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

Abstract

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 24h. 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 24h 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.

• Authors: Stephan Hackenberg, Agmal Scherzed, Michael Kessler, Silke Hummel, Antje Technau, Katrin Froelich, Christian Ginzkey, Christian Koehler, Rudolf Hagen, Norbert Kleinsasser
• Journal: Toxicology letters (Toxicol Lett) Vol. 201 Issue 1 Pg. 27-33 (Feb 25 2011) ISSN: 1879-3169 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 21145381 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Reactive Oxygen Species
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Silver

Topics

• Cell Movement (drug effects)
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Cells, Cultured
• Cytokines (biosynthesis)
• DNA Damage
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Humans
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells (drug effects, physiology)
• Metal Nanoparticles (toxicity)
• Reactive Oxygen Species (metabolism)
• Silver (toxicity)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (biosynthesis)