TiO2 nanoparticles potentiated the cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis response of cadmium in two different human cells

Ahamed, Maqusood; Akhtar, Mohd Javed; Alaizeri, ZabnAllah M.; Alhadlaq, Hisham A.

TiO2 nanoparticles potentiated the cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis response of cadmium in two different human cells

2020

Ahamed, Maqusood | Akhtar, Mohd Javed | Alaizeri, ZabnAllah M. | Alhadlaq, Hisham A.

Widespread application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO₂) and ubiquitous cadmium (Cd) pollution may increase their chance of co-existence in the natural environment. Toxicological information on co-exposure of nTiO₂ and Cd in mammalian models is largely lacking. Hence, we studied the combined effects of nTiO₂ and Cd in human liver (HepG2) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. We observed that nTiO₂ did not produce toxicity to HepG2 and MCF-7 cells. However, moderate concentration of Cd exposure caused cytotoxicity to both cells. Interestingly, non-cytotoxic concentration of nTiO₂ effectively enhanced the oxidative stress response of Cd indicated by pro-oxidants generation (reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation) and antioxidants depletion (glutathione level and glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes). Moreover, nTiO₂ potentiated the Cd-induced apoptosis in both cells suggested by altered expression of p53, bax, and bcl-2 genes along with low mitochondrial membrane potential. Cellular uptake results demonstrated that nTiO₂ facilitates the internalization of Cd into the cells. Overall, this study demonstrated that non-cytotoxic concentration of nTiO₂ enhanced the toxicological potential of Cd in human cells. Therefore, more attention should be paid on the combine effects of nTiO₂ and Cd on human health.

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