Quantum dots enhance Cu2+-induced hepatic L02 cells toxicity
Yuxia Zhao , Kuangfei Lin , Wei Zhang , Lili Liu
DOI:
Received January 07, 2010,Revised April 16, 2010, Accepted , Available online
Volume 22,2010,Pages 1987-1992
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As a new class of xenogenous nanoparticle, quantum dots (QDs) possess the potential to co-exist with Cu2+ in human liver. The
combined toxicity is thus concerned. Considering QDs and Cu2+ are known ROS (reactive oxygen species) inducer, we investigated
the combined oxidative stress and corresponding protective strategy using human hepatic L02 cells. The results demonstrated that the
presence of a small amount of MPA-CdTe QDs (2 g/mL) in a Cu2+ solution (2.5–20 g/mL) resulted in a higher toxicity with up to
8-fold cell viability decrease, which was accompanied by cell morphology changes. The combined toxicity was then confirmed as ROS
associated oxidative stress with up to 300% and 35% increase of the intracellular ROS level and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity,
respectively. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can also provide almost complete protection against the induced toxicity. Therefore, the ROS
associated oxidant injury might be responsible for the QDs-Cu2+/Cu2+ induced toxicity and could be balanced through cytoprotective
antioxidant enzyme GST.
