Development of the evaluation system for cardiovascular effects of fiber materials

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03935
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 58020:Hygiene and public health-related: including laboratory approach
• Research Institution: Jichi Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Sahoko Ichihara 自治医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (20378326)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 三瀬 名丹 自治医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (00360644) ; 池上 昭彦 自治医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (60748739) ; 市原 学 東京理科大学, 薬学部薬学科, 教授 (90252238)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ナノ素材 / 炭素繊維 / 血管内皮細胞 / 動脈硬化 / 炎症反応

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present study, we focused on the health effects of fibrous materials containing carbon nanotubes, which are expected to be applied in the various fields. We experimentally investigated their effects on the cardiovascular system, and carried out work environment measurements at carbon fiber processing factory in Japan. As a result, high-concentration exposure to carbon nanotubes induced arteriosclerotic plaque formation in mice, suggesting that the inflammation induced by inflammasomes was involved as the mechanism. Moreover, factory survey confirmed that respirable fibers with high aspect ratios are generated during carbon fiber processing. In order to ensure the safety of the working environment, it is important to confirm the appropriate use of local exhaust ventilation and a risk assessment of carbon fiber debris generated after grinding of carbon fibers.

Free Research Field

衛生学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ナノテクノロジーは、新材料創出、医療応用、地域温暖化防止に関係する環境技術等に応用可能であり、社会への貢献が期待される。反面、新たな物性を持つため、ナノレベルの材料は従来の測定法では有害性の定量評価が出来ず、ヒトに対する未知の有害性リスクを有する可能性が懸念され、生体影響に関するリスク評価が求められている。本研究により、産業技術の発展や新しいイノベーションの創造に期待されるナノテクノロジーにおいて、重大なリスクを回避して有効利用を可能にするために、並行して、安全性評価の実施が必要であることが明らかになった。