Figure 4

THP-1 macrophage protein secretion following treatment with metal ceramic oxide nanopowders for 24 h. THP-1 macrophages activated with PMA and treated with Al₂O₃ or ZrO₂ (0.5–50 µm³ particles per cell) for 24 h. Supernatant was collected and used in conjunction with an ELISA platform to quantify protein secretion. In all cases, untreated cells were included as a negative control and LPS-treated (10 ng/mL) THP-1 macrophages were used as a positive control. (a) THP-1 macrophages experienced significant increases in the secretion of IL-8 following treatment with 50 µm³ particles per cell Al₂O₃ (P = 0.0002) and ZrO₂ (P = 0.0001). (b) Both Al₂O₃-treated and ZrO₂-treated THP-1 macrophages had significant increases in CCL2 protein secretion following a 24 h treatment time (both P < 0.0001). (c) CCL3 protein secretion increased significant after a 24 h incubation with 50 µm³ particles per cell Al₂O₃ (P < 0.0001) and ZrO₂ (P < 0.0001). (D) At the highest dosage of Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ CCL4 protein secretion significantly increased compared to an untreated control (Al₂O₃ P = 0.0095) and ZrO₂ (P = 0.0092). All data presented here is representative of n = 3.