Hepatotoxicity and Ultra Structural Changes in Wistar Rats treated with Al₂O₃ Nanomaterials.

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Nanomaterial Safety
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) is widely used, but its potential health effects, particularly hepatotoxicity, require thorough investigation.
• Nanomaterials, including Al2O3, exhibit unique properties based on size, necessitating size-specific toxicity assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the hepatotoxicity of orally administered aluminium oxide (Al2O3) in Wistar rats.
• To determine the influence of Al2O3 particle size (30nm, 40nm, bulk) on liver injury and oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were orally administered Al2O3 (30nm, 40nm, bulk) or distilled water (control) for 28 days at varying doses.
• Serum biochemical markers (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH) and liver reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured.
• Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses were conducted to assess liver tissue damage.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH levels were observed in Al2O3-treated rats compared to controls.
• Hepatotoxicity and GSH depletion were dose-dependent and more pronounced with smaller Al2O3 particle sizes (30nm > 40nm > bulk).
• Histopathological findings confirmed liver injury, correlating with biochemical and oxidative stress markers.

Conclusions:

• Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) exhibits significant hepatotoxicity upon oral administration.
• The hepatotoxic potential of Al2O3 is inversely related to its particle size, with smaller nanoparticles posing a greater risk.