Role of Endocrine-Disrupting Engineered Nanomaterials in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Nanotechnology has enabled the development of innovative technologies and products for several industrial sectors. Their unique physicochemical and size-dependent properties make the engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) superior for devising solutions for various research and development sectors, which are otherwise unachievable by their bulk forms. However, the remarkable advantages mediated by ENMs and their applications have also raised concerns regarding their possible toxicological impacts on human health. The actual issue stems from the absence of systematic data on ENM exposure-mediated health hazards. In this direction, a comprehensive exploration on the health-related consequences, especially with respect to endocrine disruption-related metabolic disorders, is largely lacking. The reasons for the rapid increase in diabetes and obesity in the modern world remain largely unclear, and epidemiological studies indicate that the increased presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment may influence the incidence of metabolic diseases. Functional similarities, such as mimicking natural hormonal actions, have been observed between the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and ENMs, which supports the view that different types of NMs may be capable of altering the physiological activity of the endocrine system. Disruption of the endocrine system leads to hormonal imbalance, which may influence the development and pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Evidence from many in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies, suggests that ENMs generally exert deleterious effects on the molecular/hormonal pathways and the organ systems involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM. However, the available data from several such studies are not congruent, especially because of discrepancies in study design, and therefore need to be carefully examined before drawing meaningful inferences. In this review, we discuss the outcomes of ENM exposure in correlation with the development of T2DM. In particular, the review focuses on the following sub-topics: (1) an overview of the sources of human exposure to NMs, (2) systems involved in the uptake of ENMs into human body, (3) endocrine disrupting engineered nanomaterials (EDENMs) and mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of T2DM, (4) evidence of the role of EDENMs in the pathogenesis of T2DM from in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies, and (5) conclusions and perspectives.

Particle Safety Assessment in Additive Manufacturing: From Exposure Risks to Advanced Toxicology Testing

“…Apart from endocrine disruptive effects on sex hormones, particles may influence different metabolic pathways ( Priyam et al, 2018 ). Gurevitch et al (2012) demonstrated the potential role of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the etiology of metabolic/endocrine disorders, such as obesity and insulin resistance.…”

The State of the Art and Challenges of In Vitro Methods for Human Hazard Assessment of Nanomaterials in the Context of Safe-by-Design

“…Work is ongoing by ECHA to develop classification and labelling criteria for endocrine disruption [ 278 ]. From a NM-perspective, there is increasing evidence showing endocrine disruption and reproductive impairments caused by NMs such as nano plastics [ 279 , 280 ], and this warrants further attention.…”

Endocrine Disruptors in Food Chain

“…Disruption of the endocrine system leads to hormonal imbalance, which may influence the development and pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (Priyam et al, 2018).…”

“…Titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) and chromium nanoparticles (CrNano) affect insulin resistance in liver-derived cells causing increased production of insulin like molecules that cause reduced insulin sensitivity and devour the pathway. (Priyam et al, 2018) Cancer Meeker & Ferguson, (2012) have reported that phthalates found in plastics, medical applications, personal care products, home furnishings etc. are known to cause testicular and prostate cancer.…”