@article{Zhu2021, 
author = {Xiaoqiang Zhu and Lijun Zhao and Zhi Liu and Qibing Zhou and Yanhong Zhu and Yuliang Zhao and Xiangliang Yang},
title = {Long-term exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles promotes diet-induced obesity through exacerbating intestinal mucus layer damage and microbiota dysbiosis},
year = {2021},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {1512-1522},
keywords = {gut microbiota, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, nanosafety, obesity, mucus layer},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1007/s12274-020-3210-1},
doi = {10.1007/s12274-020-3210-1},
abstract = {Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are commonly used as food additives, including some high-fat foods that are risk factors for obesity. However, little is known about the effects of chronic TiO2-NPs digestion in the population on high fat diet (HFD). Herein, we reported that TiO2-NPs exacerbated HFD-induced obesity by disruption of mucus layer and alterations of gut microbiota. Oral intake of TiO2-NPs significantly increased body weight, liver weight, and amount of adipose tissues, especially in HFD-fed mice. Mechanistic studies revealed TiO2-NPs induced colonic mucus layer disruption and obesity-related microbiota dysbiosis. The damage on mucus was demonstrated through down-regulation of Muc2 gene and the absorption of mucin protein by TiO2-NPs. Consequently, mucus layer damage combined microbiota dysbiosis escalated the low-grade systemic inflammation, which exacerbated HFD-induced obesity. In contrast, gut microbiota depletion eliminated these effects, indicating gut microbiota were necessary for TiO2-NPs-induced inflammation and obesity. All the results stated the alarming role of TiO2-NPs in the HFD-driven obesity and emphasized the reevaluating the health impacts of nanoparticles commonly used in daily life, particularly, in susceptible population.}
}