Iron oxide nanoparticles may damage to the neural tissue through iron accumulation, oxidative stress, and protein aggregation

Abstract

BackgroundIn the recent decade, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been proposed for several applications in the central nervous system (CNS), including targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) in the arteries, inhibiting the microglial cells, delivering drugs, and increasing contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. Conversely, a notable number of studies have reported the role of iron in neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this study has reviewed the recent studies to determine whether IONPs iron can threaten the cellular viability same as iron.ResultsIron contributes in Fenton’s reaction and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS cause to damage the macromolecules and organelles of the cell via oxidative stress. Iron accumulation and oxidative stress are able to aggregate some proteins, including Aβ and α-synuclein, which play a critical role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, respectively. Iron accumulation, oxidative stress, and protein aggregation make a positive feedback loop, which can be toxic for the cell. The release of iron ions from IONPs may result in iron accumulation in the targeted tissue, and thus, activate the positive feedback loop. However, the levels of IONPs induced toxicity depend on the size, concentration, surface charge, and the type of coating and functional groups of IONPs.ConclusionIONPs depending on their properties can lead to iron accumulation, oxidative stress and protein aggregation in the neural cells. Therefore, in order to apply IONPs in the CNS, the consideration of IONPs properties is crucial.

<p>Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles combined with NGF and quercetin promote neuronal branching morphogenesis of PC12 cells</p>

“…13,14 So far, the potential cytotoxicity of MNPs due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) remains an issue of debate. 15 Great efforts have been taken to eliminate the cytotoxic effects of nanoparticles such as coating or combination of iron oxide nanoparticle with different agents. [16][17][18] Recent research has indicated that a variety of natural flavonoids reduce the toxicity of ROS in neural cells by their antioxidant activity.…”

Application of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases With Emphasis on Alzheimer’s Disease

“…One study has showed that the release of iron ions from IONPs may result in iron accumulation, oxidative stress, and protein aggregation, which are toxic to the neural cell. However, the toxicity levels of IONPs are determined by their properties, including the size, concentration, surface charge, and the type of coating and functional groups (Yarjanli et al, 2017).…”

New Vision for Visual Prostheses

“…Additionally, the method of effectively delivering nanoparticles to the central nervous system is a significant concern. Only a fraction of intravenously-injected nanoparticles successfully reach the brain and only do so by long-term endothelial cell endocytosis or by destroying their cellular membranes (Calvo et al, 2001;Yarjanli et al, 2017). However, non-invasive intranasal delivery may expedite delivery and reduce cell damage by bypassing the bloodbrain barrier, which will make it more suitable for potential clinical applications.…”