Oxidative stress status, caspase-3, stromal enzymes and mitochondrial respiration and swelling of Paramecium caudatum in responding to the toxicity of FeO nanoparticles.

The number of industrial and consumer products which contain engineered nanomaterials (ENMs, materials with at least one dimension 1-100 nm) are increasing exponentially and there is a concern regarding their occupational and environmental safety. FeO nanoparticles are the most widely used metal oxide nanoparticles especially, in biomedical applications. Although, nanoparticles can enter to the different organs, little is known so far on the toxicity potential and oxidative stress of FeO. Here the understanding of the effect of FeO nanoparticles on the general Redox state of a unicellular protozoa Paramecium and the effect on mitochondrial swelling and respiration were assessed. FeO resulted in increase of toxicity markers, lipid peroxidation, protein and ROS formation. Mitochondrial enzymes and swelling were elevated with decreased respiration level. Caspase 3 activity was also increased. Finally, our study suggested that the mitochondrial disease and dysfunction with elevated oxidative stress in Paramecia treated with 200 and 300 ppm during 15 days is the original of toxicity and maybe the original cause of many environmental pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]