Nanopathology: nano-sized particles in human tonsil tissues

Abstract

Background The 21st century opened with a revolution due to nanotechnology as special emerging technology. We have heard about nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine, nanomaterials, nanoparticles, etc. Applications of nanotechnologies in the field of medicine are growing rapidly. Areas such as disease diagnosis, drug delivery and molecular imaging are being investigated intensively. The aim of the study was to identify nano-sized particles in human tonsils tissues as an entering filter of air breathed. Methods Three main groups of tonsil samples were chosen for evaluation of the fine-particles presence. First group of samples were randomly selected tonsils of children undergoing “cold” tonsillectomy, second group tonsil samples of dead born children, and third group were tonsils with histologically proved spinocellular carcinoma. Dehydrated tissue samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscope with X-ray microanalysis (SEMEDX), which enabled analysis of particles morphology and elemental composition. Results Presence of various nanostructured metallic agglomerates in all groups assessed was confirmed. Dominant metals found almost in all tissues analyzed were iron and zinc. Differences were found between groups of various age, lifestyle, living environment affected by industrial processes and last but not least diagnose. Conclusion(s) The study allowed to ascertain that environmental pollution may strongly affect human health. Through SEM-EDX analysis it was possible to verify character and composition of particles, unintentionally released into the environment by industrial processes and road traffic, which were present in pathological tissues.