Oral intake of silica nanoparticles exacerbates intestinal inflammation

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021 Jan 1:534:540-546. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.11.047. Epub 2020 Nov 22.

Abstract

Nanoparticles, i.e., particles with a diameter of ≤100 nm regardless of their composing material, are added to various foods as moisturizers, coloring agents, and preservatives. Silicon dioxide (SiO2, silica) nanoparticles in particular are widely used as food additives. However, the influence of SiO2 nanoparticle oral consumption on intestinal homeostasis remains unclear. The daily intake of 10-nm-sized SiO2 nanoparticles exacerbates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, whereas the daily intake of 30-nm-sized SiO2 nanoparticles has no influence on intestinal inflammation. The exacerbation of colitis induced by consuming 10-nm-sized SiO2 nanoparticles was abolished in mice deficient in apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC). Our study indicates that the oral intake of small SiO2 nanoparticles poses a risk for worsening intestinal inflammation through activation of the ASC inflammasome.

Keywords: Inflammasome; Inflammatory bowel disease; Silica nanoparticle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Colitis / chemically induced
  • Colitis / pathology*
  • Dextran Sulfate
  • Food Additives / administration & dosage
  • Food Additives / adverse effects*
  • Inflammasomes / analysis
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • Intestines / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Nanoparticles / adverse effects*
  • Particle Size
  • Silicon Dioxide / administration & dosage
  • Silicon Dioxide / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Food Additives
  • Inflammasomes
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Dextran Sulfate