Reproductive and Developmental Nanotoxicity of Carbon Nanoparticles

Abstract

The presented review aims to summarize the knowledge regarding the reproductive and developmental toxicity of different types of carbon nanoparticles, such as graphene, graphene oxide, multi- and single-walled nanotubes, fullerenes, and nanodiamonds. Carbon nanoparticles have unique chemical and physical properties that make them an excellent material that can be applied in many fields of human activity, including industry, food processing, the pharmaceutical industry, or medicine. Although it has a high degree of biocompatibility, possible toxic effects on different tissue types must also be taken into account. Carbon nanoparticles are known to be toxic to the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive system, etc., and, according to current studies, they also have a negative effect on reproduction and offspring development.

Photoluminescence and Fluorescence Quenching of Graphene Oxide: A Review

“…In recent years, CNT has been a popular material for drug delivery. However, CNT lacks biodegradability and has a certain toxicity, even though it has many excellent properties [ 99 ]. In contrast, GO does not only have the advantage of negligible toxicity, but also provides feedback on drug loading and release due to its optical properties [ 100 , 101 ].…”

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are derivatives of graphene materials, whi specific surface area, high mechanical strength, and high drug loadin recent years, CNT has been a popular material for drug delivery. Howev biodegradability and has a certain toxicity, even though it has many excel [99]. In contrast, GO does not only have the advantage of negligible tox provides feedback on drug loading and release due to its optical propertie Tang et al have developed a GO-based DNA nanomaterial for cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo [102].…”

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

“…Particularly, at concentrations of 10 and 50 g/mL/48 h, the production was drastically reduced. Expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR), a steroidogenic protein that helps in the movement of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it is processed by P450scc to pregnenolone, was also altered by MWCNTs [ 78 , 79 ]. Other non-metal nanoparticles such as calcium phosphate nanoparticles have induced apoptosis and have no effect on S phase cell cycle arrest, progesterone level, estradiol levels, and the mRNA levels of P450scc, and StAR was observed in human ovarian granulosa cells cultured in-vitro [ 80 ].…”

Proteomics analysis of MSN, MWCNT and ZnO nanoparticle-induced alteration in prepubertal rat ovary

“…34 According to previous research carried out in vitro and in vivo , carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have a detrimental effect on the reproductive system, which may diminish fertility and may also impair the development of offspring intrauterinally and in later periods or life spans. 35 The menacing effects caused by CNPs on the developing fetus and reproductive tract are due to oxidative stress and DNA damage. CNPs can damage testicular and ovarian tissue, alter sperm function, oocyte maturation, and interfere with sex hormone production, which can significantly lower fertility.…”

“…CNPs can damage testicular and ovarian tissue, alter sperm function, oocyte maturation, and interfere with sex hormone production, which can significantly lower fertility. 3,35 Animals and ex vitro studies on perfused human placenta have shown that NPs may be transferred from the pregnant mother to their fetuses across the placental barrier. 1,36,37 NPs may have a negative consequence on placental function and the fetus.…”