Low-dose-rate gamma radiation aggravates titanium dioxide nanoparticle-induced lung injury in mice

• Published in: Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 389 - 398
• Main Authors: Kang, Sohi, Lee, Hae-June, Son, Yeonghoon, Bae, Min Ji, Jo, Wol Soon, Park, Jun Hong, Jeong, Sohee, Moon, Changjong, Shin, In-Sik, Lee, Chang Geun, Kim, Joong Sun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.04.2024; Springer Nature B.V; 대한독성 유전단백체 학회
• Subjects: Air pollution; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cell Biology; Life Sciences; Lungs; MAP kinase; Nanoparticles; Original Article; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Phosphorylation; Radiation; Titanium dioxide; γ Radiation; 생물학; NPs; Mice; Low-dose-rate radiation; TiO; Lung injury
• ISSN: 1738-642X; 2092-8467
• DOI: 10.1007/s13273-023-00353-2

Background Radiation damage and the cellular response has been studied in various direction, however, the synergic effects of radiation damage with environmental pollution on cells or tissues remained poorly understood. In particular, gene and pathway regulation by low-dose radiation exposure remains unclear. Dust and air pollution in Asian countries contains metal oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs), which exacerbate respiratory distress. Objective To explore the synergic injury of radiation damage with air pollution, we examined the effects of low-dose-rate radiation with TiO2NPs on pulmonary response in mice. Results Thirty-six mice (C57bl/6) were divided into six groups: sham, 0.1 Gy, 0.3 Gy, TiO 2 NPs, TiO 2 NPs + 0.1 Gy, and TiO 2 NPs + 0.3 Gy group. Mice were irradiated at a low-dose-rate at a dose of 0.1 Gy (0.182 mGy/h) and 0.3 Gy (0.554 mGy/h) for 24 days and exposed to TiO 2 NPs by intranasal injection at a dose of 0.1 mg daily for 4 days (from day 21 to 24). The combination of low-dose-rate radiation and TiO 2 NPs caused significantly more pulmonary inflammation via MAPK phosphorylation in mice than did each stimulus alone. Conclusion We conclude that while exposure to each of these two distinct stimuli alone does not cause notable lung damage, they may potentially cause lung damage when combined owing to their synergistic effects. Therefore, we should pay attention to the possible combined effects of low-dose radiation and exposure to TiO 2 NPs, considering their potential danger in patients with respiratory problems.