Toxicokinetics of nanoparticles under chronic inhalation exposure (literature review)

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Abstract

The intensive use of nanomaterials and their unique physicochemical characteristics determine the relevance of establishing their effects on the body. Nanoparticles (NPs) are able to penetrate deep into the lungs causing pathophysiological response, but the patterns of their intrapulmonary biodistribution remain understudied. Our objective was to analyze recent publications describing the main routes of entry and pulmonary distribution of nanoparticles in mammals following inhalation exposure.We analyzed scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals since 2000, indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and found using PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary, and CyberLeninka. Studies of toxicokinetics of particles larger than 100 nm were not eligible for inclusion in the review.We found unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and exposure duration to contribute the most to the development and course of pathological processes. Cells of the immune system, especially macrophages, play a major role in the distribution, clearance, and deposition of inhaled NPs. Elimination of nanoparticles usually occurs through the mucociliary escalator, either by phagocytosis or translocation to other organs and tissues.Conclusion. A wide range of adverse effects of nanoparticles on living systems necessitates further research concerning the patterns of their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics.Contribution: Shabardina L.V. – data collection and processing, draft manuscript preparation; Bateneva V.A. – data collection and processing; Sutunkova M.P., Minigalieva I.A. – study conception and design, editing; Fedotova L.A. – editing. All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of its final version.Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.Funding. The study had no sponsorship.Received: March 18, 2025 / Accepted: April 29, 2025 / Published: June 27, 2025

About the authors

Lada V. Shabardina

Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers

Email: lada.shabardina@mail.ru

Vlada A. Bateneva

Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers

Marina P. Sutunkova

Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers; Ural State Medical University

Email: sutunkova@ymrc.ru

Ilzira A. Minigalieva

Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers

Email: ilzira@ymrc.ru

Lionella A. Fedotova

Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers; Centre for Strategic Planning, of the Federal medical and biological agency

Email: LFedotova@cspmz.ru

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