Silver nanoparticles induced changes in the expression of NF-κB related genes are cell type specific and related to the basal activity of NF-κB

- A549 and HepG2 cells were treated with 20 nm and 200 nm silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
- The role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the response to AgNPs was analyzed.
- Changes in NF-κB related genes expression are cell type and particle size dependant.
- Alterations in the NF-κB activity were observed in HepG2 but not A549 cells.
- Cellular response to AgNPs is related to the basal activity of the NF-κB.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industry and medicine but the recent evidence for their cytotoxicity rise a concern about the safety of their use. We have previously shown that human A549 cells are resistant to AgNPs cytotoxicity, as compared with similarly treated HepG2 cells. In order to check for the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in response of A549 and HepG2 cell lines to the treatment with 20 nm and 200 nm AgNps, we analyzed the expression of 84 key genes related to the functionality of the NF-κB signaling pathway. We observed considerable alternations in gene expression in HepG2 cells treated with 20 nm AgNPs, and minor changes when exposed to 200 nm AgNPs. Surprisingly, no changes in gene expression were observed in A549 cells treated with both size AgNPs. Using the NF-κB luciferase reporter system, we further tested the basal activity and inducibility of the NF-κB pathway in both cell lines and found that the inducibility of NF-κB signaling in A549 cells is approximately 5 times lower than this of HepG2 cells, but the basal activity is approximately 3.5 times higher. In accordance, the NF-κB activation after AgNPs treatment was observed in HepG2 but not in A549. Altogether indicate that NF-kB mediated cellular response to AgNPs is cell type specific and related to the basal activity of NF-κB.