Effects of engineered nanomaterials on the cardiovascular system

With the explosive development of nanotechnology, engineered nanomaterials are currently being used in various industries, including food and medicine. Concern about the health effects of nanomaterials has been raised, and available research indicates that the relative surface area of nanomaterials seems to correlate with the severity of their toxicity. With regard to engineered nanomaterials, the scope of their acute and chronic toxicities and their mechanisms are not fully understood. Studies suggest that exposure to certain nanomaterials can generate reactive oxidant species and enhance permeability of the phagolysosomal membrane, which leads to inflammasome activation, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. Since the latter 2 are implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, it can be presumed that exposure to engineered nanomaterials could significantly impact cardiovascular function. In this review, I raise issues that should be considered in the assessment of the effects of engineered nanomaterials on cardiovascular function, and evaluate their cardiovascular toxicity as described in various in vitro and/or in vivo toxicological studies and industrial investigations. Key points center dot The explosive development of nanotechnology has led to the widespread use of engineered nanomaterials. Whether exposure to these materials is harmful remains to be confirmed.center dot Exposure of the lungs and other organs to engineered nanomaterials can induce systemic inflammation through increased oxidative stress and activation of inflammasomes, leading to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerogenesis. It can also result in enhancement of coagulation through the activation of platelets and induction of autonomic nervous system abnormalities via pulmonary reflexes, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nanomaterials can also translocate into the bloodstream and be taken up by vascular endothelial cells, directly inducing endothelial cell damage.center dot Whereas the design of the majority of published toxicological studies is feasible in terms of exposure-effects, further studies using natural delivery routes together with epidemiological studies are needed to confirm the cardiovascular toxicity of nanomaterials through the acceleration of atherosclerogenesis. Further experimental studies are also needed to determine the mechanisms of engineered nanomaterials-induced effects on the cardiovascular system.