Dual mechanism of silver nanoparticle-mediated upregulation of adipogenesis in mouse fibroblasts (3T3-L1) in vitro

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widespread in the environment due to the increase in their application e.g. in medicine as part of hard-to-heal wound dressings. Many studies have revealed easy diffusion of AgNPs into deep skin layers through damaged epidermis and contact with e.g. fibroblasts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of small-size AgNPs (10 nm) in ppm concentrations on the adipogenesis process in mouse embryo fibroblasts (3T3-L1). The results showed a decrease in the metabolic activity, followed by an increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in a dose- and time-dependent manner (0–20 ppm). The increased caspase-3 activity was observed only at the highest concentration (20 ppm) of AgNPs. Further analysis showed the ability of the tested NPs to increase the lipid accumulation in adipocytes, similar to ROSI [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist], measured by Oil-Red-O staining. Moreover, the analyses evidenced the ability of AgNPs to increase the lipoxygenase activity and malondialdehyde levels, which is probably based on ROS-dependent enhancement of lipid hydroperoxidation. Lastly, a significant increase in the PPARγ, Adiponectin, Resistin, Vegf, and Serpine mRNA expression was shown 6 h after the induction of the differentiation process. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that small-size AgNPs increase adipogenesis via ROS- and PPARγ-based mechanisms with potential engagement of crosstalk with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which is important due to the widespread application of AgNPs in medicine. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the full mechanism of these NPs in the tested cell model in depth.