Elucidating metabolic dysfunction induced by titanium dioxide in intestinal epithelial cells using an integrative approach of metabolomics and transcriptomics
- 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University
- 2Heilongjiang Feihe Dairy Co., Ltd.
- 3Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Redcross Hospital
Abstract
Background Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely present in a variety of food and personal care products, leading to frequent human exposure primarily via oral ingestion. Although the oral bioavailability of TiO2 nanoparticles is generally considered low, the gastrointestinal tract represents the primary site of exposure and may undergo local molecular and metabolic disturbances following repeated contact. Methods In this study, we investigated the impact of TiO2 exposure on gene expression and cellular metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells using integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. Results Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes associated with disruptions in cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes, collectively pointing to mechanisms underlying TiO2-induced cytotoxicity. Metabolomic profiling further revealed that TiO2 exposure perturbed key metabolic pathways, as evidenced by significant alterations in critical metabolites—including acetylcholine, glutathione, cytosine, deoxyadenosine, and pantothenic acid—indicative of broad metabolic dysfunction. Notably, integrative correlation analysis demonstrated that TiO2 disrupts lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, energy metabolism, and redox homeostasis. Conclusions In conclusion, our findings elucidate the metabolic mechanisms driving TiO2-induced intestinal toxicity. Moreover, this work underscores the power of integrated transcriptomic-metabolomic analysis as a robust strategy for mechanistic toxicological evaluation and risk assessment of nanomaterial exposure.
Related
- Elucidating the MultiPathway Therapeutic Potential of Trichosanthes kirilowii Bioactives in Intestinal Obstruction via Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamics
- Integrative transcriptomics and reverse network pharmacology prioritize DPP4 and Achyranthes bidentata in Barrett’s esophagus
- Elucidating the Intersystem Crossing of the Nitrogen-Vacancy Center up to Megabar Pressures
- Elucidating thermodynamic infeasibility of the (de)-lithiation process in 5V-class LiNi0.5Ge1.5O4 solid electrolyte
- Elucidating the Action Mechanism of the Carbon Substrate in Pt/C-Catalyzed Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
BibTeX
@article{wang2026elucidating,
title = {{Elucidating metabolic dysfunction induced by titanium dioxide in intestinal epithelial cells using an integrative approach of metabolomics and transcriptomics}},
author = {Xinchen Wang and Shilong Jiang and Zhengyu Gu},
journal = {BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s40360-026-01185-1},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-026-01185-1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Elucidating metabolic dysfunction induced by titanium dioxide in intestinal epithelial cells using an integrative approach of metabolomics and transcriptomics
AU - Xinchen Wang
AU - Shilong Jiang
AU - Zhengyu Gu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology
DO - 10.1186/s40360-026-01185-1
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-026-01185-1
AB - Background Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely present in a variety of food and personal care products, leading to frequent human exposure primarily via oral ingestion. Although the oral bioavailability of TiO2 nanoparticles is generally considered low, the gastrointestinal tract represents the primary site of exposure and may undergo local molecular and metabolic disturbances following repeated contact. Methods In this study, we investigated the impact of TiO2 exposure on gene expression and cellular metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells using integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. Results Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes associated with disruptions in cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes, collectively pointing to mechanisms underlying TiO2-induced cytotoxicity. Metabolomic profiling further revealed that TiO2 exposure perturbed key metabolic pathways, as evidenced by significant alterations in critical metabolites—including acetylcholine, glutathione, cytosine, deoxyadenosine, and pantothenic acid—indicative of broad metabolic dysfunction. Notably, integrative correlation analysis demonstrated that TiO2 disrupts lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, energy metabolism, and redox homeostasis. Conclusions In conclusion, our findings elucidate the metabolic mechanisms driving TiO2-induced intestinal toxicity. Moreover, this work underscores the power of integrated transcriptomic-metabolomic analysis as a robust strategy for mechanistic toxicological evaluation and risk assessment of nanomaterial exposure.
SN - 2050-6511
ER -