Black phosphorus quantum dots induce autophagy and apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress

Lei Wang; Mo Lin; Xin Hou; Liangding Dou; Zhi Huang; Rong Liu; Jinwen Zhang; Chuchu Cai; Chen Chen; Ying Liu; Dai Wang; Dongbei Guo; Ran An; Lifang Wei; Youliang Yao; Yongxing Zhang

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138463

Black phosphorus quantum dots induce autophagy and apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress

Chemosphere. 2023 Jun:327:138463. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138463. Epub 2023 Mar 24.

Authors

Lei Wang¹, Mo Lin¹, Xin Hou¹, Liangding Dou¹, Zhi Huang¹, Rong Liu¹, Jinwen Zhang¹, Chuchu Cai¹, Chen Chen¹, Ying Liu¹, Dai Wang¹, Dongbei Guo¹, Ran An¹, Lifang Wei², Youliang Yao³, Yongxing Zhang⁴

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
² Department of Nephrology, The Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
³ State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China. Electronic address: yaoyouliang@xmu.edu.cn.
⁴ State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China. Electronic address: z63y94x@xmu.edu.cn.

PMID: 36966929
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138463

Abstract

Purpose: The board application of black phosphorus quantum dots (BP-QDs) increases the risk of inhalation exposure in the manufacturing process. The aim of this study is to explore the toxic effect of BP-QDs on human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B) and lung tissue of Balb/c mice.

Methods: The BP-QDs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a Malvern laser particle size analyzer. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and TEM were used to detect cytotoxicity and organelle injury. Damage to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was detected by using the ER-Tracker molecular probe. Rates of apoptosis were detected by AnnexinV/PI staining. Phagocytic acid vesicles were detected using AO staining. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the molecular mechanisms.

Results: After treatment with different concentrations of BP-QDs for 24 h, the cell viability decreased, as well as activation of the ER stress and autophagy. Furthermore, the rate of apoptosis was increased. Inhibition of ER stress caused by 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) was shown to significantly inhibit both apoptosis and autophagy, suggesting that ER stress could be an upstream mediator of both autophagy and apoptosis. BP-QD-induced autophagy can also inhibit the occurrence of apoptosis using molecules related to autophagy including rapamycin (Rapa), 3-methyladenine (3-MA), and bafilomycin A1 (Bafi A1). In general, BP-QDs activate ER stress in Beas-2B cells, which further induces autophagy and apoptosis, and autophagy may be activated as a factor that protects against apoptosis. We also observed strong staining of related proteins of ER stress, autophagy, and apoptosis proteins in mouse lung tissue following intracheal instillation over the course of a week.

Conclusion: BP-QD-induced ER stress facilitates autophagy and apoptosis in Beas-2B cells and autophagy may be activated as a protective factor against apoptosis. Under conditions of ER stress induced by BP-QDs, The interplay between autophagy and apoptosis determines cell fate.

Keywords: Black phosphorus quantum dots; Lung; Nano toxicity; Subcellular damage.

MeSH terms

Animals
Apoptosis
Autophagy
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Epithelial Cells
Humans
Mice
Quantum Dots* / toxicity