Nervous system exposure of different classes of nanoparticles: A review on potential toxicity and mechanistic studies

• Published in: Environmental research 2024-10, Vol.259, p.119473, Article 119473
• Main Authors: Gao, Mingyang, Yang, Ziye, Zhang, Zhen, Chen, Liqun, Xu, Baoshan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; antioxidants; cognition; embryogenesis; food industry; human health; Humans; nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - toxicity; nervous system; Nervous System - drug effects; neurotoxicity; remediation; society; textile industry
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119473

Nanoparticles (NPs) are generally defined as very small particles in the size range of 1–100 nm. Due to the rapid development of modern society, many new materials have been developed. The widespread use of NPs in medical applications, the food industry and the textile industry has led to an increase in NPs in the environment and the possibility of human contact, which poses a serious threat to human health. The nervous system plays a leading role in maintaining the integrity and unity of the body and maintaining a harmonious balance with the external environment. Therefore, based on two categories of organic and inorganic NPs, this paper systematically summarizes the toxic effects and mechanisms of NPs released into the nervous system. The results showed that exposure to NPs may damage the nervous system, decrease learning and cognitive ability, and affect embryonic development. Finally, a remediation scheme for NPs entering the body via the environment is also introduced. This scheme aims to reduce the neurotoxicity caused by NPs by supplementing NPs with a combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. The results provide a valuable reference for future research in this field.