Preclinical Evaluation of Protective Effects of Terpenoids Against Nanomaterial‐Induced Toxicity: A Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

Terpenoids, the largest class of natural products, have been demonstrated to confer antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and antitumor activities. However, whether terpenoids benefit populations exposed to nanomaterials through these mechanisms remains unclear. This meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effects of terpenoids in preclinical models with nanomaterial exposure. Electronic database searching identified 39 studies. The meta‐analysis by Stata 15.0 showed that terpenoid supplementation significantly improved cell viability and altered oxidative stress (decreased ROS, NO, MDA, and TOC and increased SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, GSH‐Px, and TAC)–, inflammation (decreased IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, NF‐κB, monocytes, and increased IL‐10)–, apoptosis (reduced Bax, caspase‐3, caspase‐9, P53, and elevated Bcl‐2)–, genotoxic (reduced tail length, % tail DNA, tail moment, DNA fragmentation, chromosomal aberration, and MNPCEs)–, liver function (reduced ALT, AST, and ALP)–, renal function (reduced creatinine, urea, and uric acid)–, reproductive function (increased sperm count, testosterone, Johnsen's score, and number of progeny)–, lipid profile (lower cholesterol, TG, LDL, and higher HDL)–, and carcinogenesis (downregulated AFP and CEA)–related biomarkers induced by nanomaterials. Subgroup analysis indicated that monoterpenoids and tetraterpenoids were particularly effective. Collectively, terpenoids may be a promising candidate for prevention of toxicities caused by nanomaterials.