CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF CADMIUM SULFIDE NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

In this work, we used cadmium compounds in the nanoform: NPs CdS of 4-6nm and of 9-11nm in size; and in the ionic form: CdCl2. The studies were conducted invitro in cell lines- IMR-32, НEК-293and MАEC. To count viable cells we compared the results of three basic tests: MTT (methyl tetrasolium test), SRB (sulforhodamine B test) and NRU (neutral red uptake test). We evaluated the genotoxic effect of the substances studied invitro using DNA comet assay in alkaline conditions. CdS NPs and CdCl2 demonstrated pronounced dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in MАEC, НEК-293and IMR-32cell lines, by impairing membrane permeability, functioning of mitochondria and lysosomes, and inhibiting the function of protein synthesis. Cytotoxic effect of CdCl2was the most pronounced, this effect of CdS NPs of 9-11nm in size being the least pronounced. The comet DNA assay in alkaline conditions revealed a statistically significant increase in DNA comet index when exposed to CdCl2and CdS NPs in comparison with the negative control, which indicates their genotoxic effect. CdS NPs of 4-6nm in size showed a more pronounced effect in comparison with those of 9-11nm in size. Elucidation of mechanisms underlying the implementation of toxic effects of cadmium NPs will help in assessing the potential risks associated with their use in industry and developing effective preventive measures. For instance, when planning invivo studies for toxicological evaluation of nanomaterials and nano-substances containing NPs of cadmium, it is necessary to investigate the mutagenic and carcinogenic risks and to take into account the high likelihood of neurotoxic and cardiovasotoxic effects, along with nephrotoxic effects, since highcytotoxic activity of the investigated compounds of cadmium was detected on the cells of the MАEC line (endothelial origin) and IMR-32 (neuronal origin).