Nano-sized cobalt particles may cause DNA damage in lung cells, according to in vitro studies by a team from the University of Louisville, US.
The researchers exposed human lung cells to nano-cobalt and nano-titanium dioxide. Nano-cobalt generated reactive oxygen species in cells, although pre-treating the cells with inhibitors or scavengers stopped this happening. The nano-cobalt also caused DNA damage in the lung cells. Oxidative stress may be involved in nano-cobalt-induced DNA damage, suggest the researchers.
Nano-titanium dioxide did not appear to cause damage to the lung cells.
The research is published in Chemical Research in Toxicology.
Fonte: Chemical Watch
