Abstract
The recent explosion in the field of nanotechnology provides promising application of manufactured nanomaterials in a variety of areas. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that the relative surface area of ultrafine carbon black or metal oxide nanoparticles correlates with the degree of their toxicity. However, due to the lack of standardized methods to determine the physicochemical behavior of nanomaterials in biological systems, the mechanisms and nature of acute or chronic toxicity of engineered nanomaterials are not fully understood. Some nanomaterials are known to generate reactive oxidant species, resulting in induction of oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Therefore, there is concern that nanomaterials could have a major impact on the cardiovascular system, although the effects of exposure to newly developed nanomaterials on the cardiovascular system remain elusive. This review raises issues to consider for the assessment of cardiovascular toxicity of nanomaterials, and discusses recent in vitro or in vivo toxicity studies of nanomaterials.
