Biomarkers : biochemical indicators of exposure, response, and susceptibility to chemicals | 2021
Acute Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure impaired spatial cognitive performance through neurotoxic and oxidative mechanisms in Wistar rats.
Abstract
CONTEXT\nTitanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are used in many commercial products. However, their effects on human and animal organism remained to be clarified.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of TiO2-NPs on the behavioral performance, monoamine neurotransmitters and oxidative stress in the rat brain.\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\nRats were injected intravenously with a single dose of TiO2-NPs (20\u2009mg/kg body weight) and were subjected to cognitive and emotional tests using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze.\n\n\nRESULTS\nCognitive capacity as well as the emotional reactivity were significantly disrupted, in TiO2-NPs-administered rats compared to control group. These behavioral effects were correlated with changes in brain neurotransmitter contents reflected by a significant increase in dopamine and a decrease in serotonin levels. TiO2-NPs also induced oxidative stress in the brain manifested by increased levels of H2O2 and malondialdehyde, associated with antioxidant enzymes activities disturbance, in particular superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Moreover, TiO2-NPs administration caused histological damages in the brain tissue with abundant lymphocytic clusters, capillary dilations, vascular congestion and edema.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nAcute intravenous injection of TiO2-NPs impaired behavior performances through brain biochemical and structural changes and precautions should be taken to their usage in food additive and medical applications.