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Long-term exposure to carbon nanotubes accelerates systemic aging in mice
Chunfeng Huang1, Xuting Liu1, Yang Song1
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)
|March 1, 2026
Summary
Long-term exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) triggers systemic aging in mice. This study reveals CNTs promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging markers, impacting multiple organs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Growing concern links environmental factors to aging.
- Pollutant exposure accelerates human aging markers, but mechanisms are unclear.
- Research on long-term carbon nanotube (CNT) exposure and aging effects is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aging effects of chronic respiratory exposure to CNTs.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CNT-induced aging.
Main Methods:
- Mice underwent intranasal instillation of CNTs (5 mg/kg/day) for 3 months.
- Assessed systemic inflammation, redox balance, and cytokine levels.
- Analyzed aging marker gene expression (p16INK4a, p21Cip1/Waf) and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors in tissues.
- Measured senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, pathology, and fibrosis.
Main Results:
- Chronic CNT exposure induced systemic inflammation with redox imbalance.
- Elevated inflammatory cytokines and leukocytes were observed in mouse blood.
- Key aging marker genes and SASP factors were significantly upregulated in multiple organs.
- Increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, pathological damage, and fibrosis were evident.
Conclusions:
- Long-term respiratory exposure to CNTs induces systemic aging effects in mice.
- CNTs promote chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence.
- This study provides the first evidence of CNT-induced systemic aging via inhalation.
