Endothelial cell activation, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by a panel of metal-based nanomaterials

Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed because they are important in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The NMs used were five TiO 2 NMs with different charge, size and crystal structure, coated and uncoated ZnO NMs and Ag which were tested in a wide concentration range.

There were major differences between the types of NMs; exposure to ZnO and Ag resulted in cytotoxicity and increased gene expression levels of HMOX1 and IL8 . The intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) expression were highest in TiO 2 NM-exposed cells. There was increased adhesion of THP-1 monocytic cells onto HUVECs with Ag exposure.