The immense diversity and constant development of nanomaterials (NMs) increase the need for facilitated risk assessment, which requires knowledge of the modes of action (MoAs) of NMs. This necessitates a comprehensive data basis, which can be obtained using omics. Furthermore, the establishment of suitable in vitro test systems is essential to follow the 3R concept and to cope with the high number of NMs.

In the present study, we aimed to compare NM effects in vitro and in vivo using a multi-omics approach. We applied an integrated data analysis strategy based on proteomics and metabolomics to four silica NMs and one titanium dioxide-based NM. For the in vitro investigations, rat alveolar epithelial cells (RLE-6TN) and rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383) were treated with different doses of NMs, and the results were compared with the effects on rat lungs after short-term inhalations and instillations.

Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has been described as a critical biological effect of NMs, we focused on different levels of oxidative stress. Thus, we found opposite changes in proteins and metabolites related to the production of reduced glutathione in alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages, demonstrating that the MoAs of NMs depend on the model system used. Interestingly, in vivo, pathways related to inflammation were more affected than oxidative stress responses. Hence, the assignment of the observed effects to levels of oxidative stress was also different in vitro and in vivo.

However, the overall classification of “active” and “passive” NMs was consistent in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that both cell lines tested are suitable for the assessment of NM toxicity. In summary, the results presented here highlight the need to carefully review model systems to decipher the extent to which they can replace in vivo assays.