Antagonistic Effect of Co-Exposure to Short-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Benzo[A]Pyrene in Human Lung Cells (A549) Publisher Pubmed



Azari MR¹ ; Mohammadian Y² ; Peirovi H³ ; Omidi M⁴ ; Khodagholi F⁵ ; Pourahmad J⁶ ; Mehrabi Y¹ ; Rafieepour A¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health Published:2019

Abstract

In theenvironment, co-exposure to short-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (S-MWCNTs) and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) has been reported. In the co-exposure condition, the adsorption of PAHs onto MWCNTs may reduce PAHs toxic effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of S-MWCNTs and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) individually, and in combination in human lung cell lines (A549). The adsorption of B[a]P onto MWCNTs was measured spectrometrically. In vitro toxicity was assessed through cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) generation experiments. The S-MWCNTs demonstrated cytotoxicity through the generation of ROS, apoptosis, and 8-OHdG in A549 cells. Co-exposure to S-MWCNTs and B[a]P demonstrated a significant reduction in ROS generation and apoptosis compared with the sum of their separate toxic effects at the same concentrations. Decreasing the bioavailability of B[a]P by MWCNT interaction is the probable reason for the antagonistic effects of the co-exposure condition. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the health effects of co-exposures to air pollutants and could be a starting point for modifying future health risk assessments. © The Author(s) 2019.