Recently, there have been several studies indicating that iron-based nanomaterials may exhibit certain toxic properties. Compared to conventional iron and iron oxides, iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) have some unique physical and chemical traits which impact their absorption, biodistribution and elimination. Facilitated passage through biological barriers enables FeNPs to reach various tissues and cells, and interact with a variety of different compounds. Currently, most of the recent research is focused on the potential cytotoxicity of FeNPs, and its implications on cell viability and functions. Some studies suggested that, in certain cell types, FeNPs may increase levels of oxidative stress and induce generation of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress may be one of the most important mechanisms by which FeNPs exhibit cytotoxic effects. Some authors have also suggested that, in certain conditions, exposure to FeNPs, in combination with other factors, may lead to changes in intracellular signaling resulting in programmed cell death. In this short review, we focus on the recent research on potential cytotoxicity of iron-based nanomaterials, and the potential implications of this new knowledge in medicine, chemistry and biology.

中文翻译：

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铁基纳米颗粒及其潜在毒性：关注氧化应激和细胞凋亡。

近来，已有几项研究表明铁基纳米材料可能表现出某些毒性。与常规的铁氧化物和铁氧化物相比，铁纳米颗粒（FeNPs）具有一些独特的物理和化学特性，会影响其吸收，生物分布和消除。通过生物屏障的便利传递使FeNPs可以到达各种组织和细胞，并与各种不同的化合物相互作用。当前，大多数近期研究集中在FeNPs的潜在细胞毒性及其对细胞生存力和功能的影响。一些研究表明，在某些细胞类型中，FeNPs可能会增加氧化应激水平并诱导产生活性氧。氧化应激可能是FeNPs表现出细胞毒性作用的最重要机制之一。一些作者还建议，在某些条件下，与其他因素结合使用FeNPs可能会导致细胞内信号传导变化，从而导致程序性细胞死亡。在这篇简短的评论中，我们重点研究铁基纳米材料潜在的细胞毒性的最新研究，以及这一新知识在医学，化学和生物学领域的潜在影响。