Abstract
SiO2 nanoparticles (SNPs), which are abundant in water and are used for various applications, for example, as food additives and anticaking agents, are of growing concern because of their potential risk to human health. Research has reported low potential side effects in animal models treated with SNPs; however, a few in vivo studies have shown cause for concern. Presently, high-fat foods have changed our lives and increased the incidence rates of fatty liver, obesity, and overweight. This in vivo study was performed to evaluate the effects of SNPs in drinking water in concert with modern dietary habits. The research has reported that the presence of SNPs in drinking water with the consumption of a high-fat diet was associated with the accumulation of SNPs and triglycerides in liver tissue, elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in serum, activation of fibrosis and inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and the development of liver steatosis. The results showed that the long-term effect of SNPs in drinking water might induce fatty liver in conditions of modern dietary habits. This study investigated the risk of exposure to SNPs with modern dietary habits and provided important experimental evidence for the safety evaluation of SNPs, especially in human health.