Hepatotoxicity and chromosomal abnormalities evaluation due to single and repeated oral exposures of chromium oxide nanoparticles in Wistar rats

Abstract

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have widespread uses ranging from nanoelectronics to nanotherapeutics. Because of their expanding industrial applications, a better understanding of their toxicity is needed. So far, limited reports are available on chromium oxide NPs (Cr2O3 NPs) toxicity. In this work, Cr2O3 NPs were synthesized and characterized in a sequential manner using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Dose- and time-dependent toxicity assessment of Cr2O3 NPs was carried out in Wistar rats by examining liver function biomarkers, tissue histopathology, micronuclei (MN) formation, and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in bone marrow along with sperm abnormalities. The results of this study demonstrated typical XRD and FTIR patterns of Cr2O3 NPs with a size of approximately 23.47 nm. Animals exposed to Cr2O3 NPs, exhibited a significant increase in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, and total bilirubin, signifying liver injury. Histopathology data also supported the marked alterations in the liver biochemistry of NPs-exposed animals. Further, an increase in the frequency of MN, CA, and sperm abnormalities suggested Cr2O3 NPs-mediated genotoxicity. It is, therefore, suggested that possible safety issues of Cr2O3 NPs should be addressed promptly with limited future use in occupational settings.