Abstract
BackgroundSilver ions from silver nanoparticles (AgNP) or AgNPs themselves itself that are ingested from consumer health care products or indirectly from absorbed food contact material can interact with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The permeability of the GIT is strictly regulated to maintain barrier function and proper nutrient absorption. The single layer intestinal epithelium adheres and communicates actively to neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix through different cell junctions. In the current study, we hypothesized that oral exposure to AgNPs may alter the intestinal permeability and expression of genes controlling cell junctions. Changes in cell junction gene expression in the ileum of male and female rats administered different sizes of AgNP for 13-weeks were assessed using qPCR.ResultsThe results of this study indicate that AgNPs have an altering effect on cell junctions that are known to dictate intestinal permeability. mRNA expression of genes representing tight junction (Cldn1, Cldn5, Cldn6, Cldn10 and Pecam1), focal adhesion (Cav1, Cav2, and Itgb2), adherens junction (Pvrl1, Notch1, and Notch2), and hemidesmosome (Dst) groups were upregulated significantly in females treated with 10 nm AgNP, while no change or downregulation of same genes was detected in male animals. In addition, a higher concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, was noticed in AgNP-treated female animals as compared to controls.ConclusionsThis study proposes that interaction of silver with GIT could potentially initiate an inflammatory process that could lead to changes in the gastrointestinal permeability and/or nutrient deficiencies in sex-specific manner. Fully understanding the mechanistic consequences of oral AgNP exposure may lead to stricter regulation for the commercial usage of AgNPs and/or improved clinical therapy in the future.
Highlights
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are small, spherical particles of silver that range between 1 and 100 nm in size and continually release silver ions [1]
The structural integrity and barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells are regulated by several genes that include notch receptors, claudins, and desmosomes
The present study was designed to examine the changes in the gastrointestinal epithelial layer cell junction gene expression in male and female rats exposed orally to different sizes of AgNPs
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are small, spherical particles of silver that range between 1 and 100 nm in size and continually release silver ions [1]. In a 14-day monitored human oral dosing study two doses (10- and 32-ppm) of a commercial silver nanoparticle solution were consumed by healthy individuals over 14 days [15]. The results from this human study did not show observable clinically important toxicity markers. Peak serum silver concentration was detected in 42% and 92% of subjects in 10 ppm and 32 ppm dosed groups, respectively This warrants further investigations for additional critical parameters, such as effect on the intestinal epithelium permeability, especially with long term exposure. We hypothesized that oral exposure to AgNPs may alter the intestinal permeability and expression of genes controlling cell junctions. Changes in cell junction gene expression in the ileum of male and female rats administered different sizes of AgNP for 13-weeks were assessed using qPCR
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
