SiO₂ nanoparticles as disruptors of endogenous resolution mechanisms of inflammatory responses that exacerbate pneumonia.

ABSTRACT: Occupational exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is increasing in the workplace and can impact human health. Amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) are widely produced respirable ENMs used in commercial products. We have investigated their impact on lung inflammation resolution and bacterial defense. Mice exposed to SiO₂ NPs, followed by bacteria, exhibited increased lung inflammation, bacterial proliferation, and lung damage compared to mice not exposed to NPs. SiO₂ NPs increased human macrophage production of pro-inflammatory mediators and disrupted phagocytosis of bacteria and efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils - pivotal responses for host defense and inflammation resolution. A pro-resolving mediator, resolvin D5 (RvD5), restored

SUBMITTER: Tavares LP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11845501 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature