Biochemical alterations induced by nickel oxide nanoparticles in female Wistar albino rats after acute oral exposure.

CONTEXT: Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) with appropriate surface chemistry have been widely used for their potential new applications in biomedical industry. Increased usage of these NPs enhances the chance of exposure of personnel involved in the work place.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the ability of NiO NPs to cause biochemical alterations post-acute oral exposure in female Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were administered with 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg doses of NiO NPs for haematological, biochemical, and histopathological studies. Biodistribution patterns of NiO NPs in female Wistar rats were also monitored.

RESULTS: NiO NPs caused significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of RBC and brain AchE of treated rats at the high dose. Activation of the hepatotoxicity marker enzymes, aminotransferases, was recorded in serum and liver, whereas inhibition was observed in kidney. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was also altered by NiO NPs in a dose-dependent manner and found to be significant at the high dose of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that exposure to nanosized NiO particles at acute doses may cause adverse changes in animal biochemical profiles. Further, the in vivo studies on toxicity evaluation help in biomonitoring of the potential contaminants.