Influence of neodymium on mitochondrial metabolism: a thermokinetic perspective

Nd compounds have been widely used for the promotion of growth of plant due to their excellent biophysical and biochemical properties. Mitochondria are important organelles involved in cellular energy production, being known as the core element of energy metabolism. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of Nd(III) on mitochondrial metabolism from a thermokinetic perspective and evaluating the toxicology effect of Nd(III). Therefore, microcalorimetry assays were performed and thermokinetic parameters were determined based on the metabolic thermogenic curves, including the activity recovery rate constant (k), the maximum heat output (P-m), and the total heat output (Q). It was found that Nd(III) affected the mitochondrial energy metabolism dependent on its concentration. Particularly, low Nd(III) level promoted mitochondrial metabolic activity, whereas high Nd(III) concentration had an inhibitory effect. Influence of Nd(III) on respiratory chain of mitochondria was also assessed, which agreed well with the results of microcalorimetry. Altogether, these findings may benefit the understanding of mechanism of Nd(III) in mitochondrial metabolic process, which would provide insight for biosafety of rare-earth elements.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of Nd(III) on mitochondrial metabolism and evaluated its toxicology effect, using microcalorimetry assays to determine thermokinetic parameters. The results showed that Nd(III) affected mitochondrial energy metabolism depending on its concentration, with low levels promoting activity and high levels inhibiting it. The study also assessed the impact of Nd(III) on the respiratory chain of mitochondria, which aligned with the microcalorimetry results. These findings deepen our understanding of the mechanism of Nd(III) in mitochondrial metabolic processes and provide insights for the biosafety of rare-earth elements.