Cerium oxide nanoparticle aggregates affect stress response and function in Caenorhabditis elegans

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Nanomaterial safety assessment
• Model organism research

Background:

• Nanomaterial production and disposal raise environmental and human health concerns.
• Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles exhibit varied biological effects.
• Understanding nanoparticle toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of aggregated CeO2 nanoparticles on stress and survivability in Caenorhabditis elegans.
• To determine the dose-dependent impact of CeO2 nanoparticles.
• To assess potential environmental health risks associated with CeO2 exposure.

Main Methods:

• Exposing Caenorhabditis elegans to varying concentrations of CeO2 nanoparticles (0.17–17.21 µg/mL).
• Measuring indices of whole animal stress, including reactive oxygen species and heat shock response.
• Assessing survivability, fertility, thermotolerance, and worm length.

Main Results:

• Chronic exposure to CeO2 nanoparticle aggregates increased reactive oxygen species and heat shock stress response (HSP-4).
• CeO2 aggregates led to strain-dependent decreases in fertility and reduced thermotolerance.
• Worm length was shortened, but mortality was not observed.

Conclusions:

• CeO2 nanoparticle aggregates induce sublethal toxic effects in Caenorhabditis elegans.
• Findings contribute to understanding the environmental impact of CeO2 nanoparticles.
• Sublethal effects on stress, fertility, and development warrant further investigation.