TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively used in various applications, highlighting the importance of ongoing research into their effects. This work belongs among rare whole-body inhalation studies investigating the effects of TiO2 NPs on mice. Unlike previous studies, the concentration of TiO2 NPs in the inhalation chamber (130.8 μg/m3) was significantly lower. This 11-week study on mice confirmed in vivo the presence of TiO2 NPs in lung macrophages and type II pneumocytes including their intracellular localization by using the electron microscopy and the state-of-the-art methods detecting NPs' chemical identity/crystal structure, such as the energy-dispersed X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), cathodoluminescence (CL), and detailed diffraction pattern analysis using powder nanobeam diffraction (PNBD). For the first time in inhalation study in vivo, the alterations in erythrocyte morphology with evidence of echinocytes and stomatocytes, accompanied by iron accumulation in spleen, liver, and kidney, are reported following NP's exposure. Together with the histopathological evidence of hyperaemia in the spleen and kidney, and haemosiderin presence in the spleen, the finding of NPs containing iron might suggest the increased decomposition of damaged erythrocytes. The detection of TiO2 NPs on erythrocytes through CL analysis confirmed their potential systemic availability. On the contrary, TiO2 NPs were not confirmed in other organs (spleen, liver, and kidney); Ti was detected only in the kidney near the detection limit.

• Klíčová slova
• cathodoluminescence, electron microscopy, lung, powder nanobeam diffraction, titanium dioxide nanoparticles,
• MeSH
• aplikace inhalační MeSH
• erytrocyty * účinky léků   patologie   MeSH
• inhalační expozice * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• kovové nanočástice * toxicita   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nanočástice * toxicita   MeSH
• plíce * účinky léků   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• testy subchronické toxicity MeSH
• titan * toxicita   farmakokinetika   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• tkáňová distribuce MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• titan * MeSH
• titanium dioxide MeSH Prohlížeč

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are increasingly used in various industry sectors. Moreover, medical application of CuO NPs as antimicrobials also contributes to human exposure. Their toxicity, including toxicity to the immune system and blood, raises concerns, while information on their immunotoxicity is still very limited. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effects of CuO NPs (number concentration 1.40×106 particles/cm3, geometric mean diameter 20.4 nm) on immune/inflammatory response and antioxidant defense in mice exposed to 32.5 µg CuO/m3 continuously for 6 weeks. After six weeks of CuO NP inhalation, the content of copper in lungs and liver was significantly increased, while in kidneys, spleen, brain, and blood it was similar in exposed and control mice. Inhalation of CuO NPs caused a significant increase in proliferative response of T-lymphocytes after mitogenic stimulation and basal proliferative activity of splenocytes. CuO NPs significantly induced the production of IL-12p70, Th1-cytokine IFN-γ and Th2-cytokines IL-4, IL-5. Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 remained unchanged. Immune assays showed significantly suppressed phagocytic activity of granulocytes and slightly decreased respiratory burst. No significant differences in phagocytosis of monocytes were recorded. The percentage of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and CD3-CD19+ cell subsets in spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes did not differ between exposed and control animals. No changes in hematological parameters were found between the CuO NP exposed and control groups. The overall antioxidant protection status of the organism was expressed by evaluation of GSH and GSSG concentrations in blood samples. The experimental group exposed to CuO NPs showed a significant decrease in GSH concentration in comparison to the control group. In summary, our results indicate that sub-chronic inhalation of CuO NPs can cause undesired modulation of the immune response. Stimulation of adaptive immunity was indicated by activation of proliferation and secretion functions of lymphocytes. CuO NPs elicited pro-activation state of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes in exposed mice. Innate immunity was affected by impaired phagocytic activity of granulocytes. Reduced glutathione was significantly decreased in mice exposed to CuO NPs.

• Klíčová slova
• antioxidant defense, copper oxide nanoparticles, cytokines, immune response, immunotoxicity, inflammation, lymphocytes, phagocytic activity and respiratory burst,
• MeSH
• adaptivní imunita MeSH
• antioxidancia MeSH
• cytokiny MeSH
• měď * toxicita   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nanočástice * toxicita   MeSH
• oxidy MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antioxidancia MeSH
• cytokiny MeSH
• měď * MeSH
• oxidy MeSH