Particle toxicology and health - where are we?

Abstract

Background Particles and fibres affect human health as a function of their properties such as chemical composition, size and shape but also depending on complex interactions in an organism that occur at various levels between particle uptake and target organ responses. While particulate pollution is one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease, particles are also increasingly used for medical purposes. Over the past decades we have gained considerable experience in how particle properties and particle-bio interactions are linked to human health. This insight is useful for improved risk management in the case of unwanted health effects but also for developing novel medical therapies. The concepts that help us better understand particles’ and fibres’ risks include the fate of particles in the body; exposure, dosimetry and dose-metrics and the 5 Bs: bioavailability, biopersistence, bioprocessing, biomodification and bioclearance of (nano)particles. This includes the role of the biomolecule corona, immunity and systemic responses, non-specific effects in the lungs and other body parts, particle effects and the developing body, and the link from the natural environment to human health. The importance of these different concepts for the human health risk depends not only on the properties of the particles and fibres, but is also strongly influenced by production, use and disposal scenarios. Conclusions Lessons learned from the past can prove helpful for the future of the field, notably for understanding novel particles and fibres and for defining appropriate risk management and governance approaches.

Nanosized Alumina Particle and Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib Prevented inflammation and Osteolysis Induced by Titanium Particle via Autophagy and NF-κB Signaling

“…Nowadays, alloy is used for its superior corrosion resistance, and different types of bearing surfaces are available 49,50 . Ti particles released from Ti bulk implant or composites was confirmed by studies, and it was inevitable to apply Ti as a biomaterial, considering its outstanding mechanical property 1,2,13,14,16,17,22 . However, little is known about the interaction existing in different materials 50 .…”

“…As a result of rapid advances of the biomaterials science, reliable implants were considered to be most widely accepted operative procedure for treating damaged skeleton and diseased organs, such as various skeletal defects, tooth deficiency, joints replacements and et al Due to the routine use of implants, wear particles or debris can be observed from surfaces in relative friction between implants and physiological environment, surfaces between different component of implant, scaffolds for tissue engineering, or materials for drug delivering [1][2][3][4] . In particle disease, peri-implant osteolysis which is caused by wear particles remains the main complication for implant failure after the surgical [5][6][7][8] .…”

“…Although the toxicity of Ti particle was proved 5,8,12 , and the Ti particles released from Ti bulk implant or composites was reported by lots of study 1,2,16,22 , it was inevitable to use Ti as an implant material, tissue engineering material, material for drug delivery or particle reinforced composite, considering its outstanding mechanical property 13,14,17 . Therefore, in this study, we are attempting to investigate the potential mechanisms of potential therapy for wear particles-induced osteolysis and explore the biological interaction between Ti and Al-NPs.…”

Nicotinamide (aka Niacinamide) Mitigates SASP-Related Inflammation Induced by Environmental Stressors in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes

“…Over the past 10 years there has been increasing research to better understand the impact of environmental stressors such as pollution emissions and urban residency on skin [30]. It is known that the major impact of emitted gases and particulate matter from industrial and automotive sources on human health are respiratory effects due to direct contact, but researchers suggest that these stressors can also affect secondary organs [31,32]. This includes reactions by skin in the form of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema flareups [33,34] and evidence that these stressors can negatively impact skin aging and appearance [5].…”

Acute Cardiovascular Effects of Controlled Exposure to Dilute Petrodiesel and Biodiesel Exhaust in Healthy Volunteers: A Crossover Study

“…Particulate matter air pollution (PM) has a well-established and consistent association with cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality (1)(2)(3). This link has proven strongest for ne combustion-derived PM (particle diameter < 2.5 µm; PM 2.5 ) (4).…”