Potential Toxic Effects of Exposure to Titanium Silicon Oxide Nanoparticles in Male Rats

Recently, nano titanium silicon oxide (TiSiO4 NPs) has been used in different fields and industries. Very few toxicological data exist for TiSiO4 NPs. In the present study, the potential adverse effects of oral exposure to a single dose of TiSiO4 NPs <= 50 nm (250 mg/kg b.w.) in adult male rats were investigated through the assessment of biomarkers for serum biochemical parameters, liver DNA damage, and histopathological examination and determination of Si and Ti in the exposed rat tissues. The results revealed that there were no significant changes in serum total protein, albumin, and triglycerides content, while total cholesterol level was significantly increased 7 days after exposure. TiSiO4 NPs significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the exposed rat serum, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, urea level, immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) concentrations, progesterone, and testosterone levels were significantly decreased. The liver comet assay indices were significantly increased after 7 days post-exposure. Moreover, histopathological changes and the accumulation of Si and Ti in liver, kidney, spleen, and lung tissues of treated rats were recorded.

Automated summary

The potential adverse effects of oral exposure to nano titanium silicon oxide (TiSiO4 NPs) were studied in adult male rats. The results showed that TiSiO4 NPs caused changes in biomarkers such as serum cholesterol levels and enzyme activities, as well as liver DNA damage and histopathological changes.