Relative expression of microRNAs, apoptosis, and ultrastructure anomalies induced by gold nanoparticles in Trachyderma hispida (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Saeed El-Ashram,Noura A Toto,Dalia Abdel Moneim Kheirallah,Lamia Moustafa El-Samad,Shawky M Aboelhadid

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241837

Abstract

The extensive use of nanomaterials generates toxic effects on non-target species and the ecosystem. Although gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are generally expected to be safe, the recent study contains conflicting data regarding their cytotoxicity in the darkling beetles Trachyderma hispida. The study postulated cellular perturbation in the ovarian tissue of the beetles induced by a sublethal dose of Au-NPs (0.01 mg/g). When compared with the controls, a significant inhibition in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes selenium-dependent (GPOX) and selenium-independent (GSTP) glutathione peroxidases (GPx) was observed in the treated beetles. The study proposed microRNAs (miRNA-282 and miRNA-989) as genotoxic markers for the first time, reporting a significant suppression in their transcriptional levels in the treated beetles. Furthermore, TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) and flow cytometry assays (annexin V-Fitc) indicated a significant increase in ovarian cell apoptosis in the treated beetles. Additionally, an ultrastructure examination revealed pathological changes in the ovarian cells of the treated beetles. The resulting anomalies in the present study may interrupt the fecundity of the beetles and lead to the future suppression of beetle populations.

Highlights

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been involved in the industrial division for over 20 years [1]
The current study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Although gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) in the ovarian tissues of the darkling beetle T. hispida) using molecular, biochemical, and cytological techniques
Darkling beetles were identified at the Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Entomology Department, as Trachyderma hispida from the family Tenebrionidae

Summary

Introduction

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been involved in the industrial division for over 20 years [1]. The great potential of NPs results from their minute size that facilitates a rapid reaction (quantum size effect or surface-induced effects), which potentially makes them more toxic than traditional-sized particles [2]. NPs (< 100 nm) similar in scale to cellular macromolecules may cross the natural mechanical barriers and result in adverse tissue reaction, such as chronic. Gold nanoparticles induce apoptosis in darkling beetles (Trachyderma hispida) study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

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Conclusion