Allergenicity and toxicology of inhaled silver nanoparticles in allergen-provocation mice models

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been associated with the exacerbation of airway hyperresponsiveness. However, the allergenicity and toxicology of AgNP in healthy and allergic individuals are unclear. We investigated the pathophysiological responses to AgNP inhalation in a murine model of asthma. Continuous and stable levels of 33 nm AgNP were maintained at 3.3 mg/m 3 during the experimental period. AgNP exposure concomitant with ovalbumin challenge increased the enhanced pause (Penh) in the control and allergic groups. AgNP evoked neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil infiltration into the airways and elevated the levels of allergic markers (immunoglobulin E [IgE] and leukotriene E 4 [LTE 4 ]), the type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13), and oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) in healthy and allergic mice. Bronchocentric interstitial inflammation was observed after AgNP inhalation. After inhalation, the AgNP accumulated predominantly in the lungs, and trivial amounts of AgNP were excreted in the urine and feces. Furthermore, the AgNP induced inflammatory responses in the peritoneum. The inhalation of AgNP may present safety concerns in healthy and susceptible individuals.

The Effects of Genotype × Phenotype Interactions on Silver Nanoparticle Toxicity in Organotypic Cultures of Murine Tracheal Epithelial Cells

“…42,66,67 With regard to host acquired factors, Chuang et al treated OVA-sensitized, female BALB/cJ mice by inhalation and observed antigen effects on AgNP-induced oxidative stress in allergic mice compared to healthy mice and fresh air controls, with allergic and healthy mice being differentially sensitive to AgNP toxicity. 68 In a similar study, Alessandrini et al exposed OVA-sensitized, female BALB/cJ mice by tracheal instillation and observed size, coating, dose, and antigen effects on AgNP-induced T2 lung inflammation in allergic mice compared to healthy mice and vehicle controls, with allergic and healthy mice also being differentially sensitive to AgNP toxicity. 69 Interestingly, the authors observed AgNP-induced T2 lung inflammation in a biphasic manner, with AgNPCIT200 and AgNPPVP200 attenuating T2 lung inflammation, and AgNPCIT50 and AgNPPVP50 exacerbating T2 lung inflammation.…”

Aerosolized Silver Nanoparticles in the Rat Lung and Pulmonary Responses over Time

“…Inhalation studies with uncoated Ag NPs suggest that they produce inflammation, allergic reactions, decrements in lung function, and/or DNA damage (Sung et al , 2008, Sung et al , 2009, Kwon et al , 2012, Cho et al , 2013, Chuang et al , 2013, Su et al , 2013, Song et al , 2013, Braakhuis et al , 2014) following acute, sub-chronic, and/or chronic exposures. In contrast, numerous other inhalation studies suggest that uncoated Ag NPs produce no adverse (toxic) responses (Hyun et al , 2008, Stebounova et al , 2011, Sung et al , 2011, Roberts et al , 2013).…”

An overview on nanoparticle based approach for treatment and management of asthmatic disorder

“…Ag NP's ability to attenuate allergic inflammation is supported by another study, which found Ag NPs decreased IL-13, IL-4, IL-5 and NF-κB levels, as well as AHR (Park et al, 2010). Conversely another study found that Ag NPs increased IgE and IL-13 levels in allergic mice, as well as ROS (Cheng et al, 2013). However, Ag NPs did not cause any increases in neutrophil or eosinophil BALF numbers, and lung histological changes were not striking (Cheng et al, 2013).…”