CdSe/ZnS quantum dots exhibited nephrotoxicity through mediating oxidative damage and inflammatory response

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Toxicology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Quantum dots (QDs) offer unique optical and electronic properties for various applications.
• Understanding the potential toxicity of nanomaterials like CdSe/ZnS QDs is crucial for safe implementation.
• Nephrotoxicity of QDs requires thorough investigation to establish safety profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the nephrotoxicity of Cadmium Selenide/Zinc Sulfide Quantum Dots (CdSe/ZnS QDs) both in vitro and in vivo.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CdSe/ZnS QDs-induced kidney toxicity.
• To assess the protective effects of antioxidants against QD-induced renal damage.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of CdSe/ZnS QDs using electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT, TUNEL) on rat kidney (NRK) cells exposed to QDs with/without N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
• In vivo assessment of kidney function, weight, and NRF2/Keap1 pathway activation in mice exposed to QDs.

Main Results:

• CdSe/ZnS QDs significantly reduced NRK cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.
• QD exposure increased oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS) and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px).
• In vivo studies showed increased kidney weight, impaired kidney function, inflammation, and NRF2/Keap1 pathway inhibition in mice treated with QDs.

Conclusions:

• CdSe/ZnS QDs demonstrate significant nephrotoxicity through oxidative damage and inflammatory responses.
• The NRF2/Keap1 pathway is implicated in the toxicity mechanisms of CdSe/ZnS QDs.
• Co-administration with NAC effectively ameliorated QD-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in vitro.