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Oxidative Stress in Long-Term Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Male Rats
Ewa Florek1, Marta Witkowska2,3, Marta Szukalska1
1Laboratory of Environmental Research, Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-631 Poznan, Poland.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2023
Summary
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) induced oxidative stress in male rats, evidenced by altered biomarkers in liver, kidney, and serum after long-term exposure. Analyzing these oxidative stress markers is key to understanding MWCNT toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nanotoxicology
- Environmental Health
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are nanoparticles with potential toxic effects on biological systems.
- Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a primary mechanism of nanotoxicity.
- Oxidative stress biomarkers are crucial for evaluating MWCNT toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oxidative stress induced by MWCNTs in male Wistar rats.
- To assess the long-term toxic effects of MWCNTs through various biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were administered single knee-joint injections of MWCNTs at concentrations of 0.03, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/mL.
- Animals were euthanized at 12 and 18 months post-exposure for tissue and blood collection.
- Enzymatic activities of total protein, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), nitric oxide (NO), and catalase (CAT) were measured, alongside histopathological examination.
Main Results:
- Liver TEAC levels decreased with higher MWCNT concentrations.
- Kidney NO levels increased after long-term exposure.
- Serum GSH levels were lower in rats exposed to higher MWCNT concentrations.
- GST activity significantly increased in rats exposed to higher MWCNT concentrations at 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress parameters serve as key indicators for assessing the toxic potential of MWCNTs.
- Long-term exposure to MWCNTs can lead to significant alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring oxidative stress in understanding MWCNT-related health risks.
