Medicina molecular y genética

Genetic and Epigenetic Effects of Nanoparticles

Abstract

Yixin Yao and Max Costa

Nanoparticles can occur naturally or be intentionally engineered. The field of nanotechnology has varied influence on industry and segments of our daily life. The health effects associated with human exposure to nanoparticles remains elusive and very little has been done with respect to investigate the genetic and epigenetic effects of nanomaterials. This is especially concerning given their wide spread applications in the modern world. We reviewed recent findings of genetic and epigenetic effects of several common nanoparticles that humans are commonly exposed to. Problems and concerns existing in current nano-toxic studies are addressed and discussed