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This article explores the challenges and potential impacts of micro and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) on the innate immune system. MNPs, small plastic particles, are released into the environment and can interact with various species, including humans. The innate immune system, responsible for recognizing and eliminating foreign materials, plays a crucial role in responding to MNPs. The article suggests that studying the effects of MNPs on the innate immune system across different species can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms and potential impacts of MNP exposure. It emphasizes the importance of adopting an evolutionary immunology framework and proposes using in vitro and in vivo models, as well as genome-wide association studies and multiomics analyses, to understand these interactions. This research aligns with the One Health initiative and can contribute to a better understanding of the environmental and human health risks associated with MNP pollution. [Extracted from the article]

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining traction but raises worker health concerns due to micron‐sized powders, including fine inhalable particles. This study explored particle and surface characteristics, electrochemical properties, metal release in artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF), and potential toxicity of virgin and sieved virgin Fe‐based powders, stainless steel (316L), Fe, and two tooling steels. Virgin particles ranged in size from 1 to 100 µm, while sieved particles were within the respirable size range (<5–10 µm). Surface oxide composition differed from bulk composition. The Fe powder showed low corrosion resistance and high metal release due to a lack of protective surface oxide. Sieved particles of 316L, Fe, and one tooling steel released more metals into ALF than virgin particles, with the opposite was observed for the other tooling steel. Sieved particles had no notable impact on cell viability or micronuclei formation in human bronchial epithelial cells. Inflammatory response in human macrophages was generally low, except for the Fe powder and one tooling steel, which induced increased interleukin‐8 (IL‐8/CXCL‐8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL‐2) secretion. This study underscores distinctions between virgin and sieved Fe‐based powders and suggests relatively low acute toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants with scarcely investigated effects on human innate immunity. If they follow a similar course of action as other, more thoroughly investigated particulates, MNPs may penetrate epithelial barriers, potentially triggering a cascade of signaling events leading to cell damage and inflammation. Inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes and stimulus-induced sensors critical for mounting inflammatory responses upon recognition of pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns. Among these, the NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied in terms of activation via particulates. However, studies delineating the ability of MNPs to affect NLRP3 inflammasome activation are still rare. In this review, we address the issue of MNPs source and fate, highlight the main concepts of inflammasome activation via particulates, and explore recent advances in using inflammasome activation for assessment of MNP immunotoxicity. We also discuss the impact of co-exposure and MNP complex chemistry in potential inflammasome activation. Development of robust biological sensors is crucial in order to maximize global efforts to effectively address and mitigate risks that MNPs pose for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) or industrial 3D printing uses cutting-edge technologies and materials to produce a variety of complex products. However, the effects of the unintentionally emitted AM (nano)particles (AMPs) on human cells following inhalation, require further investigations. The physicochemical characterization of the AMPs, extracted from the filter of a Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) 3D printer of iron-based materials, disclosed their complexity, in terms of size, shape, and chemistry. Cell Painting, a high-content screening (HCS) assay, was used to detect the subtle morphological changes elicited by the AMPs at the single cell resolution. The profiling of the cell morphological phenotypes, disclosed prominent concentration-dependent effects on the cytoskeleton, mitochondria, and the membranous structures of the cell. Furthermore, lipidomics confirmed that the AMPs induced the extensive membrane remodeling in the lung epithelial and macrophage co-culture cell model. To further elucidate the biological mechanisms of action, the targeted metabolomics unveiled several inflammation-related metabolites regulating the cell response to the AMP exposure. Overall, the AMP exposure led to the internalization, oxidative stress, cytoskeleton disruption, mitochondrial activation, membrane remodeling, and metabolic reprogramming of the lung epithelial cells and macrophages. We propose the approach of integrating Cell Painting with metabolomics and lipidomics, as an advanced nanosafety methodology, increasing the ability to capture the cellular and molecular phenotypes and the relevant biological mechanisms to the (nano)particle exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total number of hemocytes and their morphological characteristics were analyzed in Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758, by light microscopy during different phases of hibernation. Three types of hemocytes were identified: hyalinocytes, agranulocytes, and granulocytes. Total number of hemocytes decreased significantly during hibernation. Most intensive changes in cell size, morphology, and appearance of special structures in granulocytes happened during the hibernation period itself. Termination of hibernation coincides with very important granulocyte transformation and the appearance of specific gigantic short-lived cells. All of the changes in cell number and morphology are characteristics of different hibernation phases and have a major role in adaptive hypothermia. Granulocytes are hemocytes of great importance in immune response while specific functions of hyalinocytes and agranulocytes remain largely unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral blood and haematopoiesis in bone marrow and liver tissue were investigated in Bufo bufo during the sexual cycle. A combined touch and imprinting tissue method were applied for the haematopoietic cell isolation. The liver is the primary site of erythropoiesis and partial lymphopoiesis. There was a positive correlation between body mass and liver mass, but it was not significant (P > 0.05). The primary role of yellow bone marrow is the maturation of haematopoietic cells, while red bone marrow is responsible for the production of blood cells. The largest surface, and therefore the largest dimensions, was established for erythrocytes. Significant differences in the number of leukocytes and their size were established between males and females (P < 0.05). Small numbers of leukocytes but very large cells were characteristic for females. The highest percentages of leukocytes were for lymphocytes and eosinophils. The reproductive period showed significant impact on the haematopoietic intensity in the bone marrow and liver, resulting in changes in peripheral blood, regarding the ratio of mature blood cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to analyze human leukocyte antigen A (HLA-A), human leukocyte antigen B (HLA-B), human leukocyte antigen C (HLA-C), HLA-DRB1*, HLA-DRB3*, HLA-DRB4*, HLA-DRB5*, HLA-DQB1* loci expression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Patients and methods: Deoxyribonucleic acid was isolated from peripheral blood of 48 RA patients (22 males, 26 females; mean age 36 years; range 2 to 63 years) and 104 healthy control individuals (52 males, 52 females; mean age 43 years; range 2 to 76 years). Deoxyribonucleic acid samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primers and sequence specific oligonucleotides methods. Results: The most frequent allelic groups in RA patients were HLA-DRB1*01 (odds ratio=2.795; 95% confidence interval: 1.441-5.421; p=0.004) and HLA-DRB1*04 (odds ratio=2.573; 95% confidence interval: 1.214-5.453; p=0.023). Among RA patients, the most frequent genotype for the allelic group HLA-DRB1*, in the light of the common epitopes theory, was observed for DRB1*01/DRB1*13. This genotype indicates an increased incidence and relative risk (odds ratio=11.09). Conclusion: The most common genotype in our RA patients was DRB1*01/DRB1*13, which showed increased frequency and a high relative risk. This genotype variant may be considered a predisposing factor for the development of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among currently identified issues presenting risks and benefits to human and ocean health, engineered nanoparticles (ENP) represent a priority. Predictions of their economic and social impact appear extraordinary, but their release in the environment at an uncontrollable rate is in striking contrast with the extremely limited number of studies on environmental impact, especially on the marine environment. The sea urchin has a remarkable sensing environmental system whose function and diversity came into focus during the recent years, after sea urchin genome sequencing. The complex immune system may be the basis wherefore sea urchins can adapt to a dynamic environment and survive even in hazardous conditions both in the adult and in the embryonic life. This review is aimed at discussing the literature in nanotoxicological/ecotoxicological studies with a focus on stress and innate immune signaling in sea urchins. In addition, here we introduce our current development of in vitro-driven probes that could be used to dissect ENP aftermaths, suggesting their future use in immune-nanotoxicology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemopoiesis in the tench (Tinca tinca: Teleostei, Cyprinidae), a cyprinid fish that can be found within the entire territory of Eurasia, from France in the west to the Yenisei River in the east, has not yet been described. The aim of this research was analysis of hemopoiesis lineages in the pronephros of Tinca tinca (sampled from the Jablanicko Reservoir). Identification and cells measurements were done by using a light microscope (Olympus BX41) and an Olympus DP12 camera. Hemopoietic cells of the tench are divided into five different series that include erythropoietic, granulopoietic, lymphopoietic, thrombopoietic, and monopoietic cell series. Erythropoietic series consist of a minimum of three stages: basophilic erythroblasts, acidophilic erythroblasts, and mature erythrocytes. Erythroblasts are nucleated and the most abundant hemopoietic cells in the pronephros of tench. Granulopoietic series consist of granuloblasts, namely two different types: neutrophilic granuloblasts (most frequent) and pseudoeosinophilic or heterophilic granuloblasts (POXpositive). Lymphopoietic series consist of lymphoblasts and also small, medium, and large lymphocytes. Thrombopoietic series consist of prothrombocytes and mature thrombocytes, the smallest hemopoietic cells of the tench. Monopoietic series consist of only one maturation stage called monocyte precursor cells, vacuolated and the largest hemopoietic cell in the pronephros of tench. It can be concluded that the pronephros represents a principal place of hemopoiesis in tench. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the role of the gold nanoparticles functionalized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP–AuNPs) on the innate immune response against an acute infection caused by Vibrio anguillarum in an in vitro immunological nonmammalian next-generation model, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. To profile the immunomodulatory function of PVP–AuNPs (0.1 μg mL−1) in sea urchin immune cells stimulated by Vibrio (10 μg mL−1) for 3 h, we focused on the baseline immunological state of the donor, and we analysed the topography, cellular metabolism, and expression of human cell surface antigens of the exposed cells, as well as the signalling leading the interaction between PVP–AuNPs and the Vibrio-stimulated cells. PVP–AuNPs are not able to silence the inflammatory signalling (TLR4/p38MAPK/NF-κB signalling) that involves the whole population of P. lividus immune cells exposed to Vibrio. However, our findings emphasise the ability of PVP–AuNPs to stimulate a subset of rare cells (defined here as Group 3) that express CD45 and CD14 antigens on their surface, which are known to be involved in immune cell maturation and macrophage activation in humans. Our evidence on how PVP–AuNPs may stimulate sea urchin immune cells represents an important starting point for planning new research work on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many components of the innate immune system are evolutionarily conserved and shared across many living organisms, from plants and invertebrates to humans. Therefore, these shared features can allow the comparative study of potentially dangerous substances, such as engineered nanoparticles (NPs). However, differences of methodology and procedure between diverse species and models make comparison of innate immune responses to NPs between organisms difficult in many cases. To this aim, this review provides an overview of suitable methods and assays that can be used to measure NP immune interactions across species in a multidisciplinary approach. The first part of this review describes the main innate immune defense characteristics of the selected models that can be associated to NPs exposure. In the second part, the different modes of exposure to NPs across models (considering isolated cells or whole organisms) and the main endpoints measured are discussed. In this synergistic perspective, we provide an overview of the current state of important cross-disciplinary immunological models to study NP-immune interactions and identify future research needs. As such, this paper could be used as a methodological reference point for future nano-immunosafety studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sea urchin extracellular proteins drive PVP–AuNPs stability and related aggregation kinetic. • PVP–AuNPs excite sea urchin immune cell phagocytic activity. • PVP–AuNP-exposed immune cells use metabolic rewiring to control inflammation. • The sea urchin Immunological response involves TLR4/ERK signalling pathway. • Sea urchin immune cells show a PVP–AuNP tolerogenic immunological response. We report that the immunogenicity of colloidal gold nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP–AuNPs) in a model organism, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus , can function as a proxy for humans for in vitro immunological studies. To profile the immune recognition and interaction from exposure to PVP–AuNPs (1 and 10 μg mL−1), we applied an extensive nano-scale approach, including particle physicochemical characterisation involving immunology, cellular biology, and metabolomics. The interaction between PVP–AuNPs and soluble proteins of the sea urchin physiological coelomic fluid (blood equivalent) results in the formation of a protein "corona" surrounding the NPs from three major proteins that influence the hydrodynamic size and colloidal stability of the particle. At the lower concentration of PVP–AuNPs, the P. lividus phagocytes show a broad metabolic plasticity based on the biosynthesis of metabolites mediating inflammation and phagocytosis. At the higher concentration of PVP–AuNPs, phagocytes activate an immunological response involving Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathway at 24 hours of exposure. These results emphasise that exposure to PVP–AuNPs drives inflammatory signalling by the phagocytes and the resolution at both the low and high concentrations of the PVP–AuNPs and provides more details regarding the immunogenicity of these NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunscreens are emulsions of water and oil that contain filters capable of protecting against the detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV). The widespread use of cosmetic products based on nanoparticulate UV filters has increased concerns regarding their safety and compatibility with both the environment and human health. In the present work, we evaluated the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP)-based UV filters with three different surface coatings on the development and immunity of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus. A wide range of NP concentrations was analyzed, corresponding to different levels of dilution starting from the original cosmetic dispersion. Variations in surface coating, concentration, particle shape, and pre-dispersant medium (i.e., water or oil) influenced the embryonic development without producing a relevant developmental impairment. The most common embryonic abnormalities were related to the skeletal growth and the presence of a few cells, which were presumably involved in the particle uptake. Adult P. lividus immune cells exposed to silica-coated TiO2 NP-based filters showed a broad metabolic plasticity based on the biosynthesis of metabolites that mediate inflammation, phagocytosis, and antioxidant response. The results presented here highlight the biosafety of the TiO2 NP-based UV filters toward sea urchin, and the importance of developing safer-by-design sunscreens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is an environmental pollutant with vast mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Various past and recent studies confirm the deleterious effects of Cr(VI) in different models, from invertebrates to mammalians. However, there is a lack of studies that comprehensively assess and correlate Cr(VI) accumulation patterns and the resulting physiological responses. Here we used an attractive toxicological model, male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), as an alternative probing system to evaluate Cr(VI) accumulation in the vital organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, and testes after 20 days of exposure to 1.2 μg/mL and 2.4 μg/mL potassium dichromate-K 2 Cr 2 O 7 ingested in the form of drinking water. The observed effects were correlated with the shift in immune system readiness, hematological indices, serum biochemistry and enzyme activity. Regardless of the exposure dose, the Cr(VI) distribution and accumulation pattern in terms of relative Cr(VI) concentration in tissues was: testes > kidneys > liver > heart > brain. Moreover, Cr(VI) triggered the development of microcytic and hypochromic anemia and reduced the immune system's readiness to cope with challenges. Besides, serum biochemistry presented significant shifts, including reduction of serum electrolytes and proteins and an increase in creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Our study provides novel toxicological data that can be translated to higher animal models to help in the extrapolation of Cr(VI) toxicity in humans. Image 1 • Chromium(VI) accumulates in the Japanese quail's vital organs including brain, heart, liver, kidneys and testes. • Chromium(VI) exposure elicits development of the microcytic and hypochromic anaemia in Japanese quails. • Exposure to chromium(VI) triggers reduced immune system readiness to cope with the challenge. • Serum biochemistry (protein levels and enzyme activity) is a sensitive indicator of the chromium(VI) toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first study describing hematopoietic cells of quails and their differentiation in bone marrow. • First data for hematopoietic regions in quail liver. • Cadmium causes loss of nucleus in erythrocytes. • Cadmium effects on necrotic liver changes, erythrocyte agglutination and phagocytosis of acidophilic erythroblasts. Cadmium is a heavy metal classified as an environmental hazard, and its toxicity is subject to extensive research. Japanese quails were exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl 2) ad libitum for 20 days. Bone marrow, peripheral blood and liver were analyzed following the exposure. Moreover, we have provided the very first explanation of hematopoietic lines in Japanese quail. Following CdCl 2 exposure, changes in the number, size and morphology of blood cells were observed in both peripheral blood and bone marrow. Alterations included severe erythrocyte damage, monocytosis and lymphopenia. In the liver of Cd-exposed animals we observed necrotic cells, absence of hematopoietic regions and cytogenetic changes of hepatocytes. Alterations in the bone marrow were also noted, as well as giant phagocytic cells, most likely macrophages. In vivo, CdCl 2 exposure caused swift and destructive changes in the hematopoietic niche, liver and other tissues responsible for the detoxification cycle of cadmium and its compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]