Liver-specific microRNAs as biomarkers of nanomaterial-induced liver damage.

Nanotechnology

Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

Published: October 2013

Although nanomaterials are being used in various fields, their safety is not yet sufficiently understood. We have been attempting to establish a nanomaterials safety-assessment system by using biomarkers to predict nanomaterial-induced adverse biological effects. Here, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) because of their tissue-specific expression and high degree of stability in the blood. We previously showed that high intravenous doses of silica nanoparticles of 70 nm diameter (nSP70) induced liver damage in mice. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of serum levels of liver-specific or -enriched miRNAs (miR-122, miR-192, and miR-194) with that of conventional hepatic biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)) as biomarkers for nSP70. After mice had been treated with nSP70, their serum miRNAs levels were measured by using quantitative RT-PCR. Serum levels of miR-122 in nSP70-treated mice were the highest among the three miRNAs. The sensitivity of miR-122 for liver damage was at least as good as those of ALT and AST. Like ALT and AST, miR-122 may be a useful biomarker of nSP70. We believe that these findings will help in the establishment of a nanomaterials safety-assessment system.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/24/40/405102DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

liver damage
12
nanomaterials safety-assessment
8
safety-assessment system
8
serum levels
8
alt ast
8
liver-specific micrornas
4
biomarkers
4
micrornas biomarkers
4
biomarkers nanomaterial-induced
4
nanomaterial-induced liver
4

Similar Publications

The prevalence of childhood obesity is rising globally, with some obese children progressing to develop metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the specific differences between these groups remain unclear. To investigate the differences in gut microbiota, we conducted physiological and biochemical assessments, alongside 16S rRNA sequencing, in a cohort of 32 children from Southeastern China, which included 4 normal-weight children, 5 with mild obesity, 9 with moderate obesity, 9 with severe obesity, and 5 with metabolic syndrome.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy as a game-changer in liver diseases: review of current clinical trials.

Stem Cell Res Ther

January 2025

School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, 10F., Teaching & Research Building, Shuang-Ho Campus, No. 301, Yuantong Rd., Zhonghe Dist., Taipei, 235, Taiwan.

Chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver failure, remain formidable challenges due to their complex progression and limited therapeutic options. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a game-changing approach, leveraging its potent immunomodulatory, anti-fibrotic, and regenerative capabilities, along with the ability to transdifferentiate into hepatocytes. This review delves into the latest advances in MSC-based treatments for chronic and end-stage liver diseases, as highlighted in current clinical trials.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Anatomical liver resection has been altered by a deeper understanding of the internal structure of the liver, highlighting the importance of the intersegmental plane, a region lacking Glissonean branches. These insights have enabled a novel surgical technique focused on the precise detachment of the intersegmental plane, supported by indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent imaging and robotic platforms, enhancing the precision and safety of liver resection.

Methods: This study involved four patients who underwent robotic left hepatectomy using the Da Vinci Xi system.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

We developed a single-molecule enzyme activity assay platform for NAD(P)-dependent oxidoreductases, leveraging a new NAD(P)H-responsive fluorogenic probe optimized for microdevice-based fluorometric detection. This platform enabled the detection of enzyme activities in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and hexokinases. We demonstrate its potential for activity-based diagnosis by detecting altered populations of enzyme activity species in blood and CSF from liver damage in brain tumor patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Therapeutic options for managing intestinal and hepatic inflammation associated with alcohol consumption, a prevalent health problem worldwide, remain unavailable. This study examines the potential efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in mitigating the intestinal and hepatic damage, employing a mouse model for assessment.

Methods: First, the mixture of ethanol (4 g/kg body weight) and PEG (2 g/kg body weight) or an equivalent volume of vehicle was administered orally alcohol consumption.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!