Mark D Ihrie1, James C Bonner2. 1. Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7633, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7633, USA. 2. Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7633, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7633, USA. jcbonner@ncsu.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The explosive growth of the nanotechnology industry has necessitated the examination of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) for their toxicity. The unique properties that make ENMs useful also make them a health risk, and individuals with pre-existing diseases such as asthma are likely more susceptible. This review summarizes the current literature on the ability of ENMs to both exacerbate and directly cause asthma. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies highlight the ability of metal nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to not only exacerbate pre-existing asthma in animal models but also initiate allergic airway disease directly. CNTs alone are shown to cause airway mucus production, elevated serum IgE levels, and increased TH2 cytokine levels, all key indicators of asthma. The ability of ENMs to modulate the immune response in asthma varies depending on their physicochemical properties and exposure timing. CNTs consistently exacerbate asthma, as do Ni and TiO2 NPs, whereas some NPs like Au attenuate asthma. Evidence is strong that ENMs can contribute to allergic airway disease; however, more work is required to determine their mechanisms, and more epidemiological studies are needed to validate results from animal models.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The explosive growth of the nanotechnology industry has necessitated the examination of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) for their toxicity. The unique properties that make ENMs useful also make them a health risk, and individuals with pre-existing diseases such as asthma are likely more susceptible. This review summarizes the current literature on the ability of ENMs to both exacerbate and directly cause asthma. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies highlight the ability of metal nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to not only exacerbate pre-existing asthma in animal models but also initiate allergic airway disease directly. CNTs alone are shown to cause airway mucus production, elevated serum IgE levels, and increased TH2 cytokine levels, all key indicators of asthma. The ability of ENMs to modulate the immune response in asthma varies depending on their physicochemical properties and exposure timing. CNTs consistently exacerbate asthma, as do Ni and TiO2 NPs, whereas some NPs like Au attenuate asthma. Evidence is strong that ENMs can contribute to allergic airway disease; however, more work is required to determine their mechanisms, and more epidemiological studies are needed to validate results from animal models.
Authors: Jonathan A Bernstein; Neil Alexis; Charles Barnes; I Leonard Bernstein; Jonathan A Bernstein; Andre Nel; David Peden; David Diaz-Sanchez; Susan M Tarlo; P Brock Williams Journal: J Allergy Clin Immunol Date: 2004-11 Impact factor: 10.793
Authors: Mark D Ihrie; Alexia J Taylor-Just; Nigel J Walker; Matthew D Stout; Amit Gupta; Jamie S Richey; Barry K Hayden; Gregory L Baker; Barney R Sparrow; Katherine S Duke; James C Bonner Journal: Inhal Toxicol Date: 2019-07-26 Impact factor: 2.724
Authors: Mark D Ihrie; Katherine S Duke; Kelly A Shipkowski; Dorothy J You; Ho Young Lee; Alexia J Taylor-Just; James C Bonner Journal: NanoImpact Date: 2021-03-13