Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on differentiation and cytokine secretion of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC)

Introduction:

Nanoparticles (NP) are widely utilized for many applications due to their specific characteristics. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) for example are used in manufacturing paints and in the cosmetic industry. However, some studies have shown cyto-, genotoxic and proinflammatory effects for these NP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ZnO-NP on differentiation and cytokine secretion of human ASCs.

Material and Methods:

Human ASCs were isolated from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of eight healthy donors, expanded and subsequently exposed to ZnO-NP at subtoxic concentrations. After 4 weeks adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was performed. The multidifferentiation potential of the cultured ASCs was confirmed histologically. The expression of specific marker genes was quantified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and caspase 3 on day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 was also examined by using PCR. ASCs that were not incubated with ZnO-NP served as a negative control.

Results:

No significant change was seen in the expression of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and caspase 3 over the course of 4 weeks after ZnO-NP exposure. The differentiation potential of the ASCs was also not affected by the ZnO-NP.

Conclusion:

Previous studies have shown functional impairment of stem cells induced by silver nanoparticles, e.g. In contrast, in this present study no impact on function or immunomodulatory effects of ZnO-NP on human ASCS were observed.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)