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Morphological and Chemical Mechanisms of Elongated Mineral Particle Toxicities
Citation:
AUST, A. E., P. M. COOK, AND R. F. DODSON. Morphological and Chemical Mechanisms of Elongated Mineral Particle Toxicities. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH - PART B: CRITICAL REVIEWS. Taylor & Francis, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, 14:40-75, (2011).
Impact/Purpose:
To document research results
Description:
Much of our understanding regarding the mechanisms for induction of disease following inhalation of respirable elongated mineral particles (REMPs) is based on studies involving the biological effects of asbestos fibers. The factors governing the disease potential of an exposure include: duration and frequency of exposures; tissue-specific dose over time; impacts on dose persistence from in vivo REMP dissolution, comminution, and clearance; individual susceptibility; and the mineral type and surface characteristics. The mechanisms associated with asbestos particle toxicity involve two facets for each particle’s contribution: 1.the physical features of the inhaled REMP which include width, length, aspect ratio and effective surface area available for cell contact; 2.the surface chemical composition and reactivity of the individual fiber/elongated particle. Studies in cell-free systems and with cultured cells so far suggest an important way in which asbestos particles damage cellular molecules or influence cellular processes may be an unfortunate combination of the ability of the minerals to chemically generate potentially damaging reactive oxygen species, through surface iron, and the interaction of the unique surfaces with cell membranes to trigger membrane receptor activation. Together these events appear to lead to a cascade of cellular events, including the production of damaging reactive nitrogen species, which may contribute to the disease process. Thus, there is a need to be more cognizant of the potential impact that the total surface area of REMPS contributes to the generation of events resulting in pathological changes in biological systems. The information presented has applicability to inhaled dusts, in general, and specifically to respirable elongated mineral particles.