The role of NADPH oxidase in multi-walled carbon nanotubes-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in human macrophages

Recent studies suggest reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced in mammalian cells exposed to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) could mediate the cytotoxicity. This study was conducted to determine the mechanisms responsible for MWCNTs-induced ROS production in human primary macrophages. Our results showed that superoxide levels were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner in blood monocyte-derived macrophages treated with 100 microg/ml MWCNTs for 12 h. Concomitantly, MWCNTs induced membrane translocation of the NADPH oxidase subunits p47phox and p67phox, a signature event for NADPH oxidase activation. Pre-incubation with apocynin, a selective inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, prevented both membrane translocation of p47phox and superoxide production. Treatment with MWCNTs also resulted in an increased cytotoxicity in human primary macrophages that was significantly attenuated by both apocynin and antioxidants. These findings demonstrate that MWCNTs activate NADPH oxidase in human macrophages, which may contribute to ROS generation in MWCNTs treated-macrophages.