The Role of Iron Impurities in the Toxic Effects Exerted by Short Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) in Murine Alveolar Macrophages

E. Aldieri Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, ItalyCorrespondence[email protected]

I. Fenoglio Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

F. Cesano Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

E. Gazzano Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

G. Gulino Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

D. Scarano Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

A. Attanasio Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

G. Mazzucco Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

D. Ghigo Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

B. Fubini Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre “G. Scansetti” for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

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Abstract

Lung toxicity mediated by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been widely demonstrated and recently associated with induction of carcinogenic asbestos-like effects, but the chemical features that drive this toxic effect have still not been well elucidated. The presence of metals as trace contaminants during MWCNT preparation, in particular iron (Fe) impurities, plays an important role in determining a different cellular response to MWCNT. Our goal was to clarify the mechanisms underlying MWCNT-induced toxicity with correlation to the presence of Fe impurities by exposing murine alveolar macrophages to two different MWCNT samples, which differed only in the presence or absence of Fe. Data showed that only Fe-rich MWCNT were significantly cytotoxic and genotoxic and induced a potent cellular oxidative stress, while Fe-free MWCNT did not exert any of these adverse effects. These results confirm that Fe content represents an important key constituent in promoting MWCNT-induced toxicity, and this needs to be taken into consideration when planning new, safer preparation routes.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Regione Piemonte (CIPE 2006 project “NANOSAFE”), by the Compagnia San Paolo.

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The Role of Iron Impurities in the Toxic Effects Exerted by Short Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) in Murine Alveolar Macrophages

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The Role of Iron Impurities in the Toxic Effects Exerted by Short Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) in Murine Alveolar Macrophages

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