First in vivo evidence for compromised brain energy metabolism upon intranasal exposure to ZnO nanoparticles

Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang, Heidi Qunhui Xie, Bin Zhao, Iseult Lynch

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

Abstract

Previous studies indicate that exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) may potentially cause brain damage in mammals; however, the mechanism remains unclear. In particular, their effect on brain energy metabolism, which is essential for maintaining brain function, is unknown. This study demonstrates that intranasal exposure to ZnO NPs causes a decrease in the relative brain weight of rats and induces structural and pathological changes in the brain. Multiomics data consistently demonstrate the alteration of energy metabolism in the brain, including upregulated glycolysis, a downregulated tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as downregulated fatty acid β-oxidation, an alternative pathway for an energy supply. As a result, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the brain are depressed. ZnSO4 exposure results in similar Zn accumulation, identical Zn chemical species, and similar patterns of effects on the brain compared to ZnO NPs, suggesting that the effects observed in the ZnO NP group are mainly caused by the released Zn2+. This study provides the first in vivo evidence for compromised brain energy metabolism induced by ZnO NPs. Further studies are thus imperative to explore the longer-term consequences of the compromised brain energy metabolism and the origin of the toxic effects and to expand to other NPs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315–322
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology Letters
Volume7
Issue number5
Early online date30 Mar 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 May 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'First in vivo evidence for compromised brain energy metabolism upon intranasal exposure to ZnO nanoparticles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this