Male- and female-derived somatic and germ cell-specific toxicity of silver nanoparticles in mouse

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used as an antibiotic agent in textiles, wound dressings, medical devices, and appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. The increasing use of AgNPs has raised concerns about their potential risks to human health. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the impact of AgNPs in germ cell specific complications in mice. The administration of AgNPs results in toxicity in mice; however, a more detailed understanding of the effects of AgNPs on germ cells remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate the effects of AgNPs (20 nm in diameter) in a mouse Sertoli and granulosa cells in vitro, and in male and female mice in vivo. Soluble silver ion (Ag(+))-treated cells were used as a positive control. We found that excessive AgNP-treated cells exhibited cytotoxicity, the formation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in Sertoli cells. Furthermore, an increase in mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis by cytochrome c release from mitochondria due to translocation of Bax to mitochondria was observed. In in vivo studies, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α, interferon-γ, -6, -1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis of AgNP-treated mice shows that a significant loss of male and female germ cells. Taken together, these data suggest that AgNPs with an average size of 20 nm have negative impact on the reproduction.

Quercetin-mediated synthesis of graphene oxide&ndash;silver nanoparticle nanocomposites: a suitable alternative nanotherapy for neuroblastoma

“…As we reported earlier, AgNPs are likely to induce ROS generation in various types of cancer cells, including human breast cancer cells, lung cancer cells, ovarian cancer cells, germ cells, and spermatogonial stem cells. 17,27,28,67,74 A similar phenomenon was also observed in GO-AgNPs-, and DOX-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Lin et al 75 reported that DOX extensively promoted ROS generation in SH-SY5Y cells.…”

“…Previously, several studies have reported that AgNPs have a potential impact on various types of cancer cells, including human lung cancer cells 17,66 and male germ cells. 67 Other studies showed that exposing cells to GO results in the perturbation of the mitochondrial structure and function, as characterized by a decrease in the MMP and the dysregulation of mitochondrial Ca 2+ homeostasis. 68,69 Similarly, nano-sized GO, pristine graphene, and graphene quantum dots caused time-and concentration-dependent decreases in the MMP.…”

Dual functions of silver nanoparticles in F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells, a suitable model for evaluating cytotoxicity- and differentiation-mediated cancer therapy

“…11 Based on the TUNEL reaction, fluorescence detection of cells with apoptotic DNA strand breaks was performed. To examine total cell numbers, nuclei were labeled simultaneously with DAPI.…”

“…3,7,11 Briefly, Escherichia coli were grown in Luria-Bertani broth without NaCl. The flasks were incubated for 21 h in a shaker set at 200 rpm and 37°C.…”

“…31 Previous studies have identified that at subtoxic levels, AgNPs interfered in both EGF and nerve growth factor signal transduction in SSCs and human lung carcinoma cells. 11,32,33 Comfort et al reported that the nanoparticle-induced interference of EGF signaling took place in four different phases, namely, interaction of nanoparticles with EGF, Akt and Erk phosphorylation, Akt activity, and EGF-dependent gene regulation, in the human epithelial cell line A-431. 33 Furthermore, Comfort et al reported that after chronic exposure to AgNPs in the pg/mL range, cells displayed an augmented stress profile and modified EGF signaling efficiency, as well as increased p38 activation, actin disorganization, heightened ki67 expression, and extensive gene modification.…”