldus and their combinations, was investigated in batch and stirred tank experiments. Using a combined culture of both species, 1.05 M and 1.4 M biogenic sulfuric acid was produced at 30 °C and 6% elemental sulfur in batch and semi continuous modes, respectively. The acid produced was then used to control the pH in a heap bioleaching system in which iron- and sulfur-oxidizing A. ferrooxidans was applied to biologically leach metals from waste incineration residuals. Metals like Cu, Ni, Al, Mn, and Zn were successfully recovered by 99, 93, 84, 77 and 68%, respectively within three weeks of heap bioleaching. Overall, a potential value recovery of incorporated metals >70% could be achieved. This highlights the potential and novelty of applying extremely acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria for cheap and efficient production of biogenic sulfuric acid and its use in pH control.
Assuntos
Acidithiobacillus , Incineração , Bactérias , Ferro , Metais , Enxofre , Ácidos SulfúricosRESUMO
Here we developed a powerful tool for comprehensive data collection and mapping of molecular and elemental signatures in the Melanoma-bearing Libechov Minipig (MeLiM) model. The combination of different mass spectrometric methods allowed for detail investigation of specific melanoma markers and elements and their spatial distribution in tissue sections. MALDI-MSI combined with HPLC-MS/MS analyses resulted in identification of seven specific proteins, S100A12, CD163, MMP-2, galectin-1, tenascin, resistin and PCNA that were presented in the melanoma signatures. Furthermore, the ICP-MS method allowed for spatial detection of zinc, calcium, copper, and iron elements linked with the allocation of the specific binding proteins.
Assuntos
Melanoma , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem , Animais , Melanoma/metabolismo , Proteínas , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz/métodos , Suínos , Porco MiniaturaRESUMO
Here, we present the potential analytical applications of photochemistry in combination with fluorescence fingerprinting. Our approach analyzes the fluorescence of samples after ultraviolet light (UV) treatment. Especially in presence of metal ions and thiol-containing compounds, the fluorescence behavior changes considerably. The UV-induced reactions (changes) are unique to a given sample composition, resulting in distinct patterns or fingerprints (typically in the 230-600 nm spectral region). This method works without the need for additional chemicals or fluorescent probes, only suitable diluent must be used. The proposed method (UV fingerprinting) suggests the option of recognizing various types of pharmaceuticals, beverages (juices and wines), and other samples within only a few minutes. In some studied samples (e.g. pharmaceuticals), significant changes in fluorescence characteristics (mainly fluorescence intensity) were observed. We believe that the fingerprinting technique can provide an innovative solution for analytical detection.
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Corantes Fluorescentes , Raios Ultravioleta , Íons , Metais , Análise EspectralRESUMO
The main dose-limiting side effect of cisplatin is nephrotoxicity. The utilization of cisplatin is an issue of balancing tumour toxicity versus platinum-induced nephrotoxicity. In this study, we focused on intraorgan distribution of common essential trace elements zinc, copper, and iron in healthy mouse kidneys and distribution of platinum after cisplatin treatment. Renal distribution in 12 nontreated Nu-Nu mice (males) was assessed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Furthermore, 9 Nu-Nu mice were treated with cisplatin. The order of elements concentration in kidneys was as follows: Fe > Zn > Cu. All three metals showed the higher concentrations at the cortex and medulla (28.60, 3.35, and 93.83 µg/g for Zn, Cu, and Fe, respectively) and lower concentration at the pelvis and the urinary tract (20.20, 1.93, and 62.48 µg/g for Zn, Cu, and Fe, respectively). No statistically significant difference between cortex and medulla was observed for these elements. After platinum treatment, the concentration of platinum in kidneys was enhanced more than 60-times, p < 0.001. Platinum significantly showed the highest accumulation in cortex (2.11 µg/g) with a gradient distribution. Platinum was less accumulated in medulla and pelvis than in cortex, and the lowest accumulation occurred in the urinary tract (1.13 µg/g). Image processing has been successfully utilized to colocalize metal distribution using LA-ICP-MS and histological samples images.
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Cisplatino/toxicidade , Rim/metabolismo , Rim/patologia , Animais , Cisplatino/efeitos adversos , Cisplatino/farmacologia , Cobre/análise , Humanos , Ferro/análise , Rim/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Camundongos , Camundongos Nus , Células PC-3 , Platina/análise , Análise Espectral/métodos , Zinco/análiseRESUMO
Platinum-based anticancer drugs are actively developed utilizing lipophilic ligands or drug carriers for the efficient penetration of biomembranes, reduction of side effects, and tumor targeting. We report the development of a supramolecular host-guest system built on cationic platinum(II) compounds bearing ligands anchored in the cavity of the macrocyclic host. The host-guest binding and hydrolysis process on the platinum core were investigated in detail by using NMR, MS, X-ray diffraction, and relativistic DFT calculations. The encapsulation process in cucurbit[7]uril unequivocally promotes the stability of hydrolyzed dicationic cis-[PtII(NH3)2(H2O)(NH2-R)]2+ compared to its trans isomer. Biological screening on the ovarian cancer lines A2780 and A2780/CP shows time-dependent toxicity. Notably, the reported complex and its ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) assembly achieve the same cellular uptake as cisplatin and cisplatin@ß-CD, respectively, while maintaining a significantly lower toxicity profile.
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Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Teoria da Densidade Funcional , Compostos Macrocíclicos/farmacologia , Compostos Organoplatínicos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/síntese química , Antineoplásicos/química , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais , Humanos , Compostos Macrocíclicos/síntese química , Compostos Macrocíclicos/química , Substâncias Macromoleculares/síntese química , Substâncias Macromoleculares/química , Substâncias Macromoleculares/farmacologia , Estrutura Molecular , Compostos Organoplatínicos/síntese química , Compostos Organoplatínicos/química , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most abundant and critical components of the tumor stroma. CAFs can impact many important steps of cancerogenesis and may also influence treatment resistance. Some of these effects need the direct contact of CAFs and cancer cells, while some involve paracrine signals. In this study, we investigated the ability of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) patient-derived CAFs to promote or inhibit the colony-forming ability of HNSCC cells. The effect of cisplatin on this promoting or inhibiting influence was also studied. The subsequent analysis focused on changes in the expression of genes associated with cancer progression. We found that cisplatin response in model HNSCC cancer cells was modified by coculture with CAFs, was CAF-specific, and different patient-derived CAFs had a different "sensitizing ratio". Increased expression of VEGFA, PGE2S, COX2, EGFR, and NANOG in cancer cells was characteristic for the increase of resistance. On the other hand, CCL2 expression was associated with sensitizing effect. Significantly higher amounts of cisplatin were found in CAFs derived from patients who subsequently experienced a recurrence. In conclusion, our results showed that CAFs could promote and/or inhibit colony-forming capability and cisplatin resistance in HNSCC cells via paracrine effects and subsequent changes in gene expression of cancer-associated genes in cancer cells.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Fibroblastos Associados a Câncer/efeitos dos fármacos , Fibroblastos Associados a Câncer/metabolismo , Cisplatino/farmacologia , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/metabolismo , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Técnicas de Cocultura , Feminino , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/metabolismo , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/patologia , Comunicação Parácrina/efeitos dos fármacos , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Ensaio Tumoral de Célula-TroncoRESUMO
Immunochemical methods are used not only in clinical practice for the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases but also in basic and advanced research. Based on the unique reaction between the antibody and its respective antigens, it serves to specifically recognize target molecules in biological complex samples. Current methods of labelling antibodies with elemental labels followed by detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) allow detection of multiple antigens in parallel in a single analysis. Using the laser ablation (LA) modality (LA-ICP-MS), it is also possible to monitor the spatial distribution of biogenic elements. Moreover, the employment of metal nanoparticle-labeled antibodies expands the applicability also to molecular imaging by LA-ICP-MS. In this work, conjugates of model monoclonal antibody (DO-1, recognizing p53 protein) with various metal nanoparticles-based labels were created and utilized in dot-blot analysis in order to compare their benefits and disadvantages. Based on experiments with the p53 protein standard, commercial kits of gold nanoparticles proved to be the most suitable for the preparation of conjugates. The LA-ICP-MS demonstrated very good repeatability, wide linear dynamic range (0.1-14 ng), and limit of detection was calculated as a 1.3 pg of p53 protein.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais/farmacologia , Cádmio/química , Európio/química , Ouro/química , Prata/química , Anticorpos Monoclonais/química , Humanos , Immunoblotting , Lasers , Limite de Detecção , Espectrometria de Massas , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , Pontos Quânticos/química , Proteína Supressora de Tumor p53/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
Study provides an in-depth analysis of the structure-function relationship of polysaccharide anticancer drug carriers and points out benefits and potential drawbacks of differences in polysaccharide glycosidic bonding, branching and drug binding mode of the carriers. Cellulose, dextrin, dextran and hyaluronic acid have been regioselectively oxidized to respective dicarboxylated derivatives, allowing them to directly conjugate cisplatin, while preserving their major structural features intact. The structure of source polysaccharide has crucial impact on conjugation effectiveness, carrier capacity, drug release rates, in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake. For example, while branched structure of dextrin-based carrier partially counter the undesirable initial burst release, it also attenuates the cellular uptake and the cytotoxicity of carried drug. Linear polysaccharides containing ß-(1â4) glycosidic bonds and oxidized at C2 and C3 (cellulose and hyaluronate) have the best overall combination of structural features for improved drug delivery applications including potentiation of the cisplatin efficacy towards malignances.
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Antineoplásicos/administração & dosagem , Cisplatino/administração & dosagem , Portadores de Fármacos , Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos , Oxigênio/química , Polissacarídeos/química , Animais , Celulose/química , Dextranos/química , Dextrinas/química , Liberação Controlada de Fármacos , Glicosídeos/química , Humanos , Ácido Hialurônico/química , Técnicas In Vitro , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Células MCF-7 , Camundongos , Células NIH 3T3 , Oxirredução , Platina/químicaRESUMO
Herein, we report a new simple and easy-to-use approach for the characterization of protein oligomerization based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and capillary electrophoresis with LED-induced detection. The FRET pair consisted of quantum dots (QDs) used as an emission tunable donor (emission wavelength of 450 nm) and a cyanine dye (Cy3), providing optimal optical properties as an acceptor. Nonoxidative dimerization of mammalian metallothionein (MT) was investigated using the donor and acceptor covalently conjugated to MT. The main functions of MTs within an organism include the transport and storage of essential metal ions and detoxification of toxic ions. Upon storage under aerobic conditions, MTs form dimers (as well as higher oligomers), which may play an essential role as mediators in oxidoreduction signaling pathways. Due to metal bridging by Cd2+ ions between molecules of metallothionein, the QDs and Cy3 were close enough, enabling a FRET signal. The FRET efficiency was calculated to be in the range of 11-77%. The formation of MT dimers in the presence of Cd2+ ions was confirmed by MALDI-MS analyses. Finally, the process of oligomerization resulting in FRET was monitored by CE, and oligomerization of MT was confirmed.
Assuntos
Acetatos/farmacologia , Cádmio/farmacologia , Eletroforese Capilar , Transferência Ressonante de Energia de Fluorescência/métodos , Metalotioneína/química , Pontos Quânticos , Animais , Carbocianinas , Dimerização , Transferência Ressonante de Energia de Fluorescência/instrumentação , Modelos Moleculares , Conformação Proteica , Coelhos , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz , Eletricidade EstáticaRESUMO
Hazardous waste disposal via incineration generates a substantial amount of ashes and slags which pose an environmental risk due to their toxicity. Currently, these residues are deposited in landfills with loss of potentially recyclable raw material. In this study, the use of acidophilic bioleaching bacteria (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans) as an environmentally friendly, efficient strategy for the recovery of valuable metals from incineration residues was investigated. Zinc, Cobalt, Copper, and Manganese from three different incineration residues were bio-extracted up to 100% using A. ferrooxidans under ferrous iron oxidation. The other metals showed lower leaching efficiencies based on the type of culture used. Sulfur-oxidizing cultures A. ferrooxidans and A. thiooxidans, containing sulfur as the sole substrate, expressed a significantly lower leaching efficiency (up to 50%). According to ICP-MS, ashes and slags contained Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd, and Ni in economically attractive concentrations between 0.2 and 75 mg g-1. Compared to conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, our biological approach provides many advantages such as: the use of a limited amount of used strong acids (H2SO4 or HCl), recycling operations at lower temperatures (~30 °C) and no emission of toxic gases during combustion (i.e., dioxins and furans).
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Acidithiobacillus , Incineração , Bactérias , Ferro , Oxirredução , EnxofreRESUMO
The inhalation of metal (including lead) nanoparticles poses a real health issue to people and animals living in polluted and/or industrial areas. In this study, we exposed mice to lead(II) nitrate nanoparticles [Pb(NO3)2 NPs], which represent a highly soluble form of lead, by inhalation. We aimed to uncover the effects of their exposure on individual target organs and to reveal potential variability in the lead clearance. We examined (i) lead biodistribution in target organs using laser ablation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), (ii) lead effect on histopathological changes and immune cells response in secondary target organs and (iii) the clearance ability of target organs. In the lungs and liver, Pb(NO3)2 NP inhalation induced serious structural changes and their damage was present even after a 5-week clearance period despite the lead having been almost completely eliminated from the tissues. The numbers of macrophages significantly decreased after 11-week Pb(NO3)2 NP inhalation; conversely, abundance of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cells, which are responsible for augmented collagen production, increased in both tissues. Moreover, the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and selected cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFß1), interleukin 6(IL-6), IL-1α and IL-1ß , displayed a tissue-specific response to lead exposure. In summary, diminished inflammatory response in tissues after Pb(NO3)2 NPs inhalation was associated with prolonged negative effect of lead on tissues, as demonstrated by sustained pathological changes in target organs, even after long clearance period.
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Poluentes Atmosféricos/farmacocinética , Chumbo/farmacocinética , Pulmão/efeitos dos fármacos , Macrófagos Alveolares/efeitos dos fármacos , Nanopartículas Metálicas/toxicidade , Nitratos/farmacocinética , Actinas/agonistas , Actinas/genética , Actinas/imunologia , Administração por Inalação , Poluentes Atmosféricos/toxicidade , Animais , Disponibilidade Biológica , Feminino , Expressão Gênica , Meia-Vida , Exposição por Inalação/análise , Interleucina-1alfa/agonistas , Interleucina-1alfa/genética , Interleucina-1alfa/imunologia , Interleucina-1beta/agonistas , Interleucina-1beta/genética , Interleucina-1beta/imunologia , Interleucina-6/agonistas , Interleucina-6/genética , Interleucina-6/imunologia , Chumbo/toxicidade , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/imunologia , Fígado/patologia , Pulmão/imunologia , Pulmão/patologia , Macrófagos Alveolares/imunologia , Macrófagos Alveolares/patologia , Nanopartículas Metálicas/administração & dosagem , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos ICR , NF-kappa B/agonistas , NF-kappa B/genética , NF-kappa B/imunologia , Nitratos/toxicidade , Espectrofotometria Atômica , Distribuição Tecidual , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/agonistas , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/genética , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/imunologia , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/agonistas , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/genética , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/imunologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We used mice as an animal model to investigate the entry of ZnO nanoparticles from the ambient air into the lungs and other organs, subsequent changes in Zn levels and the impact on the transcription of Zn homeostasis-related genes in the lungs. METHODS: The mice were exposed to two concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles; lower (6.46â¯×â¯104 particles/cm3) and higher (1.93â¯×â¯106 particles/cm3), allowed to breathe the nanoparticles in the air for 12 weeks and subjected to necropsy. Characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles was done using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used to quantify ZnO nanoparticles in the lungs, brain, liver and kidney. The total zinc content in the lungs, brain, liver, kidney, red blood cells and plasma was estimated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Transcription rate of the genes was evaluated by RealTime PCR. RESULTS: The two concentration of ZnO nanoparticles in the ambient air produced two different outcomes. The lower concentration resulted in significant increases in Zn content of the liver while the higher concentration significantly increased Zn in the lungs (pâ¯<â¯0.05). Additionally, at the lower concentration, Zn content was found to be lower in brain tissue (pâ¯<â¯0.05). Using TEM/EDX we detected ZnO nanoparticles inside the cells in the lungs, kidney and liver. Inhaling ZnO NP at the higher concentration increased the levels of mRNA of the following genes in the lungs: Mt2 (2.56 fold), Slc30a1 (1.52 fold) and Slc30a5 (2.34 fold). At the lower ZnO nanoparticle concentration, only Slc30a7 mRNA levels in the lungs were up (1.74 fold). Thus the two air concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles produced distinct effects on the expression of the Zn-homeostasis related genes. CONCLUSION: Until adverse health effects of ZnO nanoparticles deposited in organs such as lungs are further investigated and/or ruled out, the exposure to ZnO nanoparticles in aerosols should be avoided or minimised.
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Lead oxide nanoparticles (PbONPs), upon their entry into the lungs via inhalation, induce structural changes in primary and secondary target organs. The fate and ultrastructural localization of PbONPs in organs is known to be dependent on the specific organ. Here, we focused on the differences in the ability to clear the inhaled PbONPs from secondary target organs and on molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to nanoparticle removal. Mice were exposed to PbONPs in whole-body inhalation chambers. Clearance of ionic lead and PbONPs (Pb/PbONPs) from the lungs and liver was very effective, with the lead being almost completely eliminated from the lungs and the physiological state of the lung tissue conspicuously restored. Kidneys exposed to nanoparticles did not exhibit serious signs of damage; however, LA-ICP-MS uncovered a certain amount of lead located preferentially in the kidney cortex even after a clearance period. The concentration of lead in femurs, as representatives of the axial skeleton, was the highest among studied organs at all designated time points after PbONP exposure, and the clearance ability of lead from the femurs was very low in contrast to other organs. The organ-specific increase of ABC transporters expression (ABCG2 in lungs and ABCC3 in the liver) was observed in exposed animals, suggesting their involvement in removing Pb/PbONPs from tissues. Moreover, the expression of caveolins and clathrin displayed a tissue-specific response to lead exposure. Our results uncovered high variability among the organs in their ability to clear Pb/PbONPs and in the transporters involved in this process.
Assuntos
Chumbo/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana Transportadoras/metabolismo , Nanopartículas/metabolismo , Óxidos/metabolismo , Animais , Feminino , Chumbo/administração & dosagem , Chumbo/química , Fígado/química , Fígado/metabolismo , Pulmão/química , Pulmão/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana Transportadoras/química , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos ICR , Nanopartículas/administração & dosagem , Nanopartículas/química , Óxidos/administração & dosagem , Óxidos/químicaRESUMO
Chemotherapy plays an essential role in the management of cancer worldwide. However, it is a non-specific treatment limited by major drawbacks, thus identification and testing of new promising molecular structures representing potential drug candidates are urgently needed. In this work, ferrocene complexes as potential antitumor drugs that display cytotoxicity in low micromolar concentrations against ovarian cancer cells A2780 and SK-OV-3 were investigated to identify their mode of action. Their mechanism of cellular accumulation was studied using differential pulse voltammetry and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry. Their mode of cell death induction was determined by changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential, production of reactive oxygen species and by Annexin V staining. Transferrin receptors were identified as key mediators of intracellular accumulation of ferrocenes and the extent of cellular uptake reflected the anticancer activity of individual compounds. Functional analysis revealed activation of intrinsic apoptosis as a dominant mechanism leading to regulated cell death induced in ovarian cancer cells by ferrocenes. Ferrocenes represent a group of promising sandwich organometallic complexes exerting cytotoxic activity. We suggest their application not only as standalone chemotherapeutics but also as modifying substituents of known drugs to improve their antitumor effects.