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Inflammation and Environmental (Ultrafine) Nanoparticles

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Allergy and Immunotoxicology in Occupational Health - The Next Step

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Abstract

Environmental nanoparticles or ultrafine particles (UFPs) are defined by their aerodynamic size <100 nm. They are either emitted directly or formed from precursor gases: in urban areas UFPs exposure originates from many combustion processes, mainly by motor vehicles. Due to the higher surface/volume ratio UFPs are biologically more reactive than larger particles because they can enter deeply into the lung, reaching the alveoli and internal organs through blood circulation.

We systematically searched in Medical Database PUBMED (MEDLINE) for eligible studies investigating inflammatory effects of environmental nanoparticles.

Data available in literature demonstrated a higher inflammatory response associated to exposure to UFPs: in in-vitro studies, in animal and human epidemiological studies. Target organs resulted lung and cardiovascular system and effects are demonstrated mainly in patients with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

In general, exposure to UFPs resulted more effective than exposure to fine particles, suggesting a specific role of UFPs, probably related to their small site that permits higher penetration into lung and translocation in blood circulation. Moreover, toxic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can be present in UFPs can enhance inflammatory but also carcinogenic effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    Francesca Larese Filon

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  1. Francesca Larese Filon
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Correspondence to Francesca Larese Filon .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hygiene, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

    Takemi Otsuki

  2. Department of Medicine and Aging Science (DMSI), University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy

    Mario Di Gioacchino

  3. Department of Medicine and Aging Science (DMSI), University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy

    Claudia Petrarca

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Filon, F.L. (2020). Inflammation and Environmental (Ultrafine) Nanoparticles. In: Otsuki, T., Di Gioacchino, M., Petrarca, C. (eds) Allergy and Immunotoxicology in Occupational Health - The Next Step. Current Topics in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4735-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4735-5_4

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