Effects of Carbon Nanotube Environmental Dispersion on an Aquatic Invertebrate, Hirudo medicinalis
Research article published in PloS one (2015)
Abstract
The recent widespread applications of nanomaterials, because of their properties, opens new scenarios that affect their dispersal in the environment. In particular multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), despite their qualities, seem to be harmful for animals and humans. To evaluate possible toxic effects caused by carbon nanotube environmental dispersion, with regard to aquatic compartment, we proposed as experimental model a freshwater invertebrate: Hirudo medicinalis. In the present study we analyse acute and chronic immune responses over a short (1, 3, 6 and 12 hours) and long time (from 1 to 5 weeks) exposure to MWCNTs by optical, electron and immunohistochemical approaches. In the exposed leeches angiogenesis and fibroplasia accompanied by massive cellular migration occur. Immunocytochemical characterization using specific markers shows that in these inflammatory processes the monocyte-macrophages (CD45+, CD68+) are the most involved cells. These immunocompetent cells are characterized by sequence of events starting from the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (in particular IL-18), and amyloidogenensis. Our combined experimental approaches, basing on high sensitive inflammatory response can highlight adverse effects of nanomaterials on aquatic organisms and could be useful to assess the MWCNTs impact on aquatic, terrestrial animal and human health.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
The recent widespread applications of nanomaterials, because of their properties, opens new scenarios that affect their dispersal in the environment. In particular multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), despite their qualities, seem to be harmful for animals and humans.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio experimental examinó las respuestas inmunitarias agudas y crónicas de la sanguijuela medicinal Hirudo medicinalis a la exposición ambiental a nanotubos de carbono de pared múltiple (MWCNTs), analizando procesos inflamatorios en puntos temporales que van desde 1 hora hasta 5 semanas mediante enfoques ópticos, electrónicos e inmunohistoquímicos. Los hallazgos describen angiogénesis, fibroplasia, infiltración monocito-macrófaga (CD45+, CD68+), expresión de citocinas proinflamatorias (IL-18) y amiloidogénesis en las sanguijuelas expuestas, ofreciendo una caracterización inmunológica básica de una especie central para la hirudoterapia. Sin embargo, el enfoque del estudio es la nanotoxicología ambiental y los bioindicadores acuáticos, más que la aplicación terapéutica de sanguijuelas, el secretoma salival o cualquier contexto clínico. Su relevancia para el ámbito de ASH se limita a proporcionar antecedentes sobre la biología inmunitaria de H. medicinalis, y no informa, respalda ni impulsa directamente la práctica de la hirudoterapia ni los agentes terapéuticos derivados de sanguijuelas.
Citación
Effects of Carbon Nanotube Environmental Dispersion on an Aquatic Invertebrate, Hirudo medicinalis.
Girardello R et al. · PloS one, 2015
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026