Abstract 4381: Biochemical and histopathological evaluation of mice exposed to functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube

Abstract

Abstract Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with their unique physicochemical properties, have many potential new applications in medicine and industry such as sensors, implants or delivery systems. The biomedical application of single-walled carbon nanotubes requires a fundamental understanding of their fate and toxicological profile after administration. However, the toxicity of SWCNT is barely known when they are introduced into the blood circulation, which is especially vital for their biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to conduct biochemical analysis to determine the effect of purified/functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) on the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activities of specific liver enzymes such as aminotransferases (GOT/GPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP), concentration of lipid hydro peroxide (LPO) and histopathology of liver, which may be useful as biomarkers of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Three groups of five male mice each weighing approximately 30 + 2 g were injected intraperitoneally once a day for five days with doses of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 mg/kg BW of functionalized SWCNT. A control group was also made of 5 mice. At the end of the experiment, samples were collected following standard protocols. Exposure to functionalized SWCNT was found to show an increase in the induction of ROS, activities of serum amino-transferases (GOT/GPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and concentration of lipid hydro peroxide compared to control. Histopathological evaluation of liver showed a statistically significant effect in the liver tissue (hepatic fibrosis) compared to controls. The results demonstrate that purified functionalized SWCNT was able to induce hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Our result does not imply that CNTs should be banned from use but more in vivo studies with histopathological characterization should be designed in biological application. Keywords: Single walled carbon nanotube, reactive oxygen species, lipid hydroperoxide, serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatases, Swiss-Webster mice, histopathology, hepatotoxicity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4381.