High inflammatory cytokines gene expression can be detected in workers with prolonged exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles in industries

Abstract

Occupational health must be strictly considered in industries particularly in nanoparticle factories where workers were exposed to different types of chemicals. We measured the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in workers who developed skin lesions after exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Using a questionnaire in this cross-sectional study, we identified 110 workers in nanoparticle industries who were exposed to silver and silica nanoparticles. We also included 40 healthy subjects as controls from the administrative department of the same factories who were not exposed to nanoparticles. Peripheral blood samples used to measure the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines by qRT-PCR. In comparison with the control group, the workers who developed skin lesions had significantly higher levels of interleukin IL4, IL6, IL8, and TNF-α, particularly after two or three decades of exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Participants who were exposed to silver had higher levels of IL6 and IL8 compared with those who were exposed to silica. Necessary measures must be considered to protect workers in nanoparticle industries against the potential toxic effects of these compounds. Our network pharmacology study suggests corresponding biochemical pathways for these disorders.

Keywords: Inflammatory cytokine; Nanoparticle; Silica; Silver; Skin lesions.

Figure 1

The genes expression of IL8, TNF-α, IL4 and IL6 in workers who developed skin lesions after prolonged exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Participants were divided based on the length of exposure. The genes expression of IL8, TNF-α, IL4 and IL6 were compared between the healthy control group who did not have exposure to nanoparticles and workers who developed skin lesions after prolonged exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Student’s t-test was used to compare the control group with each one of the nanoparticle groups or the nanoparticle groups with each other. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001. Data are presented as mean ± SD.

Figure 2

The genes expression of IL8, TNF-α, IL4 and IL6 based on decades of exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. The genes expression of IL8, TNF-α, IL4 and IL6 were compared between groups with different decades of exposure. Student’s t-test was used to compare the control group with each one of the nanoparticle groups or the nanoparticle groups with each other. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001. Data are presented as mean ± SD.

Figure 3

The graph of Network Pharmacology Survey and also diseases related interpretation of Network Pharmacology.