Chinese scientists have successfully identified and blocked the process by which microscopic nanoparticles cause lung cancer.

Despite the promising results of nanotechnology in science and medicine, the microscopic particles it employs have been found to have toxic effects on the lungs.

In a study published in the Journal of Molecular Cell Biology researchers discovered that ployamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAMs), a class of nanoparticles widely used in medicine, cause programmed cell death or autophagy.

Although Autophagy is a normal part of cell growth and renewal but its overactivity leads to cell death.

To block the damage to the lungs, which are the first site of nanoparticle migration, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, used an autophagy inhibitor known as 3MA. Animal tests on mice showed 3MA improved cell survival rates.

The revolutionary role of nanotechnology in the treatment of cancer and other diseases has made scientists search for ways to combat its side effects.

FYZ/HGH