Molecular Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Monogenean Parasites: Lessons from Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

The mechanisms of action of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in monogenean parasites of the genus Cichlidogyrus were investigated through a microarray hybridization approach using genomic information from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The effects of two concentrations of AgNPs were explored, low (6 µg/L Ag) and high (36 µg/L Ag). Microarray analysis revealed that both concentrations of AgNPs activated similar biological processes, although by different mechanisms. Expression profiles included genes involved in detoxification, neurotoxicity, modulation of cell signaling, reproduction, embryonic development, and tegument organization as the main biological processes dysregulated by AgNPs. Two important processes (DNA damage and cell death) were mostly activated in parasites exposed to the lower concentration of AgNPs. To our knowledge, this is the first study providing information on the sub-cellular and molecular effects of exposure to AgNPs in metazoan parasites of fish.

Potent anthelmintic activity of a colloidal nano-silver formulation (Silversol®) against the model worm Caenorhabditis elegans

“…not necessarily causing cuticle damage). Pimentel-Acosta et al [14] also reported that silver nanoparticles at high and low concentrations activated dysregulation of similar biological processes (detoxi cation, neurotoxicity, modulation of cell signalling, embryonic development, reproduction, and tegument organization) by different mechanisms in metazoan parasites of sh. Since cuticle can act as a diffusion barrier for various anthelmintic compounds [15], combination of silver with conventional anthelmintic agents may allow better penetration of worm body.…”

Potent anthelmintic activity of a colloidal nano-silver formulation (Silversol®) against the model worm Caenorhabditis elegans

“…not necessarily causing cuticle damage). Pimentel-Acosta et al [ 16 ] also reported that silver nanoparticles at high and low concentrations activated dysregulation of similar biological processes (detoxification, neurotoxicity, modulation of cell signaling, embryonic development, reproduction, and tegument organization) by different mechanisms in metazoan parasites of fish. Since cuticle can act as a diffusion barrier for various anthelmintic compounds [ 17 ], combination of silver with conventional anthelmintic agents may allow better penetration of worm body.…”

Metallic Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanosystems in the Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Parasitic Diseases

“…This toxicity can be modulated by changing the shape and size of the particles and modifying their surface, thanks to which we can obtain nanoparticles with the desired properties, and controlled toxicity [27,32]. An increasing number of studies confirm this potential [27,[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48]. Currently, a significant number of nanosystems developed for medical use are composed of metallic nanoparticles with drug molecules attached to their surface, along with lipid particles or additional polymers.…”