Effects of nano-scaled particles on endothelial cell function in vitro: Studies on viability, proliferation and inflammation

Kirsten Peters, Ronald E. Unger, C. James Kirkpatrick, Antonietta M. Gatti, Emanuela Monari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

298 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent studies give support for a connection between the presence of inorganic particles (of μm and nm size) in different organs and tissues and the development of inflammatory foci, called granulomas. As the potential source of particles (e.g. porcelain dental bridges) and the location of particle detection were topographically far apart, a distribution via the blood stream appears highly probable. Thus, endothelial cells, which line the inner surface of blood vessels, would come into direct contact with these particles, making particle-endothelial interactions potentially pathogenically relevant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects that five different nano-scaled particles (PVC, TiO2, SiO2, Co, Ni) have on endothelial cell function and viability. Therefore, human endothelial cells were exposed to different amounts of the above-mentioned particles. Although most particle types are shown to be internalised (except Ni-particles), only Co-particles possessed cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, an impairment of the proliferative activity and a pro-inflammatory stimulation of endothelial cells were induced by exposure to Co- and, to a lesser extent, by SiO 2-particles. If a pro-inflammatory stimulation of endothelial cells occurs in vivo, a chronic inflammation could be a possible consequence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-325
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2004
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the European Commission (QOL-2002-147) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemein-schaft (Priority Programme Biosystem 322 1100).

Funding

This work was supported by the European Commission (QOL-2002-147) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemein-schaft (Priority Programme Biosystem 322 1100).

FundersFunder number
European CommissionQOL-2002-147
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft322 1100

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