Single-walled carbon nanotube induces oxidative stress and activates nuclear transcription factor-kappaB in human keratinocytes

Nano Lett. 2005 Sep;5(9):1676-84. doi: 10.1021/nl0507966.

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are now becoming an important material for use in day to day life because of their unique physical properties. The toxicological impact of these materials has not yet been studied in detail, thereby limiting their use. In the present study, the toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) was assessed in human keratinocyte cells. The results show increased oxidative stress and inhibition of cell proliferation in response to treatment of keratinocytes with SWCNT particles. In addition, the signaling mechanism in keratinocytes upon exposure to SWCNT particles was investigated. Results from the study suggest that SWCNT particles activate NF-kappaB in a dose-dependent manner in human keratinocytes. Further, the mechanism of activation of NF-kappaB was due to the activation of stress-related kinases by SWCNT particles in keratinocytes. In conclusion, these studies show the mechanism of toxicity induced by SWCNT particles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • DNA / genetics
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • I-kappa B Kinase
  • I-kappa B Proteins / metabolism
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects*
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / toxicity*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • I-kappa B Proteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • NFKBIA protein, human
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
  • DNA
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • CHUK protein, human
  • I-kappa B Kinase
  • IKBKB protein, human
  • IKBKE protein, human