Extra-Pulmonary Translocation of Exogenous Ambient Nanoparticles in the Human Body

As one of the major pollutants in the air, ambient fine particles are gaining considerable attention in terms of public health concerns. Significant progress has been achieved in recent years in understanding the biological effects and mechanisms of ambient fine particles. The airborne particles can enter the human body through various pathways and translocate to a range of different organs and further stay in these organs for extended periods. Current studies are making substantial achievements, while many challenges remain. On one hand, the whole picture of the concurrent exposure pathways and the translocation of particles in the human body should be explored, requiring technological advances and systematic biobanking of human samples for analysis. On the other hand, the correlation between the environmental exposure concentration of ambient particles and internal fate (i.e., dose, distribution patterns, and kinetics) of invasive particles needs to be investigated. Moreover, the biotransformation of particles in vivo should be considered, and more information is needed to differentiate exogenous particles from biological macromolecules and biogenically formed particles. We recapitulate the current knowledge gaps in understanding the fate of exogenous ambient fine particles in extra pulmonary organs of the human body and the related biological effects and also propose future research directions to support both fundamental studies and policy making.

Automated summary

Ambient fine particles, as a major air pollutant, have generated significant concerns regarding public health. Recent studies have made progress in understanding their biological effects and mechanisms. However, challenges remain in investigating exposure pathways, translocation in the human body, and the correlation between environmental exposure concentration and internal fate of particles. Furthermore, more research is needed on particle biotransformation and differentiation from biological macromolecules. This review highlights the current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support fundamental studies and policy making.