Nickel nanoparticles affect the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells by downregulating MMP2 through the PI3K/AKT pathway

Proper migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells into the endometrium in early gestation is essential for successful embryo implantation. The development of nanotechnology has led to the emergence of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs), for which attendant health concerns are widespread. Ni NPs are known to affect reproduction and be embryotoxic, but whether they affect the migration and invasion functions of trophoblast cells is unclear. We investigated the effects of Ni NPs on the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo in extravillous trophoblast cells and explored the possible role of the PI3K/Akt/MMP2 signaling pathway in this regard. Results showed that the migration and invasion of cells was significantly inhibited by the exposure of Ni NPs. The protein and mRNA levels of PI3K/Akt/MMP2 signaling pathway were significantly reduced with the increase in Ni NPs concentration. The presence of the PI3K Activator 740Y-P partially attenuated the inhibition of cell migration and invasion by Ni NPs, confirming the involvement of this pathway. Thus, Ni NPs inhibit migration and invasion of human trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells by downregulating the PI3K/Akt/MMP2 signaling pathway. This study is important for the development of safety evaluation criteria for Ni NPs.