Hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles trigger oxidative stress by modulating thiol/disulfide homeostasis

Abstract

Background: Hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles (hBN NPs) are encouraging nanomaterials with unique chemical properties in medicine and biomedical fields. Until now, the optimal hBN NP’s dosage and biochemical mechanism that can be used for in vivo systems has not been fully revealed. The main aim of this article is to reveal characteristics, serum and tissue interactions and any acute cytotoxic effect of different dose of hBN NPs for the first time. Methods: hBN NPs at concentrations varying between 50–3200 µg/kg was administered by intravenous injection to Wistar albino rats (n = 80) divided into seven dosage and control groups. Blood and tissue samples were taken after 24 hours. Results: Our findings suggested that higher doses hBN NPs caused oxidative stress on the serum of rats dose-dependently. However, hBN NPs did not affect thiol/disulfide homeostasis on kidney, liver, spleen, pancreas and heart tissue of rats. Furthermore, hBN NPs increased serum disulfide formation by disrupting the thiol/disulfide balance in rats. Also, LOOH and MPO levels increased at high doses, while CAT levels decreased statistically. Conclusion: The results revealed that hBN NPs induce oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner by modulating thiol/disulfide homeostasis in rats at higher concentrations