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Assessment of Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Gold Nanoparticle Toxicity and Inflammation In Vivo Using NF-κB Reporter
Tzu-Yin Chen1, Mei-Ru Chen1, Shan-Wen Liu1,2
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Long-term exposure to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in mice caused temporary liver inflammation and mild fibrosis. While initial liver inflammation subsided by 90 days, further research is needed to assess full long-term impacts.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enhance circulation but their long-term toxicity is not fully understood.
- Previous studies indicated acute injuries to liver, kidney, and spleen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects (up to 90 days) of PEG-coated AuNPs on liver health in NF-κB transgenic reporter mice.
- To compare the impact of varying doses, particle sizes, and PEG surface modifications.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of PEG-coated AuNPs (1 and 4 μg/g) with different sizes (13 nm, 30 nm) and PEG types (methoxyl-, carboxymethyl-PEG 5 kDa) into reporter mice.
- Monitoring NF-κB reporter gene induction, liver enzyme activity, and histopathology over 90 days.
Main Results:
- Significant NF-κB reporter induction (up to 7-fold) observed in the liver within 7 days, returning to baseline by 90 days.
- PEG-AuNP agglomerates found in liver Kupffer cells; no gross pathology or elevated liver enzymes at 90 days.
- Increased liver collagen and serum cholesterol noted, suggesting mild fibrosis and affected hepatic function.
Conclusions:
- PEG-coated AuNPs induce transient liver inflammation and potentially mild fibrosis, impacting hepatic function.
- Nanoparticles are retained in the liver, necessitating further investigation into long-term health consequences.
