Assessing the impact of TiO2 nanomaterials on intestinal cells: New evidence for epithelial translocation and potential pro-inflammatory effects

• DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2025.154066
• Publication Date: 2025-01-25T15:59:05Z
• Authors: Dora Rolo; Joana F.S. Pereira; Lídia Gonçalves; Ana Bettencourt; Peter Jordan; Maria João Silva; Paulo Matos; Henriqueta Louro
• Keywords: Nanomaterials; Nanotoxicology

Understanding the potential impact of nanomaterials (NMs) on human health requires further investigation into organ-specific nano-bio interplay at cellular and molecular levels. We showed increased chromosomal damage in intestinal cells exposed to some vitro digested Titanium dioxide (TiO2) NMs. The present study aimed explore possible mechanisms linked uptake, epithelial barrier integrity, trafficking, as well activation pro-inflammatory pathways, after exposure three TiO2-NMs (NM-102, NM-103, NM-105). Using confocal microscopy, we show that all NMs, or not, were able enter different types cells. At physiologically relevant concentration 14 µg/mL, did not compromise transepithelial resistance, nor levels markers E-cadherin Zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), polarized enterocyte monolayers. Nonetheless, NMs internalized by and, while NM-102 was retained lysosomes, NM-103 NM-105 transverse through transcytosis. Moreover, 24 h 1.4 μg/mL NM-105, promoted interleukin IL-1β expression activated M1 macrophages, indicating a action gut. Taken together, our findings shed light cell-specific context tract highlight transcytosis gateway for their systemic distribution. emphasizes importance pursuing research contribute weight evidence limit use food.