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Title: Possible role of nano-sized particles in chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar carcinoma: a pilot study
Date: 2/2013
  Link to Journal Abstract
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the palatine tonsils of patients with chronic tonsillitis and spinocellular carcinoma to determine the presence of nano-sized particles. Tonsil samples from adult patients with chronic tonsillitis and spinocellular carcinoma of the palatine tonsil were dried and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope with the X-ray microprobe of an energy-dispersive spectroscope. Demographic data and smoking histories were obtained. The principal metals found in almost all tissues analyzed were iron, chromium, nickel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. No significant difference in elemental composition was found between the group of patients with chronic tonsillitis and the group with spinocellular carcinoma of the palatine tonsil. Likewise, no significant difference was found between the group of smokers and the group of nonsmokers. The presence of various micro- and nano-sized metallic particles in human tonsils was confirmed. These particles may potentially cause an inflammatory response as well as neoplastic changes in human palatine tonsils similar to those occurring in the lungs. Further and more detailed studies addressing this issue, including studies designed to determine the chemical form of the metals detected, studies devoted to quantitative analysis, biokinetics, and to the degradation and elimination of nanoparticles are needed for a more detailed prediction of the relation between the diagnosis and the presence of specific metal nanoparticles in tonsillar tissue.
Non-technical Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the palatine tonsils of patients with chronic tonsillitis and spinocellular carcinoma to determine the presence of nano-sized particles. Tonsil samples from adult patients with chronic tonsillitis and spinocellular carcinoma of the palatine tonsil were dried and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope with the X-ray microprobe of an energy-dispersive spectroscope.
Content Emphasis Peer Reviewed Journal Article
Exposure Or Hazard Target Mammalian
Exposure Pathway Other/Unspecified
Method Of Study Material Analysis and Applications
Paper Type Hazard
Particle Type Other/Unspecified
Production Method Incidental
Risk Exposure Group General Population
Target Audience Technical Research
Citation: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 270(2): 705-709 (February 2013)
Publication: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Author: Zelenik K, Kukutschova J, Dvorackova J, Bielnikova H, Peikertova P, Cabalova L, Kominek P
Volume: 270
Number: 2
Pages: 705-709
     


Last updated on March 20, 2013
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This work is supported in part by the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Initiative of the National Science Foundation
under NSF Award Number EEC-0118007.

 		 
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