title: Complex responses to Si quantum dots accumulation in carp liver tissue: Beyond oxidative stress.
abstract: The use of quantum dots (QDs) in biomedical applications is limited due to their inherent toxicity caused by the heavy metal core of the particles. Consequently, silicon-based QDs are expected to display diminished toxicity. We investigated the in vivo effects induced by Si/SiO2 QDs intraperitoneally injected in crucian carp liver. The QDs contained a crystalline Si core encased in a SiO2 shell, with a size between 2.75 and 11.25nm and possess intrinsic fluorescence (Ex 325nm/Em ∼690nm). Tissue fluorescence microscopy analysis revealed the presence of QDs in the liver for at least 2weeks after injection. Although protein and lipid oxidative stress markers showed the onset of oxidative stress, the hepatic tissue exhibited significant antioxidant adaptations (increase of antioxidant enzymes, recovery of glutathione levels), sustained by the activation of Hsp30 and Hsp70 chaperoning proteins. The increased activity of cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) support the idea that Si/SiO2 QDs have a potential to induce inflammatory response, a scenario also indicated by the profile of Hsp60 and Hsp90 heat shock proteins. MMPs profile and the recovery of oxidative stress markers suggested a tissue remodelation phase after 3weeks from QDs administration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 105 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050097, Romania.
authors.forename: Andreea Iren
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Serban
authors.affiliation: Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 105 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050097, Romania; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stanca
authors.affiliation: Laser Department, National Institute of Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor, Bucharest-Magurele 077125, Romania.
authors.forename: Cornelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sima
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
authors.forename: Andrea Cristina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Staicu
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
authors.forename: Otilia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Zarnescu
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania. Electronic address: ancadinischiotu@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dinischiotu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D002347:Carps / Q000378:metabolism; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000378:metabolism; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D029941:Fish Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005980:Glutathione Reductase / Q000378:metabolism; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000235:genetics; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000235:genetics; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D045663:Quantum Dots / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000633:toxicity; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D029941:Fish Proteins; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D002374:Catalase; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005980:Glutathione Reductase; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
keywords: Carp liver; Heat shock proteins; Inflammation; Matrix metalloproteinase; Oxidative stress; Quantum dots