Investigation of the Immunotoxicological Effects of Metal Oxide Particles, Especially ZnO Inhalation

Abstract

Metal fume fever is a well-known occupational disease primarily arising from prolonged exposure to zinc oxide-containing fumes. It poses a significant risk to welders, foundry workers, and galvanizing laborers, potentially affecting millions worldwide. Despite numerous studies on the pathomechanism, a precise understanding still remains elusive. In this study, the literary background of the disease is investigated and animal experiments were designed and performed to gain deeper understanding of the pathomechanism of the metal fume fever. According to the literature, one of the currently accepted theories suggests that once zinc oxide nanoparticles penetrate the alveoli and enter the lysosomes of the cells, where it is ionised in the acidic environment, disrupting the integrity of the lysosome membrane and leading to the release of reactive oxygen species These, through the activation of nuclear factor kappa B transcriptional signaling, result in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, manifesting the symptoms of metal fume fever.