Scientists at Rutgers University are studying factors that affect low-birth-weight babies and found that inhaled nanoparticles can cross a natural protective barrier.
The scientists were able to track the movement of titanium dioxide-based particles through the bodies of pregnant rats. Some of the rodents escaped the initial barrier after they were exposed to the nanoparticles. The particles flowed through the placentas, which are used to protect the fetus.
The particles are small and hard to find, and we found evidence using some specialized techniques. The particles do not act as a barrier to the placenta. The lungs do not.
Most nanoparticles are engineered. These particles are used in thousands of products. They can enhance the effectiveness of drugs and make lightweight products.
The diameter of a single human hair is less than 100 nanometers, which is why they are called nanoparticles. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, nanoscale materials are poorly understood, with little known about the potential effects on human health and the environment.
Scientists were surprised to find titanium dioxide in the rats that hadn't been given nanoparticles to inhale. The food given to the animals contained titanium dioxide. The researchers were able to observe the path the metal took through the rat's body.
The causes of low birth weight in human infants were investigated. Babies weighing less than 5.5 pounds can suffer health effects throughout their lives.
One theory is that mothers who give birth to babies with low birth weights may have breathing problems. Blood flow in the uterus may be affected by the resulting inflammation.
The transfer of nanoparticles from the mother's lungs to the fetus will help inform future studies.
The Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy had Rutgers authors on the paper.
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Rutgers University provided the materials. The original was written by Kitta MacPherson. Content can be edited for style and length.
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