Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by different metallic nanoparticles on human kidney cells.

Background: Some manufactured nanoparticles are metal-based and have a wide variety of applications in electronic, engineering and medicine. Until now, many studies have described the potential toxicity of NPs on pulmonary target, while little attention has been paid to kidney which is considered to be a secondary target organ. The objective of this study, on human renal culture cells, was to assess the toxicity profile of metallic nanoparticles (TiO2, ZnO and CdS) usable in industrial production.

Identification of metallothionein subisoforms in HPLC using accurate mass and online sequencing by electrospray hybrid linear ion trap-orbital ion trap mass spectrometry.

A comprehensive approach to the characterization of metallothionein (MT) isoforms based on microbore HPLC with multimodal detection was developed. MTs were separated as Cd(7) complexes, detected by ICP MS and tentatively identified by molecular mass measured with 1-2 ppm accuracy using Orbital ion trap mass spectrometry. The identification was validated by accurate mass of the corresponding apo-MTs after postcolumn acidification and by their sequences acquired online by higher-energy collision dissociation MS/MS.

In vitro effects of nanoparticles on renal cells.

Background: The ability of nanoparticles to cross the lung-blood barrier suggests that they may translocate to blood and to targets distant from their portal of entry. Nevertheless, nanotoxicity in organs has received little attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nanotoxicity in renal cells using in vitro models.

Physicochemical characteristics and bronchial epithelial cell cytotoxicity of Folpan 80 WG(R) and Myco 500(R), two commercial forms of folpet.

Background: Pesticides, in particular folpet, have been found in rural and urban air in France in the past few years. Folpet is a contact fungicide and has been widely used for the past 50 years in vineyards in France. Slightly water-soluble and mostly present as particles in the environment, it has been measured at average concentration of 40.

ICP/OES application for assessing cadmium uptake (or toxicity) in glomerular cells: influence of extracellular calcium.

The risks of metals for health are highlighted by their chemical stability and their persistence in the environment. Chronic exposure to low cadmium (Cd) concentrations results in renal dysfunction mainly. Cd has been regarded primarily as a renal tubular toxicant, but glomerular structures may also be affected.

Influence of amoebae and physical and chemical characteristics of water on presence and proliferation of Legionella species in hospital water systems.

The reservoir for hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease has been shown to be the potable water distribution system. The objectives of the present study were as follows: (1) to examine the possible relationship between physical-chemical characteristics of water such as temperature, pH, hardness, conductivity, and residual chlorine and the presence of amoebae as growth-promoting factors for Legionella species and (2) to determine eradication measures for water distribution systems to seek ways of reducing the risk of legionellosis. Ten hospitals in southwest France took part in this study.

Cadmium induces direct morphological changes in mesangial cell culture.

The cadmium produced by industrial and agricultural practice represents a major environmental pollutant which may induce severe damage, especially in the kidney where cadmium accumulates. While cadmium is known to severely impair renal tubular functions, glomerular structures are also potential targets. The present study investigated the effects of cadmium on glomerular mesangial cell cultures after short- and long-term exposures, requiring for each endpoint specific culture conditions.