Research shows that some nanomaterials can have a negative effect on the endocrine system, deregulating serum sex hormone levels for example. However, some may be beneficial, having antioxidant effects. It is to be expected that competent authorities will soon demand that companies perform systematic biosafety assessments to be aware of the possible risks of nanomaterials disrupting the endocrine system.
In the research paper "Nanotoxicity: A growing need for study in the Endocrine System" the authors have analysed, based on existing research, the effects of different categories of nanomaterials on the endocrine system.
They found that:
- metal-based nanomaterials: possible toxicity
- quantum dots: possible endocrine disruptors
- metal oxide nanoparticles: varying results depending on the animal model
- titanium dioxide nanoparticles: could affect insulin response in follicle-associated epithelial (FAE) cells and impact pregnancy in animal models
- other metal oxide nanoparticles: possible reproductive and neonatal development impact
- carbon-based nanomaterials (used in sectors such as biomedicine, nanoelectronics or mechanical engineering ): should be more thoroughly researched
Determining the effects of nanomaterials is difficult as it depends on physicochemical properties such as chemical structure, size, shape, functionalisation and agglomeration state, but also on the particular endocrine tissue or cell type.
The adverse effects of nanomaterials on the endocrine system are still unclear and unexplored. They must not be generalised either, as results may vary according to age, length of exposure and genetics.
Research shows that some nanomaterials can have a negative effect on the endocrine system, deregulating serum sex hormone levels for example. However, some may be beneficial, having antioxidant effects. It is to be expected that competent authorities will soon demand that companies perform systematic biosafety assessments to be aware of the possible risks of nanomaterials disrupting the endocrine system.
In the research paper "Nanotoxicity: A growing need for study in the Endocrine System" the authors have analysed, based on existing research, the effects of different categories of nanomaterials on the endocrine system.
They found that:
- metal-based nanomaterials: possible toxicity
- quantum dots: possible endocrine disruptors
- metal oxide nanoparticles: varying results depending on the animal model
- titanium dioxide nanoparticles: could affect insulin response in follicle-associated epithelial (FAE) cells and impact pregnancy in animal models
- other metal oxide nanoparticles: possible reproductive and neonatal development impact
- carbon-based nanomaterials (used in sectors such as biomedicine, nanoelectronics or mechanical engineering ): should be more thoroughly researched
Determining the effects of nanomaterials is difficult as it depends on physicochemical properties such as chemical structure, size, shape, functionalisation and agglomeration state, but also on the particular endocrine tissue or cell type.
The adverse effects of nanomaterials on the endocrine system are still unclear and unexplored. They must not be generalised either, as results may vary according to age, length of exposure and genetics.
