Nanoneurotoxicity and Potential Nanotheranostics for Alzheimer's Disease
Caitlin E Carro1, Alexander R Pilozzi1, Xudong Huang1
1Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
EC Pharmacology and Toxicology
|December 13, 2019
Summary
Exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) may worsen Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology by causing neurotoxic effects. This review explores nanoparticle impacts on the nervous system and their link to AD, also considering therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves cognitive, motor, and memory impairments, with neuropathology including amyloid-beta (Aβ) buildup, tau protein fibrillization, and neuronal death.
- Environmental and man-made nanoparticles, or engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), are increasingly used in industry, raising concerns about their neurotoxic potential.
- Emerging research suggests a correlation between nanoparticle exposure and neurotoxic responses, potentially contributing to AD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the neurotoxic effects of nanoparticles on the nervous system.
- To examine the relationship between nanoparticle exposure and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.
- To explore the potential of certain nanoparticles as diagnostic or therapeutic agents for AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating nanoparticle exposure and neurotoxicity.
- Analysis of research involving specific nanoparticles (silver, silica, copper oxide, iron oxide) in animal models (mice).
- Examination of documented neurotoxic reactions and potential therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle exposure in mice has been linked to diverse neurotoxic effects, including disrupted neural connections, neuroinflammation, and neuron cell death.
- Observed effects include redox stress, blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment, decreased motor performance, demyelination, reduced long-term potentiation (LTP), and DNA/brain structure damage.
- Certain nanoparticles show promise as tools for AD diagnosis or therapy.
Conclusions:
- Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) can induce significant neurotoxic changes, potentially exacerbating Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.
- Understanding nanoparticle-induced neurotoxicity is crucial for assessing risks associated with their widespread use.
- Nanoparticles also present opportunities for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD.
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