Induction of Oxidative DNA Damage and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transitions in Small Airway Epithelial Cells Exposed to Cosmetic Aerosols

Abstract Engineered metal nanoparticles (ENPs) are frequently incorporated into aerosolized consumer products, known as nano-enabled products (NEPs). Concern for consumer pulmonary exposures grows as NEPs produce high concentrations of chemically modified ENPs. A significant knowledge gap still exists surrounding NEP aerosol respiratory effects as previous research focuses on pristine/unmodified ENPs. Our research evaluated metal-containing aerosols emitted from nano-enabled cosmetics and their induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage, which may contribute to epithelial mesenchymal transitions (EMT) within primary human small airway epithelial cells. We utilized an automated NEP generation system to monitor and gravimetrically collect aerosols from two aerosolized cosmetic lines. Aerosol monitoring data were inputted into modeling software to determine potential inhaled dose and in vitro concentrations. Toxicological profiles of aerosols and comparable pristine ENPs (TiO2 and Fe2O3) were used to assess reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress by fluorescent-based assays. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) damage and 8-oxoguanine were detected using the CometChip assay after 24-h exposure. Western blots were conducted after 21-day exposure to evaluate modulation of EMT markers. Results indicated aerosols possessed primarily ultrafine particles largely depositing in tracheobronchial lung regions. Significant increases in oxidative stress, ssDNA damage, and 8-oxoguanine were detected post-exposure to aerosols versus pristine ENPs. Western blots revealed statistically significant decreases in E-cadherin and increases in vimentin, fascin, and CD44 for two aerosols, indicating EMT. This work suggests certain prolonged NEP inhalation exposures cause oxidative DNA damage, which may play a role in cellular changes associated with reduced respiratory function and should be of concern.