The Developmental Hepatotoxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in NMRI Mouse Neonates

This study aimed to investigate the potential hepatotoxic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on neonatal NMRI mice through maternal milk exposure. A total of 20 postpartum dams were divided into two groups: the experimental group received 30 mg/kg of TiO2 NPs, while the control group received deionized water for 14 days. The offspring were analyzed for oxidative stress markers, bioaccumulation, and histopathological changes in hepatic tissues. The results showed no significant difference in body weight or liver-to-body weight ratio between the treatment and control groups. However, oxidative stress was evident in the treatment group, with a significant reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels (0.8 µmol/g tissue, p 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (3.68 u/g tissue, p 0.05), compared to the control group. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, were significantly higher in the treatment group (96 nmol/g tissue, p 0.001). TiO2 content was markedly increased in the treatment group’s liver (22.4 ng/g tissue, p 0.001) and stomach milk (41.6 ng/g tissue, p 0.001), suggesting bioaccumulation. Histological analysis revealed pronounced tissue degeneration and vascular changes in the treatment group’s hepatic tissues, contrasting with the normal histology observed in the control group. These findings indicate that maternal ingestion of TiO2 NPs can lead to oxidative stress and potential hepatotoxicity in neonatal mice, with significant implications for environmental and consumer product safety regulations.