Repeated oral dose toxicity study of nickel oxide nanoparticles in Wistar rats: a histological and biochemical perspective

Abstract

Despite the increasing use of nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs), limited information is available on their toxicological effects. Health consequences of 28 days repeated oral exposure to NiO NPs have not been explored thoroughly. Hence, toxicity investigations were performed after 28‐day daily exposure in albino Wistar rats with NiO NPs following Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development test guideline 407. Histopathology, biochemical indices including oxidative stress and biodistribution patterns were evaluated to decipher the toxicological impact of NiO NPs. NiO NP characterization by transmission electron microscopy showed an average size of 12.9 (±3.4) nm. Histological studies depicted a prominent impact on the vital organs of the rats. A dose‐dependent rise in both aminotransferase enzyme values was recorded in the homogenates of liver and kidney tissues. A significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and increase in catalase activity was noted. Further, a dose‐dependent decrease in reduced glutathione content was recorded in rats, which suggested generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Increase in the malondialdehyde levels was observed with an increase in the dose substantiating the antioxidant enzyme activity profiles. Biodistribution studies indicated maximum accumulation of Ni content in liver followed by kidney. Excretion of Ni was predominantly through feces and a little through renal clearance. Our study indicated that NiO NPs adversely alter the biochemical profile of the rats and cause histological damage. Further investigations are warranted to address the mechanism by which physiological path these NiO NPs exhibit their toxic nature in in vivo.

Maternal and Fetal Toxicity-Induced by Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Administration in Albino Rats During Gestation

“…Our results are consistent with previous studies suggesting that genotoxicity of NiO NPs is attribute to the oxidative stress induced by excess ROS [60,[65][66][67]. Nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress leads to DNA damage and apoptosis [68].…”

“…The histological examination confirmed the prominent pathology in different tissues (placenta, liver, kidney, and brain) of pregnant rats and fetuses. These findings are in line with some recent in vivo studies revealed alterations in brain, liver, and kidney tissues [65], and in liver tissues [22]. We suggested that these findings might be attributed to the distribution of NiO NPs and Ni content in all the body organs, NiO NPs could be translocated to other body sites through systemic circulation following oral exposure as reported by Saquib et al,Qi et al,Dumala et al,Yokota et al,Sugamata et al,Jackson et al [22,41,65,[70][71][72].…”

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

“…The present study measured the tissue distribution of Ni NPs by ICP-MS and observed that Ni NPs accumulation in liver tissues in a dose-dependent manner after 28 days of exposure. Nickel nanoparticles’ content disseminates evenly after their exposure to the biological system (Dumala et al, 2019).…”

“…The phagocytic cells are linked with the reticuloendothelial system that is involved in NPs sequestration. The dose-dependent accumulation of Ni contents suggested that a higher dose of Ni NPs leads to more absorption and accumulation in the liver (Dumala et al, 2019; Nwokocha et al, 2011).…”

Assessing Risks Caused by Nickel-Containing Nanomaterials: Hazard Characterization in Vivo

“…Показано, в частности, что при ингаляции мышами C57BL/6 НЧ Ni(OH) 2 диаметром до 40 нм в течение 5 ч в дозе 100-900 мкг/м 3 в сонной артерии экспонированных животных снижалась вазоконстрикция под действием фенилэфрина и вазорелаксация в ответ на ацетилхолин. Тем самым даже относительно кратковременная ингаляционная экспозиция Ni-содержащими НЧ вызывает изменения в эндотелии больших сосудов, удаленных от места внедрения наноматериала в организм [38] Подострая пероральная токсичность и биораспределение НЧ NiO размером 13 нм для крыс Wistar были изучены в 28-суточном эксперименте [43]. Отмечены гистопатологические изменения в ряде внутренних органов, рост активности трансаминаз в гомогенатах печени и почек, снижение активности SOD и возрастание активности каталазы.…”