Zinc oxide nanoparticles damage the prefrontal lobe in mouse: Behavioral impacts and key mechanisms

• Published in: Toxicology letters Vol. 397; pp. 129 - 140
• Main Authors: Zhang, Dan, Wang, Zhiyuan, Deng, Hongmei, Yi, Simeng, Li, Tao, Kang, Xinjiang, Li, Jun, Li, Chang, Wang, Tingting, Xiang, Bo, Li, Guang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Bioinformatics; Immune; Neurotoxicity; Prefrontal lobe; Synaptic transmission; ZnO NPs; ZnO NPs; Neurotoxicity; Synaptic transmission; Bioinformatics; Immune; Prefrontal lobe
• ISSN: 0378-4274; 1879-3169; 1879-3169
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.05.009

Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have dualistic properties due to their advantage and toxicity. However, the impact and mechanisms of ZnO NPs on the prefrontal lobe have limited research. This study investigates the behavioral changes following exposure to ZnO NPs (34 mg/kg, 30 days), integrating multiple behaviors and bioinformatics analysis to identify critical factors and regulatory mechanisms. The essential differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including ORC1, DSP, AADAT, SLITRK6, and STEAP1. Analysis of the DEGs based on fold change reveals that ZnO NPs primarily regulate cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis in neural cells, damaging the prefrontal lobe. Moreover, disruption of cell communication, mineral absorption, and immune pathways occurs. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) further shows enrichment of behavior, neuromuscular process, signal transduction in function, synapses-related, cAMP signaling, and immune pathways. Furthermore, alternative splicing (AS) genes highlight synaptic structure/function, synaptic signal transduction, immune responses, cell proliferation, and communication. [Display omitted] •ZnO NPs alter mice's PFC function, behavior, emotion, and learning memory.•Identified DEGs regulate neural survival, proliferation, and communication.•ZnO NPs adversely affect neuronal apoptosis, synaptic transmission, immune response, and ion homeostasis.•Alternative splicing of key genes/molecules should be considered for brain research.