Nanoparticles (NPs) are small structures under 100 nm in dimension. Interrelationships among the mor- phological parameters and toxicity of NPs have been the focus of several investigations that assessed potential health risk in environmentally-exposed subjects and the realistic uses of NPs in medical practice. In the current review, we provide a summary of the cellular mecha- nisms of membrane-mediated transport, including old and novel molecules that transport nanostructures across cellular membranes. The effects of geochemical exposure to natural NPs are evaluated through epide- miological data and cancerous pathways activated by Fe2+ NPs. Specifically, we discuss screening for papillary thyroid carcinomas in the inhabitants of the Sicilian vol- canic area surrounding Mount Etna to compare the inci- dence of thyroid carcinoma in this population. Lastly, considering the increased production of carbon nano- tubes (CNTs), we examine the toxicity and potential use of these engineered NPs in drug delivery of an extensive amount of therapeutic and imaging molecules (therano- sis) that can be conjugated to CNTs.
Nanostructures between natural environment and medical practice / Sciacchitano, Salvatore. - In: REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. - ISSN 0048-7554. - 33:3(2018), pp. 295-307. [10.1515/reveh-2017-0036]
Nanostructures between natural environment and medical practice
Salvatore Sciacchitano
2018
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are small structures under 100 nm in dimension. Interrelationships among the mor- phological parameters and toxicity of NPs have been the focus of several investigations that assessed potential health risk in environmentally-exposed subjects and the realistic uses of NPs in medical practice. In the current review, we provide a summary of the cellular mecha- nisms of membrane-mediated transport, including old and novel molecules that transport nanostructures across cellular membranes. The effects of geochemical exposure to natural NPs are evaluated through epide- miological data and cancerous pathways activated by Fe2+ NPs. Specifically, we discuss screening for papillary thyroid carcinomas in the inhabitants of the Sicilian vol- canic area surrounding Mount Etna to compare the inci- dence of thyroid carcinoma in this population. Lastly, considering the increased production of carbon nano- tubes (CNTs), we examine the toxicity and potential use of these engineered NPs in drug delivery of an extensive amount of therapeutic and imaging molecules (therano- sis) that can be conjugated to CNTs.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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