Nickel nanoparticles induce hepatotoxicity via oxidative and nitrative stress-mediated apoptosis and inflammation

Abstract

Nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) are utilized extensively in various industrial applications. However, there are increasing concerns about potential exposure to Ni NPs and consequent health effects. The aim of this study was to assess Ni NPs-induced liver toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty-five rats were exposed to Ni NPs via intraperitoneal injection at doses of 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg per body weight for 28 days. Results from ICP-MS analysis showed an increase in the concentration of Ni NPs in a dose-dependent manner. The liver dysfunction was indicated by considerable production of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, and TB in Ni NPs-treated rats. Histological examination demonstrated liver injuries (inflammatory cells, congestion, necrosis, and pyknosis) in exposed rats with dose-dependent severity of pathologies by semi-quantitative histograding system. To explore the toxicological pathways, we examined oxidative stress biomarkers and detected Ni NPs significantly elevated the levels of MDA and LPO while decreasing the levels of CAT and GSH. All the changes in biomarkers were recorded in a dose-dependent relationship. In addition, we found upregulated NF-kβ indicating activation of inflammatory cytokines. ELISA results of serum revealed a remarkable increase of nitrative stress markers (iNOS and NO), ATPase activity, inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), and apoptotic mediators (caspase-3 and caspase-9) in Ni NPs-treated groups than the control. In summary, the result of this study provided evidence of hepatotoxicity of Ni NPs and insightful information about the involved toxic pathways, which will help in health risk assessment and management, related preventive measures for the use of Ni-NPs materials.

Heavy Metals, Halogenated Hydrocarbons, Phthalates, Glyphosate, Cordycepin, Alcohol, Drugs, and Herbs, Assessed for Liver Injury and Mechanistic Steps

“…This is associated with a depletion of the hepatic glutathione levels [23] and nickel accumulation in the liver [196]. Finally, liver injury by nickel nanoparticles can also be triggered by nitrative stress, causing apoptosis and inflammation [197]. Evidence for the nitrative stress was provided by increased specific stress markers like iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) or NO (nitric oxide) [197].…”

“…Finally, liver injury by nickel nanoparticles can also be triggered by nitrative stress, causing apoptosis and inflammation [197]. Evidence for the nitrative stress was provided by increased specific stress markers like iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) or NO (nitric oxide) [197]. Studies with the zebrafish model failed to provide additional conceptual views on initiation or perpetuation the nickel injury [198].…”

Nickel induces hepatotoxicity by mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy dysfunction

“…17,18 The hepatotoxicology mechanism of Ni mainly focus on the oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and inflammation. 17,[19][20][21][22] Also, our previous studies have showed that dietary NiCl 2 in excess of 300 mg/kg can cause apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inflammatory in the liver of broilers. 17 And, NiCl 2 treatment could induce hepatocellular ferroptosis.…”

Aluminum, Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Platinum, Thallium, Titanium, Vanadium, and Zinc: Molecular Aspects in Experimental Liver Injury

“…This was associated with both, depletion of the hepatic glutathione levels [ 12 ] and Ni accumulation in the liver [ 82 ]. Liver injury by Ni nanoparticles was also triggered by nitrative stress, causing apoptosis and inflammation [ 83 ]. Evidence for the nitrative stress concept was provided by augmented specific stress markers like iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) or NO (nitric oxide).…”