Short- and long-term effects of silver nanoparticles on human microvascular endothelial cells

Core Tip

Core tip: We studied the sensitivity to silver nanoparticles of microvascular endothelial cells, which are responsible for tissue homeostasis and fundamental in angiogenesis. Silver nanoparticles are cytotoxic and lead to membrane leakage. Cytotoxicity is not prevented by the antioxidants Trolox, N-acetyl-L-cysteine or apocynin. Silver nanoparticles also induce DNA damage as demonstrated by comet assay. When exposed to sublethal concentrations of silver nanoparticles for long times, the cells remain viable but are growth retarded. Interestingly, removal of silver nanoparticle rescue cell growth, suggesting that no permanent modifications occur. Silver nanoparticles are cytotoxic and genotoxic also for endothelial progenitors, which contribute to angiogenesis.