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Maternal exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles causes cochlear dysfunction in the offspring
Luisa Campagnolo1, Valentina Lacconi1, Roberta Bernardini2
1Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Frontiers in Toxicology
|January 29, 2024
Summary
Maternal exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) did not harm fetal development but may damage offspring
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in industry, raising concerns about their reproductive and fetal toxicity.
- Understanding the toxicological impact of ZnO NPs during pregnancy is crucial due to their increasing application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maternal exposure to ZnO NPs on the cochlear function of offspring.
- To assess potential reproductive and fetotoxic effects of ZnO NPs in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of pregnant CD1 mice to ZnO NPs.
- Quantitative assessment of cochlear function in dams and offspring using Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs).
- Comparison between exposed and non-exposed groups.
Main Results:
- Offspring exposed to ZnO NPs in utero exhibited significantly lower DPOAE levels compared to non-exposed offspring.
- Maternal exposure to ZnO NPs did not result in overt toxicity or impaired birth outcomes.
- Dams' DPOAE levels were low and not significantly different, possibly due to rapid aging.
Conclusions:
- Maternal ZnO NP exposure may specifically damage the inner ear's nervous tissue in offspring.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ZnO NP ototoxicity.
