Silver nanoparticles in everyday products may harm heart tissue
Aditya MR, Hogipranata MO, Adriansyah V, Muhammad AR, Baheera KD
Phytoremediation
Some of the plant extracts gardeners use to make silver nanoparticles at home or read about in eco-friendly product marketing are part of the same class of particles this review flags for heart and blood vessel damage.
Silver nanoparticles are tiny metal particles used in bandages, deodorants, and other products because they kill germs. This review pulls together dozens of animal and lab studies showing that once these particles get into the bloodstream, they can pile up in heart and blood vessel tissue and cause real damage, from irregular heartbeats to inflamed vessels. Interestingly, when the particles are made using plant extracts instead of harsh chemicals, some studies found they were gentler on the heart, though the overall picture still points to risk.
Key Findings
Review synthesized 38 preclinical studies (35 in vivo, 3 in vitro) on AgNP cardiovascular effects
Exposure caused bradycardia, atrioventricular conduction block, and impaired heart contractility linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction
AgNPs triggered endothelial activation (VCAM-1, ICAM-1 upregulation) and vascular dysfunction including impaired vasorelaxation and abnormal angiogenesis via VEGF dysregulation
chevron_right Technical Summary
A review of 38 lab studies finds that silver nanoparticles, common in medical devices and consumer products, build up in heart and blood vessel tissue and can cause oxidative stress, irregular heartbeats, and vessel damage.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Toxicity Induced by Silver Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as one of the most widely used nanomaterials in medical and consumer products, yet their cardiovascular safety remains inadequately characterized. While th...
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