Hepatotoxicity induced by nanomaterials: mechanisms and in vitro models

Abstract

The unique physicochemical properties of materials at nanoscale have opened a plethora of opportunities for applications in the pharmaceutical and medical field, but also in consumer products from food and cosmetics industries. As a consequence, daily human exposure to nanomaterials through distinct routes is considerable and therefore may raise health concerns. Many nanomaterials have been described to accumulate and induce adversity in the liver. Among these, silica and some types of metallic nanoparticles are the most broadly used in consumer products and, therefore, the most studied and reported. The reviewed literature was collected from PubMed.gov during the month of March 2020 using the search words "nanomaterials induced hepatotoxicity", which yielded 181 papers. This present paper reviews the hepatotoxic effects of nanomaterials described in in vitro and in in vivo studies, with emphasis on the underlying mechanisms. The induction of oxidative stress and inflammation are the manifestations of toxicity most frequently reported following exposure of cells or animal models to different nanomaterials. Furthermore, the available in vitro models for the evaluation of the hepatotoxic effects of nanomaterials are discussed, highlighting the continuous interest in the development of more advanced and reliable in vitro models for nanotoxicology.

Antitumor Activity against Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma of Silver Nanoparticles: Influence of [Ag]/[PVP] Ratio

“…Liver, kidney, and spleen cells are most sensitive to AgNPs, as shown in Figure 4 . The higher sensitivity of these cells compared to the aorta, bone marrow, and heart cultures are related to their enhanced phagocytic capabilities to incorporate AgNPs, also favored by the tendency of AgNPs to accumulate in the liver regardless of the administration route [ 7 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ]. Enhanced cytotoxicity on phagocytic cells was also observed on spleen cultures, where a pronounced cell viability decrease was observed on monocytes without significant modification of lymphocyte viability ( Figure 4 g,h).…”

Nanosafety: An Evolving Concept to Bring the Safest Possible Nanomaterials to Society and Environment

“…The described mechanisms have been associated with nanomaterial-induced adverse effects in the liver [ 55 ] and the brain [ 56 ], among other organs, with important repercussions observed in the offspring as well [ 57 ]. Compared to bigger-sized homologous materials, the enlarged surface area of nanomaterials comes with increased reactivity, which seems to be the main driver for the observed overproduction of ROS.…”

Firing up the Tumor Microenvironment with Nanoparticle-Based Therapies

“…Unpredictable distribution is one of the dose-limiting factors. Due to concentration in reticuloendothelial system, several nanoparticles possess hepatotoxicity [ 106 ]. Moreover, the penetration of the blood–brain barrier causes relatively higher concentration of nanoparticles, especially when carrying cytotoxic agents in neuro system and neurotoxicity [ 107 ].…”