Toxicocinetic and Mechanisms of Action of Nanoparticles

Abstract

Human exposure to nanoparticles has been dramatically increased in the past 25 years as a result of the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. Many have recognized the importance of identifying potential effects on human health associated with the manufacture and use of these important technology. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the short- and long-term effect, systemic toxicity, and carcinogenicity. Engineered nanoparticles can be taken up by the human body via inhalation, ingestion, dermal uptake, and injection. They can reach the bloodstream and ultimately affect multiple body organs such as liver and spleen or even transcend the blood-brain barrier. Because of the huge diversity of materials used and the wide range in size of nanoparticles, these effects will vary a lot. Local and systemic adverse effects consist of primarily inflammatory reactions. Other observed effects include generation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent oxidative stress, disruption of proteins, DNA, mitochondria and membrane structures, as well as changes in cell signaling pathways.