Recent Advances in Particulate Matter and Nanoparticle Toxicology: A Review of theIn VivoandIn VitroStudies

Abstract

Epidemiological and clinical studies have linked exposure to particulate matter (PM) to adverse health effects, which may be registered as increased mortality and morbidity from various cardiopulmonary diseases. Despite the evidence relating PM to health effects, the physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms causing such effects are still not fully characterized. Two main approaches are used to elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity. One is the use of in vivo experimental models, where various effects of PM on respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems can be evaluated. To more closely examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind the different physiological effects, the use of various in vitro models has proven to be valuable. In the present review, we discuss the current advances on the toxicology of particulate matter and nanoparticles based on these techniques.

Toxicity and Protective Effects of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (Nanoceria) Depending on Their Preparation Method, Particle Size, Cell Type, and Exposure Route

“…[28] This can be explained by the fact that cellular uptake is facilitated for smaller NPs and they are therefore more likely to be distributed in the blood stream or even in the central nervous system. In addition, smaller particles have a larger surface area per mass unit in such a way that they are potentially more active.…”

“…In addition, smaller particles have a larger surface area per mass unit in such a way that they are potentially more active. [28,29] In the case of nanoceria, a larger ratio of surface area to volume leads to a larger surface Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ ratio, which could be related to a higher toxicity for smaller ceria NPs. [6] However, this is not always applicable for all ceria materials.…”

Trace metals in size-fractionated particulate matter in a Portuguese hospital: exposure risks assessment and comparisons with other countries

“…There is increasing evidence that PM biological components play central role in biological effects. When PM is inhaled, biological components are responsible for stimulating alveolar macrophages and respiratory epithelial tissue to release proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Nemmar et al 2013). Even when hospital environment is well within the recommended limits of microbiological air quality, the number of particles may be high (and consequently foster the growth of microorganisms; Dascalaki et al 2008).…”

“…In recent years, scientific attention has focused mostly on fine fraction of particles (<2.5 μm in diameter; i.e., PM2.5; Brunekreef et al 2009;Hoek et al 2013;Li et al 2013;Polichetti et al 2009) that has been linked to both acute and chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary health effects including lung cancer (Mitchell et al 2007;Valavanidis et al 2008). Additional focus has been placed on determining associations with PM components (elemental carbon, sulfates, nitrates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and biological components; Atkinson et al 2010;Brunekreef et al 2009;Gent et al 2009;Nemmar et al 2013;Maynard et al 2007;Sarnat et al 2008). Although the precise mechanisms of PM health effects are not completely understood (Oeder et al 2012), evidence has shown significant associations between PM properties (chemical and biological components, particle surface area, and reactivity) and its toxicity (Kelly and Fussell 2012;Nemmar et al 2013).…”

“…Additional focus has been placed on determining associations with PM components (elemental carbon, sulfates, nitrates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and biological components; Atkinson et al 2010;Brunekreef et al 2009;Gent et al 2009;Nemmar et al 2013;Maynard et al 2007;Sarnat et al 2008). Although the precise mechanisms of PM health effects are not completely understood (Oeder et al 2012), evidence has shown significant associations between PM properties (chemical and biological components, particle surface area, and reactivity) and its toxicity (Kelly and Fussell 2012;Nemmar et al 2013). Therefore, PM chemical components may have high potential to contribute to PMinduced health effects (Schwarze et al 2006) even though they compose only a small fraction of PM mass (Slezakova et al 2007(Slezakova et al , 2009).…”