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Microglia as a Surrogate Biosensor to Determine Nanoparticle Neurotoxicity
Published on: October 25, 2016
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Nanoparticles: A Neurotoxicological Perspective
Anuradha Pandey, Vajir Malek, Visakh Prabhakar
1Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333, 031, Rajasthan, India. anil.gaikwad@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in.
CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets
|August 22, 2015
Summary
Nanoparticles (NPs) show promise for brain drug delivery but can cause neurotoxicity. Understanding these toxic effects is crucial for developing safer NP-based therapies for brain diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Drug delivery to the brain is challenging due to protective barriers.
- Nanoparticles (NPs) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for targeted drug delivery.
- A significant challenge with NPs is their potential neurotoxicity, impacting neuronal function and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of nanoparticle-induced neurotoxicity.
- To discuss the physicochemical properties of NPs influencing neurotoxicity.
- To highlight the manifestations and molecular underpinnings of NP neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on nanoparticle neurotoxicity.
- Analysis of NP physicochemical characteristics and their role in toxicity.
- Examination of cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles can induce cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and epigenetic changes.
- Neurotoxicity manifests as memory deficits, behavioral alterations, and neuronal structural/functional changes.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to mitigating NP-induced harm.
Conclusions:
- Further research into NP neurotoxicity mechanisms is essential.
- Developing strategies to overcome NP-induced neurotoxicity is critical for safe brain drug delivery.
- This review provides insights for designing safer nanoparticle-based therapeutics for neurological disorders.
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