The splenocyte proliferative response and cytokine secretion in mice after oral administration of commercial gold nanocolloid

Abstract

Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, gold nanoparticles find numerous biomedical applications. Experiments on rodents prove that the main target organs of gold nanoparticles entering an organism are the liver and spleen, whose reticuloendothelial system removes foreign particles from the bloodstream. Through interactions with resident tissue macrophages, nanoparticles can evoke a systemic immunological response.The aim of this study has been to determine the effect of oral administration of commercial gold nanocolloid, recommended by the producer inter alia as a dietary supplement, on the proliferative activity and cytokine secretion by murine splenocytes. The colloid was given to the animals in three different doses (0.25, 2.5, 25 ppm), for three different time periods (7, 14, 28 days). The influence of nanogold on splenocyte functions was time-dependent and the various doses were distinguished by distinct modes of action. The lowest dose had a pro-inflammatory or immunostimulating effect, enhancing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). The effect of the highest dose can be considered as a pro-inflammatory, or immunotoxic one, because the stimulated cytokine synthesis was accompanied by a drastic decline in the proliferative activity of lymphocytes. The medium dose, while inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines of macrophages, simultaneously stimulated the proliferation of lymphocytes. All the doses also modulated the synthesis of IL-2, which may implicate their effect on the immunoregulatory mechanisms of an organism. The effect of alimentary administration of gold nanocolloid on the immune system seems to be difficult to predict, hence a risk that this type of dietary supplements might have some adverse impact on the immunity cannot be excluded, especially after their chronic administration.

Immunotoxic effects of gold and silver nanoparticles: Inhibition of mitogen-induced proliferative responses and viability of human and murine lymphocytesin vitro

“…In an in vivo study using mice, orally administered GNP were able to differentially affect ex vivo lymphocyte proliferative responses-stimulatory at low doses and inhibitory at high doses (Małaczewska 2015). Dose-dependent increases in proliferative indices for CD3 þ and CD4 þ T-cells and no change in CD8 þ Tcells were seen in human PBL treated in vitro with GNP (12 nm diameter) at concentrations of 1-25 lg/ml (Guevel et al 2015).…”

Gold Nanoparticles: Multifaceted Roles in the Management of Autoimmune Disorders

“…However, the data showed a time- and dose-dependent influence of GNPs on splenocytes. The lowest dose had a pro-inflammatory effect and stimulated the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α [ 116 ]. However, some studies reported contradictory results [ 75 , 117 ].…”

Immunological properties of gold nanoparticles

“…Further, in vivo GNP effects are dose-dependent. In particular, Małaczewska 59,60 demonstrated that mice, after being orally administered with GNPs, showed an increased activity of phagocytes and some changes in the lymphocyte phenotypes, i.e. , an increased percentage of B and CD4+/CD8+ double positive T cells.…”