Nanoparticles Transferred from Pregnant Mice to Their Offspring Can Damage the Genital and Cranial Nerve Systems

Abstract

Nanomaterials are being used increasingly for commercial purposes, yet little is known about the potential health hazards such materials may pose to consumers and workers. Here we show that nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), which is used widely as a photo-catalyst and in consumer products, administered subcutaneously to pregnant mice is transferred to the offspring and affects the genital and cranial nerve systems of the male offspring. Nanoparticles identified as TiO 2 by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were found in testis and brain of exposed 6-week-old male mice. In the offspring of TiO 2 -injected mice, various functional and pathologic disorders, such as reduced daily sperm production and numerous caspase-3 (a biomarker of apoptosis) positive cells in the olfactory bulb of the brain, were observed. Our findings suggest the need for great caution to handle the nanomaterials for workers and consumers.

Risk assessment of titanium dioxide nanoparticles via oral exposure, including toxicokinetic considerations

“…They found histopathological effects and serum hormone level changes at 1 mg/kg bw/d. It is remarkable that such effects are seen at such low doses after 5 days exposure only, however the occurrence of endocrine effects is supported by the study of Jia et al (2014) and the effects seen in offspring after subcutaneous dosing by Takeda et al (2009).…”

The potential health risk of titania nanoparticles

“…During early fetal development, blood barriers are incomplete and hazardous substances can easily gain entry and cause injury [70]. In fact, TNPs were shown to be transferred from pregnant mice to their pups [70][71][72][73].…”

“…In fact, TNPs were shown to be transferred from pregnant mice to their pups [70][71][72][73]. When pregnant mice were treated with TNPs via subcutaneous injection, the genital and cranial nerve systems of the male offspring were affected [70].…”

“…This finding can be explained by changes in the expression of genes associated with CNS development and function [72]. Maternal intranasal instillation with respirable TNPs increased allergic susceptibility [73] and caused pathologic and functional disorders and reduced daily sperm production in offspring [70].…”

Perturbation of physiological systems by nanoparticles

“…At later stages (after postnatal day 14), exposure to nanoparticles also altered the expression of genes related to cell apoptosis, inflammation, and neurotransmitter synthesis. 199 The transfer of nanoparticles to pups also affects adversely the offspring's reproductive systems 181 and general quality of life. The immune response of pregnant females is sensitive to air pollution, and this immune response increases the susceptibility of the females' offspring to immune diseases such as asthma.…”