Systemic effect of TiO2 micro- and nanoparticles after acute exposure in a murine model

Abstract

The surface of a biomedical implant can be a potential endogenous source of release of microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) into the biological environment. In addition, titanium particles from exogenous sources can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological response of the lung, liver, and kidneys to acute exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO2). Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with a suspension of 45 μm or 5 nm TiO2 particles. One month post-exposure, titanium concentration was determined spectrometrically (ICP-MS) in plasma and target organs. Blood smears and organ tissue samples were examined histopathologically, and oxidative metabolism was analyzed (superoxide anion by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) test; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); lipid peroxidation; paraoxonase 1). Liver (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) and kidney (urea, creatinine) function was evaluated using serum biochemical markers. Microchemical and histological analysis revealed the presence of particles, though no structural alterations, in TiO2-exposed groups. NBT test showed an increase in the percentage of reactive cells and antioxidant enzyme consumption in lung samples in the 45 μm and 5 nm TiO2-exposed groups. Only the 5 nm particles caused a decrease in SOD and CAT activity in the liver. No changes in renal oxidative metabolism were observed in either of the TiO2-exposed groups. Determination of serum biochemical markers and analysis of oxidative metabolism are not early bioindicators of tissue damage caused by TiO2 MPs and NPs.