Ameliorative effect of graphene nanosheets against arsenic-induced toxicity in mice by oral exposure.

Abstract

Arsenic is a highly toxic environmental pollutant that is abundant in waters around the world. Previous studies have indicated that the toxicity of arsenic can be affected by co-exposure to chemicals. As a promising two-dimensional nanomaterial, graphene has received extensive attention in recent years. Owing to the wide application of graphene, its co-exposure with arsenic increases significantly. However, little information is available on the combined toxicity of graphene and arsenic. This study aimed to investigate the effects of graphene on arsenic-induced toxicity by oral exposure in mice. The results showed that the addition of graphene significantly reduced the toxicity of arsenic in the intestine and liver of mice, and the high-concentration graphene exhibited greater toxicity reduction effects. Graphene significantly decreased the bioavailability of arsenic because of its adsorption capability and spatial structure. In addition, graphene adhered to the intestinal tract may also prevent arsenic from passing through the intestinal epithelium freely. Moreover, graphene also affected arsenic toxicity through enhanced metabolism transformation by changing the gut microbiota. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the combined toxicity of graphene and arsenic.