Despite the increasing number of neurotoxicological studies on metal-containing nanoparticles (NPs), the NP-induced neuroinflammation has not yet been well understood. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of inflammatory responses to two typical metal-containing NPs, namely silver NPs (Ag-NPs) and titanium dioxide NPs (TiO2-NPs). Ag-NPs and TiO2-NPs could translocate into the CNS through damaged blood-brain barrier, nerve afferent signaling and eye-to-brain ways, and even cell uptake. NPs could stimulate the activation of glial cells to release proinflammatory cytokines and generate reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production, resulting in the neuroinflammation. The potential mechanisms of Ag-NPs and TiO2-NPs causing inflammation are complex, including several immune response relevant signaling pathways. Some parameters governing their ability to cause neuroinflammation are presented as well.
Keywords: ROS; cytokines; glia; inflammation; nanotoxicology; neurotoxicology.