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Nanoparticles and the cardiovascular system: a critical review
Ken Donaldson1, Rodger Duffin, Jeremy P Langrish
1Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. ken.donaldson@ed.ac.uk
Nanomedicine (London, England)
|March 13, 2013
Summary
Combustion-derived nanoparticles (CDNPs) from traffic exhaust cause cardiovascular harm. Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) may also pose cardiovascular risks, despite their medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Toxicology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs), particularly combustion-derived NPs (CDNPs) from traffic exhaust, are significant urban air pollutants.
- Exposure to CDNPs is linked to adverse cardiovascular effects in humans.
- Manufactured NPs are used in various industries and medical applications, with limited data on their human health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for cardiovascular effects of both CDNPs and manufactured NPs.
- To explore the similarities in detrimental cardiovascular actions between CDNPs and manufactured NPs.
- To address the paradox between unintentional NP exposure risks and intentional medical NP use.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of panel and controlled human chamber studies.
- Examination of experimental studies on manufactured NPs.
Main Results:
- CDNPs are associated with significant adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- Experimental data suggest manufactured NPs may share similar detrimental cardiovascular effects with CDNPs.
- A knowledge gap exists regarding the cardiovascular impacts of manufactured NPs in humans.
Conclusions:
- Both unintentional exposure to CDNPs and intentional use of manufactured NPs warrant cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the cardiovascular implications of manufactured NPs, especially in medical contexts.
- Resolving the paradox of NP cardiovascular effects is crucial for public health and nanomedicine development.
