Assessment of Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles Intake in Rattus norvegicus by Primary Renal Function Markers and RBC Architecture

Abstract

Haematological tests are signifi cant diagnostic tools that are equally valuable as indicators of toxic insult or stress due to xenobiotics and environmental fl uctuations. Present study was designed to investigate alterations in primary renal function markers, pathological changes in kidneys and variations in RBCs shape of male wistar rats due to chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr 2 O 3 NPs) exposure. Cr 2 O 3 NPs are transition metal oxide NPs which are widely being used as catalysts, pigments and coating materials. Therefore, toxicological evaluation is fundamental with respect to their increasing applications. In the current study, synthesis of Cr 2 O 3 NPs was accomplished by sol -gel method and characterized in sequential manner by electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). TEM analysis revealed size -distribution of test NPs in the range 22.50 ± 1.76 nm. SEM represented the morphological features with high homogeneity of sample NPs validating Cr 2 O 3 NPs synthesis. Toxicological fi ndings revealed deviations in renal function test of treated rats with respect to the control group indicative of kidney damage. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was found to be signifi cantly higher (p < 0.05) after 14 days high dose exposure in comparison to control rats. Extensive changes in kidneys architecture were noted after repeated exposures to high dose. Various structural deformations of RBCs including tear drop cells, bite cells, elliptocytes, echinocytes etc were also observed. Results of present investigations, though preliminary but clearly demonstrate that oral administration of Cr 2 O 3 NPs induces biochemical changes consequently leading to alterations in renal function parameters and RBC shapes of exposed rats.