Abstract

In vivo and in vitro genotoxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs): A comprehensive review

Authors: Rabia Maqsood, Arooj Ali, Babur Ejaz Sial, Nimra Aslam, Yasir Mehmood, Ghulam Mustafa, Tariq Sohail and Muhammad Farhab

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2023.015

Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively utilized in various consumer products, raising concerns about their potential impacts on human health. Although cytotoxic impacts of ZnO NPs on mammalian cells have been well-documented, their genotoxicity remains a topic of ongoing research with conflicting outcomes in existing literature. This comprehensive review seeks to offer a unified overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the genotoxic impacts of ZnO NPs on both humans and animals. The review focuses on elucidating the molecular processes underlying genotoxic events caused by ZnO NPs and considers the influence of nanoparticle size and form on their interactions with biological systems. Notably, oxidative DNA damage induced by dissolved Zn+2 ions emerge as a primary mechanism in in vitro analysis, showcasing the genotoxic potential of ZnO NPs. However, the majority of studies concentrate on acute exposure scenarios, leaving a critical gap in understanding the consequences of long- term exposure, which could shed light on intracellular bioaccumulation, DNA repair processes, and cellular survival mechanisms. While evidence suggests that ZnO NPs possess genotoxic properties, further investigations, particularly in extended exposure periods, are essential for assessing the risk posed by these NPs in both animal and human DNA integrity comprehensively.

Keywords: Genotoxicity; Metal Oxides Exposure; Acute toxicity Intracellular