The role of bioactive agents in enhancing the defense response to nanoparticle toxicity (a literature review)

Introduction. Ubiquity of nanoparticles (NPs) necessitates the increase in the resistance and tolerance of the human body to their toxic effects. The exposure to nanoparticles can occur not only in the occupational setting but also because of environmental pollution and a purposeful use of nanomaterials (e.g., in medicine and cosmetology). Impossibility of elimination of nanoparticle exposure and its adverse health effects at the current stage of technological development makes the problem even more urgent. Our objective was to study the ability of bioactive agents (vitamins, macro- and microelements, flavonoids, etc.) to enhance the defense response to nanoparticle toxicity. Material and methods. The analysis and generalization of modern scientific research is carried out. To review and summarize data of recent scientific studies, we have done a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search engines, as well as Russian scientific electronic libraries eLibrary.ru and Cyberleninka.ru. The inclusion criteria were information about adverse health effects of nano-sized particles (1–100 nm) and attenuation of their toxicity using bioprotectors in experimental animals. After primary screening of more than 70 publications, we selected thirty-six articles for the review. Results. The ability of bioactive agents to increase the resistance of a living organism, including warm-blooded mammals, to nanoparticle exposure has been demonstrated. We established a protective effect of vitamin E against nephrotoxicity of gold NPs and toxicity of silver NPs; vitamin C against the hepatotoxic effect of titanium (IV) oxide NPs and reproductive toxicity of nickel NPs, and B vitamins against toxic effects of zinc oxide NPs. We have also found evidence of a protective effect of selenium against silver NPs, including cardioprotective ones. Flavonoids (hesperidin and quercetin) demonstrated protective effects against nephro-, neuro- and hepatotoxicity of nanoparticles. In addition, we noted their positive role in repair of mitochondrial dysfunction. L-arginine also showed the ability to attenuate poisoning induced by Au NPs. Limitations of the study. We reviewed open access Russian and English-language publications. Conclusion. This literature review facilitates identification of the most effective ways to increase the resistance and tolerance of a living organism to adverse health effects of nanoparticles.