Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on human coronary artery endothelial cells

Kai Jen Chuang, Kang Yun Lee, Chih Hong Pan, Ching Huang Lai, Lian Yu Lin, Shu Chuan Ho, Kin Fai Ho, Hsiao Chi Chuang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inhalation of zinc oxide (ZnO) metal fumes is known to cause metal fume fever and to have systemic effects; however, the effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the cardiovascular system remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular toxicity of ZnONPs. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were exposed to ZnONPs of different sizes to investigate the cell viability, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide (NO), and regulation of cardiovascular disease-related genes. Exposure of HCAECs to ZnONPs resulted in decreased cell viability and increased levels of 8-OHdG, IL-6, and NO. Downregulation of cardiovascular-associated genes was observed in response to ZnONPs in HCAECs determined by qPCR, suggesting that the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and renin-angiotensin system are important affected pathways in response to ZnONPs. Furthermore, we observed a significant response of AGTR1 to ZnONP exposure in HCAECs. Our results suggest that ZnONPs cause toxicity to HCAECs, which could be associated with cardiovascular dysfunction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)138-144
Number of pages7
JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology
Volume93
DOIs
StatePublished - 01 07 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier Ltd.

Keywords

  • AGTR1
  • Inflammation
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nitric oxide
  • Oxidative stress

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on human coronary artery endothelial cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this