REVIEW PAPER
Are platinum nanoparticles safe to human health?
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Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Chemical Safety)
Online publication date: 2019-05-24
Corresponding author
Ewelina Czubacka
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Chemical Safety,
św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź, Poland
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2019;70(4):487-95
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ABSTRACT
Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have been widely used not only in industry, but above all in medicine and diagnostics. However,
there are disturbing reports related to the toxic effects of nanoplatinum, which is the main reason why the authors of this study
have decided to review and analyze literature data related to its toxicity and impact on human health. While PtNPs may be absorbed by the respiratory and digestive tract, and can penetrate through the epidermis, there is no evidence concerning their
absorption through the skin. Platinum nanoparticles accumulate mainly in the liver and spleen although they also reach other
internal organs, such as lungs, kidneys or heart. Toxicokinetics of platinum nanoparticles depends strongly on the particle size.
Only few studies regarding platinum nanoparticles toxicity have been conducted. Animals intratracheally exposed to platinum
nanoparticles have demonstrated an increased level of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage which confirms
inflammatory response in the lungs. Oral administration of PtNPs can cause inflammatory response and induce oxidative stress.
Nanoplatinum has been found to induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via the intravenous route. It can cause DNA damage
and cellular apoptosis without significant cytotoxicity. There are no research studies on its carcinogenicity. Fetal or maternal toxicity has not been observed, but an increased mortality and a decreased growth of the offspring have been demonstrated. Platinum
nanoparticles may permeate the skin barrier but there is no evidence for their absorption. Due to the insufficient number of tests
that have been carried out to date, it is not possible to clearly determine the occupational exposure limit value; however, caution
is recommended to employees exposed to their effects. Med Pr. 2019;70(4):487–95