Lung Toxicity and Molecular Mechanisms of Lead-Based Perovskite Nanoparticles in the Respiratory System
Xuefeng Ding, Rendong He, Tingjun Zhang, Linqiang Mei, Shuang Zhu, Chengyan Wang, You Liao, Dongmei Wang, Hao Wang, Junsong Guo, Li Chen, Zhanjun Gu, Houxiang Hu
Abstract
Lead-based perovskite nanoparticles (Pb-PNPs) have found extensive applications across diverse fields. However, because of poor stability and relatively strong water solubility, the potential toxicity of Pb-PNPs released into the environment during their manufacture, usage, and disposal has attracted significant attention. Inhalation is a primary route through which human exposure to Pb-PNPs occurs. Herein, the toxic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of Pb-PNPs in the respiratory system are investigated. The in vitro cytotoxicity of CsPbBr 3 nanoparticles in BEAS-2B cells is studied using multiple bioassays and electron microscopy. CsPbBr 3 nanoparticles of different concentrations induce excessive oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, CsPbBr 3 nanoparticles specifically recruit the TGF-β1, which subsequently induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition. In addition, the biodistribution and lung toxicity of representative CsPbBr 3 nanoparticles in ICR mice are investigated following intranasal administration. These findings indicate that CsPbBr 3 nanoparticles significantly induce pulmonary inflammation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition and can even lead to pulmonary fibrosis in mouse models. Above findings expose the adverse effects and molecular mechanisms of Pb-PNPs in the lung, which broadens the safety data of Pb-PNPs.