Toxic effect of silica nanoparticles on bronchial epithelial cells

Abstract

Nanometer silica dioxide (nano-SiO2) is a widely utilized material in everyday applications; however, it exhibits toxic side effects on the human body. This study aims to provide reliable research basis for theoretical guidance in mitigating the toxic effects of nano-SiO2 in future applications by analyzing the mechanism of its effect on bronchial epithelial cells. In this experiment, under nano-SiO2 intervention, the proliferation and migration capacities of bronchial epithelial cells decreased (P < 0.05); apoptosis capacity increased (P < 0.05); the P13K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was inhibited (P < 0.05), and the oxidative stress reaction and inflammatory response was intensified (P < 0.05). Thus, we can tentatively infer that nano-SiO2 causes apoptosis of the bronchial epithelial cells by inhibiting the P13K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and accelerates the activation of oxidative stress, thus leading to toxic effects on bronchial epithelial cells.