Influence of hydrocolloids of Ag, Au, and Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles on the inflammatory state at transcriptional level

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the pro- or anti-inflammatory properties of nanoparticles of Ag, Au, and Ag/Cu alloy by examining the expression of NF-κB mRNA. The experiment was performed in ovo, on the chicken embryos' model. The nanoparticles had no effect on embryos' survival; the embryos from all groups were properly developed, without any abnormalities. Contrary to Ag and Au, nanoparticles of Ag/Cu increased NF-κB mRNA expression in embryo liver, indicating a proinflammatory effect. After treatment with LPS there was a significant decrease in NF-κB mRNA expression in the liver of embryos treated with Ag, compared to the placebo, Au, and Ag/Cu groups, indicating that Ag nanoparticles act as a potential anti-inflammatory factor. The results indicate the lack of influence of Ag and Au nanoparticles on NF-κB mRNA expression in chicken embryo liver. Contrary to Ag and Au, nanoparticles of Ag/Cu alloy may be considered as a pro-inflammatory factor. Nanoparticles of Ag, but not Au and Ag/Cu, can prevent over-expression of NF-κB mRNA after LPS stimulation.