Title: Toxic effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the cardiovascular system: state of art

Authors: Antonio Pietroiusti, Ivo Iavicoli, Antonio Bergamaschi, Andrea Magrini

Addresses: Department of Biopathology-Occupational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy. ' Institute of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. ' Institute of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. ' Department of Biopathology-Occupational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy

Abstract: Engineered single-walled carbon nanotubes are a new class of synthetic compounds in the nanometric scale, with unusual chemical and physical characteristics, which make them a very promising material in different industrial and biomedical fields. Their use is predicted to increase exponentially in the next few years. Given their similarity to the ultrafine component of air pollution, there is concern for untoward effects on human health, especially in occupational and environmental settings. This review analyses the available findings on their possible toxicity on the cardiovascular system, a potential important target after human exposure. In particular, we have critically evaluated data on the possible pathophysiological pathways triggered by these particles.

Keywords: single-walled carbon nanotubes; CNT; cardiovascular system; coagulation; thrombosis; atheroma formation; systemic inflammation; endothelial damage; endothelial dysfunction; oxidative damage; cardiovascular cells; autonomic cardiovascular control; environmental health; toxicity; nanotechnology; nanomaterials; health hazards; occupational health; nanoparticles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2009.028592

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2009 Vol.3 No.3, pp.264 - 274

Published online: 19 Sep 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article