Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used materials present in many consumables for which most people are exposed to. The biological hazards of the NPs on human health have been demonstrated previously. In this study, we aimed to assess the cytotoxicity potency of TiO₂ NPs on the primary human amniotic fluid cells. The cells derived from amniotic fluid were treated with different dosages of TiO₂ NPs for some periods. Cell adhesion status was assessed using a light microscopic observation. Cell proliferation and cell death rates were determined using trypan blue staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Also, mitotic index was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome 8 centromer-specific DNA probe. Disrupted cell adhesion, decreased proliferation, and increased mortality rates were detected in the cells that were treated with TiO₂ NPs depending on the dosage ( p < 0.001). Also, reduced mitotic index was determined in the cells depending on the time and TiO₂ dosage when compared with the controls ( p < 0.0001). These results showed that TiO₂ NPs have high cytotoxicity for amniotic fluid-derived cells. Therefore, different products containing TiO₂ NPs should be used with care, especially for pregnant women.

Background: Vascular inflammation and vasculotoxic heavy metals have each been linked to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but have rarely been studied together. This study compared serum pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), a proposed marker of local vascular inflammation, and whole-blood lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni) between ACS patients and controls. Methods: In this single-center, cross-sectional case–control study, 50 patients with angiographically confirmed ACS were compared with 50 age- and sex-comparable emergency department controls with minor non-cardiac complaints. Results: PTX-3, Pb, As, and Ni were higher in ACS patients (all false discovery rate-adjusted q < 0.001). Between-group discrimination was highest for Pb (area under the curve [AUC] 0.962) and PTX-3 (AUC 0.951). PTX-3 and Pb remained independently associated with ACS after adjustment for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking and, separately, for age, diabetes, and renal function. Within the ACS group, PTX-3 was not significantly correlated with the Gensini score (ρ = 0.12, p = 0.41). Conclusions: PTX-3 and whole-blood Pb, As, and Ni were markedly elevated in ACS, with PTX-3 and Pb showing the strongest and most robust associations. Prospective multicenter studies in patients with suspected ACS are needed to confirm these findings and establish whether these biomarkers add value beyond established clinical assessment.