Nephrotoxic effect of titanium dioxide nano particles in rats: assessed by biochemical and molecular changes

Nanoparticles have many characteristics that make them suitable for biological and medical applications. Uptake of these nanoparticulate into animals and humans by different routes and may exhibit potential side effects, lags behind the rapid development of nanotechnology. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common additive that is increasingly used in consumer products, food, pharmaceutical dosage forms and cosmetic articles. In this study, the effects of oral administration of TiO2 nanoparticles (500 mg| kg .bwt) for 60 days were investigated on kidney function and histology. The body weight gain and kidney/body weight ratio showed no significant changes in comparison with control group. There was a significant decrease in total thiol levels in kidney homogenate, the biochemical investigation was supported by histopathological examination. In conclusion the data shows that the oral administration of TiO2 NPs may lead to renal toxicity in experimental rats.