Assessment of the cytotoxicity of aluminium oxide nanoparticles on selected mammalian cells

The rapid development of nanotechnology raises both enthusiasm and anxiety among researchers, which is related to the safety use of the manufactured materials. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aluminium oxide nanoparticles on the viability of selected mammalian cells in vitro. The aluminium oxide nanoparticles were characterised using SEM and BET analyses. Based on Zeta (ζ) potential measurements and particle size distribution, the tested suspensions of aluminium oxide nanoparticles in water and nutrient solutions with or without FBS were classified as unstable. Cell viability, the degree of apoptosis induction and nanoparticles internalization into the cells were assessed after 24 h of cell exposure to Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. Our results confirm the ability of aluminium oxide nanoparticles to penetrate through the membranes of L929 and BJ cells. Despite this, there was no significant increase in apoptosis or decrease in cell viability observed, suggesting that aluminium oxide nanoparticles in the tested range of concentrations has no cytotoxic effects on the selected mammalian cells.     

Acute toxicity test of CuO nanoparticles using human mesenchymal stem cells

Despite the growing interest in nanoparticles (NPs), standardized procedures for the evaluation of their toxicity have not been defined. The risk of human exposure is rapidly increasing and reliable toxicity test systems are urgently needed. In vitro methods are ideal in toxicology research because they can rapidly provide reproducible results while preventing the use of animals. Recently, a new test for acute toxicity based on the use of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) has been developed and successfully tested in our laboratory following the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods guidelines. Along these lines, the aim of this study is to evaluate the acute cytotoxicity of copper oxide (CuO) NPs using the new toxicity test based on hBMMSCs. Our results show that CuO NPs are much more toxic compared to micrometer ones. Specifically, CuO NP exposure exhibits a significant cytotoxicity at all the concentrations used, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.5?±?0.53?µg/ml. On the other hand, CuO microsized particle exposure exhibits a very low cytotoxicity at the same concentrations, with an IC₅₀ value of 72.13?±?16.2?µg/ml.     

人脂肪间充质干细胞体外定向诱导分化为胰岛样细胞的实验研究

目的体外定向诱导人脂肪间充质干细胞向胰岛样细胞的分化。方法人脂肪间充质干细胞分3个阶段进行诱导,第一阶段培养在含适当浓度的2-巯基乙醇的高糖-达氏修正依氏培养基(HG-DMEM)培养2d,第二阶段在含适当浓度的B27、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)及表皮生长因子(EGF)的HG-DMEM培养基中诱导6d,第三阶段在含适当浓度的2-巯基乙醇和B27和尼克酰胺高糖无血清DMEM培养基诱导细胞向胰岛样细胞分化。对照组用HG-DMEM培养。在相差显微镜下观察细胞的形态;用反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法检测诱导前后nestin、胰岛素基因的表达;用免疫荧光染色法检测诱导前后nestin、胰岛素的表达;诱导第三阶段进行双硫腙染色鉴定胰岛B样细胞团。结果未经诱导的脂肪间充质干细胞呈长梭形贴壁生长,诱导后细胞逐渐变圆,并聚集成团。诱导8d细胞nestin基因呈阳性表达,诱导14d细胞nestin基因表达量下降,胰岛素基因表达呈阳性。诱导后的细胞团双硫腙染色呈棕红色。结论2-巯基乙醇、EGF、bFGF及尼克酰胺等可在体外诱导人脂肪间充质干细胞分化为具有分泌胰岛素功能的胰岛样细胞。     

In vitro cytotoxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on neuronal and glial cells. Evaluation of nanoparticle interference with viability tests

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) have attracted great interest for use in several biomedical fields. In general, they are considered biocompatible, but little is known of their effects on the human nervous system. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of two ION (magnetite), coated with silica and oleic acid, previously determining the possible interference of the ION with the methodological procedures to assure the reliability of the results obtained. Human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y and glioblastoma A172 cells were exposed to different concentrations of ION (5–300 µg ml^–1), prepared in complete and serum‐free cell culture medium for three exposure times (3, 6 and 24 h). Cytotoxicity was evaluated by means of the MTT, neutral red uptake and alamar blue assays. Characterization of the main physical–chemical properties of the ION tested was also performed. Results demonstrated that both ION could significantly alter absorbance readings. To reduce these interferences, protocols were modified by introducing additional washing steps and cell‐free systems. Significant decreases in cell viability were observed for both cell lines in specific conditions by all assays. In general, oleic acid‐coated ION were less cytotoxic than silica‐coated ION; besides, a serum‐protective effect was observed for both ION studied and cell lines. These results contribute to increase the knowledge of the potential harmful effects of ION on the human nervous system. Understanding these effects is essential to establish satisfactory regulatory policies on the safe use of magnetite nanoparticles in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

利用诱导性多能干细胞技术体外扩增造血干/祖细胞的初步研究

目的 利用诱导性多能干细胞技术体外扩增造血干/祖细胞.方法 利用非整合型载体,将四个转录因子:Sox2、Klf4、Oct4和c-Myc导入脐血来源的造血干/祖细胞(CD34+细胞)重编程获得诱导性多能干细胞(iPSCs),再利用与小鼠骨髓基质细胞OP9共培养法将其定向分化成CD34+造血干/祖细胞.借助iPSCs可以在体外无限传代、大量扩增的特点,实现体外保存及大量扩增造血干/祖细胞的目的.结果 脐血CD34+细胞可以在体外重编程为非整合型iPSCs,并能够高效定向分化成为CD34+细胞,其分化效率比胚胎干细胞(ESCs)有显著提高.结论 利用诱导性多能干细胞技术体外大量扩增脐血造血干/祖细胞是一个可行的方案,具有良好的应用前景.     

纳米雄黄对MCF-7乳腺癌干细胞的体外抑制作用

目的 研究纳米雄黄对乳腺癌干细胞的体外抑制作用.方法 以人乳腺癌MCF-7亲本细胞为对象,采用无血清培养法培养获得乳腺癌干细胞.以阿霉素(1 mg/L)为阳性对照,以相同质量浓度的水飞雄黄为参照,采用CCK-8法检测纳米雄黄对MCF-7亲本细胞及干细胞增殖的影响;借助悬浮球形成及分化实验、划痕实验、Transwell侵...     

体外诱导大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞为血管内皮细胞的研究

目的研究骨髓间充质干细胞（mesenchymal stem cells，MSCs）定向分化为血管内皮细胞，为组织工程血管化及细胞移植修复损伤组织提供理想的细胞来源。方法贴壁法分离SD大鼠MSCs进行体外培养和连续传代，采用第四代MSCs，以血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor，VEGF）和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（basic fibroblast growth facotr，bFGF）进行体外诱导，免疫荧光染色方法鉴定内皮细胞，并通过透射电镜观察内皮细胞W-P小体。结果免疫荧光染色证实实验组细胞阳性表达，透射电镜观察到内皮细胞特有的WP小体。结论MSCs可以在体外定向分化为具有血管内皮细胞特性的细胞。     

In vitro cytotoxicity of the organophosphorus pesticide parathion to FG-9307 cells

FG-9307, a cell line derived from a gill of the flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of the organophosphorus (OP) pesticide parathion. Cytotoxicity was measured by three endpoint systems: neutral red (NR) uptake assay, tetrazolium (MTT) assay and cell protein assay. The lowest concentration of parathion tested (1 μg/ml) was toxic and there was no significant difference in cytotoxic effects among the three assays. The FG-9307 cell line is a suitable bioindicator for the screening of the acute toxicities of parathion. The fine structures of the cells were also studied. Ultrastructures were markedly altered by parathion, as evidenced by dilation of nuclear membranes and mitochondrial cristae and by the presence of lysosomes with engulfed particles. With the increase of the parathion concentration, the damage degree of the cellular structures was more serious. At the highest concentration tested (15 μg/ml), there were few visible organelles, although such changes in cell morphology were not observed under a light microscope. Apparently, this is the unnoted report of marine fish cell line used for the evaluation of the acute in vitro cytotoxicity of parathion.     

紫杉醇聚氰基丙烯酸正丁酯纳米粒对人卵巢癌细胞的毒性

目的:评价制备紫杉醇聚氰基丙烯酸正丁酯纳米粒(PTX-PBCA-NPs)的原料的生物安全性以及PTX-PBCA-NPs的细胞毒性。方法:采用四噻唑蓝法(MTT法)和检测乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性的方法考察空白PBCA-NPs及其聚合的原料、PTX-PBCA-NPs对L-02人正常肝细胞、卵巢癌敏感株(A2780)和卵巢癌耐紫杉醇肿瘤细胞株(A2780/T)的细胞毒性。结果:制备的空白PBCA-NPs只有在大于608 ng·mL-1时,对于L-02细胞具有明显的毒性(P<0.05);在质量浓度304～608 ng·mL-1,空白PBCA-NPs对A2780和A2780/T细胞有明显毒性(P<0.05)。与同一浓度PTX溶液比较,PTX-PBCA-NPs对A2780和A2780/T细胞的毒性作用明显(P<0.05)。结论:空白PBCA-NPs有一定的生物安全性,PTX-PBCA-NPs在对卵巢癌肿瘤细胞有一定的杀伤能力。     

Silver nanoparticles inhibit neural induction in human induced pluripotent stem cells

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used as consumer products due to their antibacterial activities. Despite their extensive use, AgNPs have been reported to cause various types of cytotoxicity, including neurotoxicity. However, the potential action of AgNPs on early fetal development has not been elucidated. This study determined the effects of AgNPs on neural induction in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), used as a model for human fetal stage development. It was observed that exposure to AgNPs reduced the expression of several neural differentiation marker genes, including OTX2, an early biomarker for neurogenesis in iPSCs. Since neural differentiation requires ATP as a source of energy, the intracellular ATP content was also measured. It was observed that AgNPs decreased intracellular ATP levels in iPSCs. Since AgNPs suppressed energy production, a critical mitochondrial function, the effects of AgNPs on mitochondrial dynamics were further studied. The results revealed that AgNPs induced mitochondrial fragmentation and reduced the level of mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 1 (Mfn1). Previously, we reported that knockdown of Mfn1 in iPSCs inhibited neural induction via OTX2 downregulation. This suggested that AgNPs could induce cytotoxicity, including neurodevelopmental toxicity, via Mfn1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in iPSCs. Thus, mitochondrial function in iPSCs can be used for assessing the cytotoxic effects associated with nanomaterials, including AgNPs.     

Combined delivery of salinomycin and docetaxel by dual-targeting gelatinase nanoparticles effectively inhibits cervical cancer cells and cancer stem cells

Intra-tumor heterogeneity is widely accepted as one of the key factors, which hinders cancer patients from achieving full recovery. Especially, cancer stem cells (CSCs) may exhibit self-renewal capacity, which makes it harder for complete elimination of tumor. Therefore, simultaneously inhibiting CSCs and non-CSCs in tumors becomes a promising strategy to obtain sustainable anticancer efficacy. Salinomycin (Sal) was reported to be critical to inhibit CSCs. However, the poor bioavailability and catastrophic side effects brought about limitations to clinical practice. To solve this problem, we previously constructed gelatinase-stimuli nanoparticles composed of nontoxic, biocompatible polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) copolymer with a gelatinase-cleavable peptide Pro-Val-Gly-Leu-Iso-Gly (PVGLIG) inserted between the two blocks of the copolymer. By applying our “smart” gelatinase-responsive nanoparticles for Sal delivery, we have demonstrated specific accumulation in tumor, anti-CSCs ability and reduced toxicity of Sal-NPs in our previous study. In the present study, we synthesized Sal-Docetaxel-loaded gelatinase-stimuli nanoparticles (Sal-Doc NP) and confirmed single emulsion as the optimal method of producing Sal-Doc NPs (Sal-Doc SE-NP) in comparison with nanoprecipitation. Sal-Doc SE-NPs inhibited both CSCs and non-CSCs in mice transplanted with cervical cancer, and might be associated with enhanced restriction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Besides, the tumorigenic capacity and growing speed were obviously suppressed in Sal-Doc-SE-NPs-treated group in rechallenge experiment. Our results suggest that Sal-Doc-loaded gelatinase-stimuli nanoparticles could be a promising strategy to enhance antitumor efficacy and reduce side effects by simultaneously suppressing CSCs and non-CSCs.     

Exposure to silver nanoparticles induces size- and dose-dependent oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in human colon carcinoma cells

The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have made these particles one of the most frequently utilized nanomaterials in consumer products; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of their toxicity is necessary. In particular, information about the cellular uptake and size dependence of AgNPs is insufficient.In this study, we evaluated the size-dependent effects of AgNPs by treating the human LoVo cell line, an intestinal epithelium model, with spherical AgNPs of well-defined sizes (10, 20, 40, 60 and 100 nm). The cellular uptake was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and various cytotoxicity parameters were analyzed in a size- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, the cellular proteomic response to 20 and 100 nm AgNPs was investigated to increase the understanding of potential mechanisms of action. Our data indicated that cellular uptake and toxicity were regulated by size; smaller particles easily penetrated the cells, and 100 nm particles did not. It was hypothesized that this size-dependent effect resulted from the stimulation of a signaling cascade that generated ROS and inflammatory markers, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently inducing apoptosis. By contrast, the cell proliferation, was independent of AgNPs particle size, indicating a differentially regulated, ROS-independent pathway.     

The interaction of manganese nanoparticles with PC-12 cells induces dopamine depletion.

This investigation was designed to determine whether nano-sized manganese oxide (Mn-40 nm) particles would induce dopamine (DA) depletion in a cultured neuronal phenotype, PC-12 cells, similar to free ionic manganese (Mn(2+)). Cells were exposed to Mn-40 nm, Mn(2+) (acetate), or known cytotoxic silver nanoparticles (Ag-15 nm) for 24 h. Phase-contrast microscopy studies show that Mn-40 nm or Mn(2+) exposure did not greatly change morphology of PC-12 cells. However, Ag-15 nm and AgNO(3) produce cell shrinkage and irregular membrane borders compared to control cells. Further microscopic studies at higher resolution demonstrated that Mn-40 nm nanoparticles and agglomerates were effectively internalized by PC-12 cells. Mitochondrial reduction activity, a sensitive measure of particle and metal cytotoxicity, showed only moderate toxicity for Mn-40 nm compared to similar Ag-15 nm and Mn(2+) doses. Mn-40 nm and Mn(2+) dose dependently depleted DA and its metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), while Ag-15 nm only significantly reduced DA and DOPAC at concentrations of 50 mug/ml. Therefore, the DA depletion of Mn-40 nm was most similar to Mn(2+), which is known to induce concentration-dependent DA depletion. There was a significant increase (> 10-fold) in reactive oxygen species (ROS) with Mn-40 nm exposure, suggesting that increased ROS levels may participate in DA depletion. These results clearly demonstrate that nanoscale manganese can deplete DA, DOPAC, and HVA in a dose-dependent manner. Further study is required to evaluate the specific intracellular distribution of Mn-40 nm nanoparticles, metal dissolution rates in cells and cellular matrices, if DA depletion is induced in vivo, and the propensity of Mn nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain barrier or be selectively uptaken by nasal epithelium.     

Thiolated polyacrylic acid-modified iron oxide nanoparticles for in vitro labeling and MRI of stem cells

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and characterize new surface-modified iron oxide nanoparticles demonstrating the efficiency to be internalized by human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from umbilical cord blood.

Methods: Iron oxide nanoparticles were coated with polyacrylic acid-cysteine (PAA-Cys) by either in situ precipitation or postsynthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. EPCs were labeled with PAA-Cys-modified iron oxide nanoparticles or with uncoated nanoparticles. The relaxivity of uncoated and coated iron oxide nanoparticles as well as EPCs labeled with PAA-Cys-modified iron oxide were determined.

Results: Addition of PAA-Cys increased the particle size from 10.4 to 144 and 197?nm, respectively. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern revealed that the particles consist of Fe₃O₄ with a spinal structure. Postsynthesis coated particles showed a cellular uptake of 85% and 15.26 pg iron/cell. For both types of particles the relaxivity ratio was at least 2-fold higher than that of the gold standard Resovist^®.

Conclusion: The PAA-Cys coated iron oxide nanoparticles are a promising tool for labeling living cells such as stem cells for diagnostic and therapeutic application in cell-based therapies due to their high relaxivities and their easy uptake by cells.     

肿瘤干细胞的研究进展

随着对肿瘤研究的不断深入,以及对干细胞了解的日益加深,越来越多的证据提示肿瘤中某些细胞具有干细胞特性,并提出了肿瘤干细胞的学说,认为肿瘤的生长、转移以及耐药等均于肿瘤干细胞的关系密切.该文综述了肿瘤干细胞的发现、特点,以及在肿瘤的诊断、治疗和预后判断中的作用.     

盐霉素和盐霉素钠对人乳腺癌干细胞和乳腺癌细胞体外细胞毒作用的比较(英文)

盐霉素是一种从白色链丝菌培养物中分离提取的聚醚类离子载体型抗生素,它广泛应用于畜禽类动物鸡球虫病的防治,并且还能作为饲料添加剂以促进畜禽的生长。最近新发现盐霉素具有特异性抑制肿瘤干细胞的作用。目前盐霉素钠的价格只是盐霉素的十分之一,但两者在抑制肿瘤细胞和肿瘤干细胞方面的异同却未见文献报导。本研究以人乳腺癌细胞MCF-7及其干细胞为模型,通过SRB实验对盐霉素及其钠盐的细胞毒性进行了评价和比较。首先,通过流式细胞仪从MCF-7细胞中分选得到了SP细胞;然后用乳腺癌干细胞表面特异性标志物CD44~+/CD24~-对SP细胞进行了鉴定;最后,分别测定了盐霉素和盐霉素钠对分选得到的肿瘤干细胞和肿瘤细胞的体外生长抑制率。结果表明,与乳腺癌细胞相比较,盐霉素和盐霉素钠对肿瘤干细胞均表现出了更强的抑制作用,在同样的给药浓度下,盐霉素和盐霉素钠对肿瘤细胞和肿瘤干细胞的抑制作用未表现出明显的差异。本研究结果提示,在抑制肿瘤干细胞的相关研究中,可以用盐霉素钠替代盐霉素而不会影响抑制效果。     

人表皮干细胞体外分离和培养的研究

目的建立人表皮干细胞体外分离和培养的技术方法。方法用DispaseⅡ酶和胰蛋白酶两步法分离出角朊细胞和成纤维细胞,并以人成纤维细胞条件培养基为基础制备表皮干细胞培养液,用以人表皮干细胞(Ⅳ型胶原快速粘附法富集分离)的体外培养,通过检测β1整合素和角蛋白19的表达水平及其克隆形成率和克隆维持时间对其进行鉴定,角朊细胞作对照。结果表皮干细胞体外培养,可见细胞呈克隆样生长、β1整合素及角蛋白19免疫组织化学染色呈阳性,且其克隆形成率和克隆维持时间分别为(17.04±1.01%)和15～18d,明显高于对照组的(8.72±0.73%)和9～10d(P<0.01)。结论应用Ⅳ型胶原快速粘附法及人成纤维细胞条件培养基,对人表皮干细胞成功进行了体外分离和培养,为表皮干细胞体外的大量扩增奠定了基础。     

金纳米粒子对CHO-K1细胞毒性的谷胱甘肽作用机制

目的探讨金纳米粒子(AuNP)对卵巢细胞CHO-K1的毒性作用及谷胱甘肽(GSH)的对抗作用。方法 AuNP 10～100μmol.L-1作用卵巢细胞CHO-K1 72 h,MTT比色法检测细胞存活。AuNP10μmo.lL-1,丁硫氨酸-亚砜亚胺(BSO)20μmo.lL-1及GSH 1 mmo.l L-1单独或联合作用细胞72 h,MTT比色法检测细胞增殖,倒置相差显微镜观察细胞形态,AnnexinⅤ-FITC和PI染色流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡;AuNP 10μmo.l L-1,BSO 20μmo.l L-1及GSH 1 mmo.l L-1单独或联合作用细胞48 h,共聚焦显微镜检测细胞骨架微丝,JC-1染色流式细胞仪检测线粒体膜电位。结果 AuNP 10～100μmo.lL-1对正常的CHO-K1细胞存活无明显影响。与正常对照组相比,AuNP 10μmol.L-1和BSO 20μmol.L-1联合作用,可明显抑制CHO-K1细胞存活,抑制率为(80±2)%(P<0.01),胞体皱缩、变圆,细胞骨架微丝破坏;凋亡率为(66±6)%(P<0.01);细胞线粒体膜电位显著增加(P<0.01);加入外源性的GSH可逆转AuNP对因细胞GSH水平受抑而产生的细胞毒性。结论 AuNP对CHO-K1细胞损伤可能与GSH水平降低有关。     

Silver nanoparticles: evaluation of DNA damage, toxicity and functional impairment in human mesenchymal stem cells

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are the most frequent commercialized nanomaterial currently. Due to a distinct lack of information on hazardous properties of Ag-NPs in human cells, a study was conducted to evaluate Ag-NP induced DNA damage, cell death and functional impairment in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).Initially, Ag-NPs and their cellular distribution were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ag-NPs were exposed to hMSCs for 1, 3 and 24 h. Cytotoxicity was measured by the trypan blue exclusion test and the fluorescein-diacetate test, DNA damage was evaluated by the comet assay and chromosomal aberration test. Cytokine release of IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF was observed using the ELISA technique. Additionally, hMSC migration capability was tested in a transwell system.TEM revealed a Ag-NP distribution to cytoplasm and nucleus. Cytotoxic effects were seen at concentrations of 10 μg/ml for all test exposure periods. Both, comet assay and chromosomal aberration test showed DNA damage after 1, 3, and 24 h at 0.1 μg/ml. A significant increase of IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF release indicates hMSC activation. Migration ability was not impaired at subtoxic concentrations.In conclusion, we demonstrated cyto- and genotoxic potential of Ag-NPs in hMSCs at significantly higher concentrations as compared to antimicrobial effective levels.     

兔骨髓间充质干细胞的分离、培养、鉴定及Dil荧光标记

摘要 目的　探讨兔骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)体外分离培养、表型鉴定和标记的方法。方法　采用密度梯度离心法及贴壁分离筛选法分离培养MSCs;采用免疫细胞化学方法检测细胞表面标志抗原CD29,CD106的表达,进行表型鉴定;DiI标记第3代MSCs,观察标记效率。结果　体外培养的原代MSCs48h内可见少量贴壁细胞,7-8d达到90%汇合;免疫细胞化学方法检测细胞表面标志抗原CD29,CD106为阳性;DiI进行细胞标记后,荧光显微镜下见所有MSCs均被标记为红色荧光,提示DiI标记法敏感性好,标记效率高。结论　此培养方法能在短时间内获得大量MSCs,操作简单,成功率高,可以作为培养兔MSCs的常规方法,为构建组织工程尿道提供充足的种子细胞,并进一步用于治疗重度尿道下裂、尿道下裂残废和较长的后尿道狭窄等顽症。