Cerium oxide nanoparticle modulates hepatic damage, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner: an in vivo study of rat liver

Objective (s): Cerium oxide nanoparticles nanoceria (CeNPs) is a novel nanoparticle that has great potential for the treatment of various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CeNPs on oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver of male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were equally distributed into 4 groups (n=6/each). The first group was controlled and the next three groups received CeNPs (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day), with an intraperitoneal injection (IP) for 7 days. After treatment, serum and liver tissue was isolated. ALT and AST concentration, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecules (TTM), interleukin 17 (IL-17), nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α were measured. Results: CeNPs 30, 60 mg/kg caused a significant increased NO (P=0.03, P=0.001), TNF-α (P=0.03, P=0.01) and IL-17 (P=0.04, P=0.01) levels, compared with the control group. Also CeNPs caused a decrease in the TTM (P=0.002) and increased MDA (P=0.04) in 60 mg/kg group compared to the control group. CeNPs 15 mg/kg significantly suppressed mainly the increase in plasma activities of aminotransferases (ALT (P=0.001), AST (P=0.01)), and liver IL-17 (P=0.01) and NO (P=0.02) concentrations compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the effects of CeNPs are dose-dependent and at 15 mg/kg dose, it may have protective effects. Moreover, CeNPs in 30 and 60mg/kg doses showed immunotoxicity and oxidative effects in the liver.