Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Critical Review of the Literature and Possible Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract

Background: Over the last decades, the exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) has increased due to the wide application in industry, food adduct, medicine, cosmetic products, etc. Literature review showed that the TiO₂ NPs exert toxic effects on several organs.

Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE and the other databases with the following keywords, “titanium dioxide nanoparticle”, “TiO₂ NPs”, “myocardial infarction”, “endothelial”, “blood pressure”, “heart” and “cardiovascular”, and reviewed the literature by focusing on the toxic effects of TiO₂ NPs on the cardiovascular system, and possible underlying mechanism.

Results: The toxic effects of TiO₂ NPs on the cardiovascular system are controversial but some possible mechanisms were proposed. TiO₂ NPs and nanoparticle-derived titanium induce cardiac injury, endothelial dysfunction and increase blood pressure and heart rate. These effects are mediated via systemic or local oxidative stress and inflammation.

Conclusion: The TiO₂ NPs toxicity is dependent on cell type and particle characteristic, and the controversial results may be due to these variables. However, a growing body of evidence confirmed the possible TiO₂ NPs toxicity on the cardiovascular system.

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