A Comprehensive Assessment of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Engineered Nanoparticles- A Review

Abstract

Liver is the major detoxifying centre of the body. It removes xenobiotics and their metabolites through metabolism or biliary excretion. Hepatocytes constitute 80% of total liver mass and play a major role in storage, synthesis, metabolism and redistribution of essential molecules. Liver has been known to accumulate > 90% of nanomatrerials translocated from other organs. Bioconcentration of nanoparticles may lead to impairment of structure and function of hepatic cells. Therefore, it is critical to review the information available on NP induced hepatotoxicity, underline the gaps in our knowledge on their toxicity and propose future strategies for nanosafety. Present review discusses recent researches available on the hepatotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles viz. carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanoparticles of silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs), platinum (PtNPs), zinc oxide (ZnONPs), cadmium sulphide (CdSNPs), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 NPS), iron oxide (IONPs), copper (CuNPs), cerium oxide (CeO 2 NPs), silicon (SiO 2 NPs) and dendrimers in cell as well as animal models. In vitro and in vivo studies show that these NPs elicit specific effects on serum enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, gene expression and morphology of hepatocytes. Antioxidants like vitamin C and α lipoic acid can reverse the cell injury in some cases. Further, protective effects of ZnONPs and CeO 2 NPs against experimental hepato-carcinogenesis have also been highlighted. It is suggested that further efforts are required to address health issues concerned with nanomaterials.