Effects of Gold Nanoparticles and Gold Anti-Arthritic Compounds on Inflammation Marker Expression in Macrophages

Abstract

The ability of aurothiomalate and auranofin to alter the production of several cellular mediators of inflammation by RAW264.7 macrophages, was compared with each other and that of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Addition of auranofin was found to have a pronounced ability to lower the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNS and ROS respectively), as well as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF), by macrophages that were subsequently treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate production of the mediators. In contrast, prior treatment of the cells with either aurothiomalate or Au NPs had either little or no significant effect on production of RNS and ROS. Treatment of the macrophages with Au NPs had a small effect on production of TNF by cells that were subsequently stimulated with LPS; however, the effect was much smaller than that elicited by auranofin. Similarly, aurothiomalate had a small but significant effect on production of IL-10. Varying the size of the Au NPs or the identity of the protective sheath surrounding the nanoparticles did not have a significant effect on the production of RNS or ROS by LPS-stimulated macrophages. The results of some of these investigations are discussed in the light of other studies reported in the literature. In addition, results obtained by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are presented that provide evidence for the accumulation of gold within macrophages exposed to Au NPs.

Gold Nanoparticles: Multifaceted Roles in the Management of Autoimmune Disorders

“…Nevertheless, a study by James et al [ 212 ] reported contradictory results with mentioned studies. They revealed that gold compounds such as auranofin had a pronounced ability to decrease the production of several inflammatory mediators such as reactive NO, ROS, and TNFα by LPS-induced macrophages compared to GNPs.…”

Intracellular Transport of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Biological Responses: An Update

“…In particular, TEM allows to reconstruct 3D images and determine the NPs cellular localization by sequential ultrathin specimen sections [ 120 ]. Field emission (FE) SEM can also be used to distinguish between intracellular and externally bound NPs with a resolution of 1 nm [ 121 ], by using different accelerator voltages [ 122 ]. In addition, electron microscopic techniques can be coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and backscattered electron imaging (FE-SEM) to offer an ideal analytical platform for the characterization of NPs in and on the cells [ 123 , 124 ].…”

Methodologies and approaches for the analysis of cell–nanoparticle interactions

“…This method has an advantage of reducing the sample preparation steps and thus, preparation time while allowing resolution up to 1 nm. 125 Surface bound and intracellular NPs can be distinguished by using different accelerator voltages as demonstrated by James et al 126 Thus, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and backscattered electron imaging FE-SEM offers an ideal analytical platform for the characterization of NPs in and on the cells. 127,128 Finally, the pioneering work of Havrdova et al 129 demonstrated that FE-SEM can be used to determine the cellular ultrastructural localization of NPs (Figure 8).…”