Histologic and apoptotic changes induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the livers of rats

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles are among the top five nanoparticles used in consumer products, paints, and pharmaceutical preparations. Given that exposure to such nanoparticles is mainly via the skin and inhalation, the present study was conducted in male Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Our aim was to investigate the effect of TiO 2 nanoparticles on hepatic tissue in an attempt to understand their toxicity and the potential effect of their therapeutic and diagnostic use. To investigate the effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles on liver tissue, 30 healthy male Wistar albino rats were exposed to TiO 2 nanoparticles at doses of 63 mg, 126 mg, and 252 mg per animal for 24 and 48 hours. Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activity was altered. Changes in hepatocytes can be summarized as hydropic degeneration, cloudy swelling, fatty degeneration, portal and lobular infiltration by chronic inflammatory cells, and congested dilated central veins. The histologic alterations observed might be an indication of hepatocyte injury due to the toxicity of TiO 2 nanoparticles, resulting in an inability to deal with accumulated residues from the metabolic and structural disturbances caused by these nanoparticles. The appearance of cytoplasmic degeneration and destruction of nuclei in hepatocytes suggests that TiO 2 nanoparticles interact with proteins and enzymes in hepatic tissue, interfering with antioxidant defense mechanisms and leading to generation of reactive oxygen species which, in turn, may induce stress in hepatocytes, promoting atrophy, apoptosis, and necrosis. More immunohistochemical and ultrastructural investigations are needed in relation to TiO 2 nanoparticles and their potential effects when used as therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

Quercetin Effects on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Rats

“…NTiO 2 induced apoptosis in mouse epidermal (JB6) and human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cell lines (27). Alarifi et al have also demonstrated apoptotic effects of NTiO 2 in the liver of rats (28). In the present study, QCT intensively decreased the apoptotic index in the liver of rats exposed to NTiO 2 .…”

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Increase Superoxide Anion Production by Acting on NADPH Oxidase

“…They are known to enhance superoxide production in osteoblasts [ 16 ]. TiO 2 NPs were shown to interact with proteins and enzymes in hepatic tissues, interfering with antioxidant defense mechanisms and leading to generation of ROS [ 57 ]. Since NADPH oxidase is a major actor of oxidative stress by producing superoxide ions, it was evident that investigating the effect of TiO 2 NPs on this enzyme constitutes a relevant issue.…”

In vivo DNA damaging and apoptotic potential of silver nanoparticles in Swiss albino mice

“…Paraffin sections (4–5 μm) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin by using the conventional histological and staining method. 15 Stained sections of control and treated mice were observed, and the photos were taken by using the optical microscope to view alterations in the architecture, the hepatocytes, and the sinusoids and to detect the presence of degeneration, necrosis, fatty change, and portal fibrosis.…”