With the rapid progress of nanotechnology, various nanoparticles (NPs) have been applicated in our daily life. In the field of nanotechnology, metal-based NPs are an important component of engineered NPs, including metal and metal oxide NPs, with a variety of biomedical applications. However, the unique physicochemical properties of metal-based NPs confer not only promising biological effects but also pose unexpected toxic threats to human body at the same time. For safer application of metal-based NPs in humans, we should have a comprehensive understanding of NP toxicity. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge about metal-based NPs, including the physicochemical properties affecting their toxicity, mechanisms of their toxicity, their toxicological assessment, the potential strategies to mitigate their toxicity and current status of regulatory movement on their toxicity. Hopefully, in the near future, through the convergence of related disciplines, the development of nanotoxicity research will be significantly promoted, thereby making the application of metal-based NPs in humans much safer.

Thrombospondin (TSP)‑1 and TSP‑2 are matricellular proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which serve a significant role in the pathological processes of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The multiple effects of TSP‑1 and TSP‑2 are due to their ability to interact with various ligands, such as structural components of the ECM, cytokines, cellular receptors, growth factors, proteases and other stromal cell proteins. TSP‑1 and TSP‑2 regulate the structure and activity of the aforementioned ligands by interacting directly or indirectly with them, thereby regulating the activity of different types of cells in response to environmental stimuli. The pathological processes of numerous CVDs are associated with the degradation and remodeling of ECM components, and with cell migration, dysfunction and apoptosis, which may be regulated by TSP‑1 and TSP‑2 through different mechanisms. Therefore, investigating the role of TSP‑1 and TSP‑2 in different CVDs and the potential signaling pathways they are associated with may provide a new perspective on potential therapies for the treatment of CVDs. In the present review, the current understanding of the roles TSP‑1 and TSP‑2 serve in various CVDs were summarized. In addition, the interacting ligands and the potential pathways associated with these thrombospondins in CVDs are also discussed.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently one of the primary causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Nanoparticles (NPs) are playing increasingly important roles in regulating stem cell behavior because of their special features, including shape, size, aspect ratio, surface charge, and surface area. In terms of cardiac disease, NPs can facilitate gene delivery in stem cells, track the stem cells in vivo for long-term monitoring, and enhance retention after their transplantation. The advantages of applying NPs in peripheral vascular disease treatments include facilitating stem cell therapy, mimicking the extracellular matrix environment, and utilizing a safe non-viral gene delivery tool. However, the main limitation of NPs is toxicity, which is related to their size, shape, aspect ratio, and surface charge. Currently, there have been many animal models proving NPs’ potential in treating CVD, but no extensive applications of stem-cell therapy using NPs are available in clinical practice. In conclusion, NPs might have significant potential uses in clinical trials of CVD in the future, thereby meeting the changing needs of individual patients worldwide.