Oxidative Stress Produced by Urban Atmospheric Nanoparticles

Abstract

In urban areas, the diesel-fuelled and bio-fuelled vehicles represent the major sources of nanoparticles complemented by nanotechnology with different types of particles, in addition to natural and to other anthropogenic sources. The atmospheric nanoparticles differ in composition, size, shape or oxidant capacity, presenting a large variability that causes difficulties in their measurements and health impact identification. The oxidative stress can be initiated by atmospheric nanoparticles through different mechanisms: interaction between nanoparticles and tissue cells, cellular internalisation of nanoparticles, activation of signalling pathways, decrease of the cellular antioxidants, activation of the pro-inflammatory cascade, lipid peroxidation, activation of cellular signalling pathway that leads to apoptosis, etc. Ultrafine particles (<100 nm) represent ~80% of the total atmospheric particles and produce inflammation through oxidative stress mechanisms. The atmospheric nanoparticles can penetrate the skin and can be inhaled or ingested affecting different organs and leading to different diseases: neurodegeneration, thrombogenesis, atherosclerosis, asthma, lung cancer, heart arrest, etc.

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Bioactive Compounds from Cornus mas Fruit on Aorta Ultrastructural and Biochemical Changes in Rats on a Hyperlipid Diet—A Preliminary Study

“…Additionally, the human body is constantly exposed to numerous environmental factors that can influence the tissues’ physiological processes. Among these, important influences that cannot be affected by humans are represented by the atmospheric nanoparticles that may easily enter into the body and alter the endothelium, leading to atherosclerosis development [ 15 ], atheroma that can be fragmented with fatal effects under specific environmental conditions [ 16 ]. There are factors that target the endothelium, and their influence can be modulated by diet or by medication.…”

Green synthesis of M-type manganese-substituted strontium hexaferrite SrMnxFe12−xO19 nanoparticles with intrinsic antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria

“…10–12 The therapeutic efficacy of MONPs in many biomedical applications has received worldwide attention, 13 due to their special physical and chemical characteristics, such as high bioavailability, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), and vital oxidative stress (OS). 14,15…”

Nanoparticles Induced Oxidative Damage in Reproductive System and Role of Antioxidants on the Induced Toxicity

“…These nanoparticles could even reach the reproductive system where there are more investigations done on in vitro and in vivo models for studying the medical and molecular effects of nanotoxicity on genital organs [ 33 ]. As discussed in the previous section, these nanoparticles tend to cause cytotoxicity in the genetic and molecular levels by promoting inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress through ROS [ 34 , 35 ]. Nanoparticles reach and accumulate in reproductive organs by breaching the guard reproductive tissues including epithelial, placental, and blood-testis barriers and by destroying Leydig cells, germ cells, and Sertoli cells.…”

“…It results in the lowering of mobility of the sperm due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Its transmission depends upon the polarity, shape, and size of the nanoparticle [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. According to recent studies, nanoparticles can be endocytosed by granulosa and thecal cells, which stops oocyte development in vivo and causes aberrant hormone release [ 37 ].…”