The Impact of Metal Nanoparticles on Female Reproductive System: Risks and Opportunities

Massimo Aloisi, Gianna Rossi, Sabrina Colafarina, Maurizio Guido, Sandra Cecconi () and Anna M. G. Poma
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Massimo Aloisi: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Gianna Rossi: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Sabrina Colafarina: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Maurizio Guido: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Sandra Cecconi: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Anna M. G. Poma: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-13

Abstract: Humans have always been exposed to tiny particles via dust storms, volcanic ash, and other natural processes, and our bodily systems are well adapted to protect us from these potentially harmful external agents. However, technological advancement has dramatically increased the production of nanometer-sized particles or nanoparticles (NPs), and many epidemiological studies have confirmed a correlation between NP exposure and the onset of cardiovascular diseases and various cancers. Among the adverse effects on human health, in recent years, potential hazards of nanomaterials on female reproductive organs have received increasing concern. Several animal and human studies have shown that NPs can translocate to the ovary, uterus, and placenta, thus negatively impacting female reproductive potential and fetal health. However, NPs are increasingly being used for therapeutic purposes as tools capable of modifying the natural history of degenerative diseases. Here we briefly summarize the toxic effects of few but widely diffused NPs on female fertility and also the use of nanotechnologies as a new molecular approach for either specific pathological conditions, such as ovarian cancer and infertility, or the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos.

Keywords: nanoparticles; reprotoxicity; cryopreservation; ovarian cancer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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