Subchronic exposure to palladium nanoparticles affects serum levels of cytokines in female Wistar rats

Abstract

Recently, palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) have been increasingly used in many industrial sectors, and this has led to a significant release of nano-sized palladium particles into the environment. However, despite the increase in occupational and general population exposure, information on the potential adverse effects of these PdNPs is still limited and their impact on the immune system constitutes a major health concern. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential adverse effects induced by subchronic intravenous administration of PdNPs on the immune system of female Wistar rats by evaluating alterations in Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), Interferon (INF)-γ, and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α serum levels. Exposed and control animals were randomly divided into five groups (0, 0.012, 0.12, 1.2, and 12 μg PdNPs per kg body weight) which were treated with repeated intravenous injections of vehicle or PdNPs (on day 1, 30, and 60). Subchronic exposure to PdNPs induced a decreasing trend in serum levels in most of the cytokines investigated, with the highest concentration (12 μg/kg) determining significant inhibitory effects. Overall, these results showed that PdNPs are able to alter cytokine serum levels in subchronically treated Wistar rats, suggesting a possible impact of these xenobiotics on the immune system after long-term exposures.

Long Exposure to CdS-Dextrin Nanoparticles Induces an Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Rats

“…Other studies have mentioned the interaction between nanoparticles and circulating immune cells or secondary lymphoid tissues. In present work, DNA quantification and cell cycle analysis in bone marrow indicated non-significant changes [41,42]. Our results agree with previous reports regarding the presence of an initial state of inflammation; afterwards, however, an anti-inflammatory state predominantes.…”

An Up-To-Date Review on Biomedical Applications of Palladium Nanoparticles

“…The subchronic exposure to increased doses of PdNPs induced a decreasing trend in serum levels in most of the cytokines investigated [102]. The finding showed that PdNPs strongly affected the immune system of treated rats [102]. Chen et al [65] reported the size-dependent toxicity of Pd nanosheets.…”

“…Concerning in vivo results, the target effect of PdNPs is on the immune, renal, and endocrine systems [101]. Iavicoli et al studied the potential immunotoxic impact of immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects of PdNPs on Wistar rats [102]. The subchronic exposure to increased doses of PdNPs induced a decreasing trend in serum levels in most of the cytokines investigated [102].…”

“…Iavicoli et al studied the potential immunotoxic impact of immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects of PdNPs on Wistar rats [102]. The subchronic exposure to increased doses of PdNPs induced a decreasing trend in serum levels in most of the cytokines investigated [102]. The finding showed that PdNPs strongly affected the immune system of treated rats [102].…”

Palladium Nanoparticles: Toxicological Effects and Potential Implications for Occupational Risk Assessment

“…Several biological models, from bacterial strains [ 51 ] to mammalian organisms were reported to be affected by Pd-NP treatment. The immune [ 52 , 53 ], renal [ 54 ] and endocrine systems [ 55 ] were demonstrated as critical targets for the toxic action of Pd-NPs ( Table 2 ). The elemental Pd content in urine, and changes in cytokine serum levels, urinary protein content and hormonal serum concentrations, emerged as possible biomarkers of Pd-NP exposure and early effect, although further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results and validate their possible employment in real exposure settings.…”