Abstract
In this study, dextran coated ferrite nanoparticles (DFNPs) of size <25 nm were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress by in vitro and in vivo methods. Cytotoxicity was performed in vitro using splenocytes with different concentrations of DFNPs. Gene expression of selected cytokines (IL-1, IL-10, and TNF β) secretion by splenocytes was evaluated. Also, 100 mg of DFNPs was injected intraperitoneally to 18 albino mice for immunological stimulations. Six animals each were sacrificed at the end of 7, 14, and 21 days. Spleen was subjected to immunotoxic response and liver was analyzed for antioxidant parameters (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase). The results indicated that DFNPs failed to induce any immunological reactions and no significant alternation in antioxidant defense mechanism. Also, mRNA expression of the cytokines revealed an increase in IL-10 expression and subsequent decreased expression of IL-1 and TNF β. Eventually, DNA sequencing of liver actin gene revealed base alteration in nonconserved regions (10–20 bases) of all the treated groups when compared to control samples. Hence, it can be concluded that the DFNPs were nontoxic at the cellular level and nonimmunotoxic when exposed intraperitoneally to mice.
Highlights
Nanoparticles are diverse class of small-scale (
Ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by the standard coprecipitation method and coated with dextran to yield dextran coated ferrite nanoparticles (DFNPs)
The results indicate that the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) production in the control and 21 days postexposure group was 4.51 ± 1.7 and 5.83 ± 0.5 nmoles/mg proteins, respectively
Summary
Toxicity of nanomaterials refers to the interaction of nanomaterials with the biological systems and induction of toxic responses. They get distributed to various organs or may remain in the same site and can be structurally modified or metabolized. When inhaled, they can translocate out of the respiratory tract via different pathways and mechanisms. They can be distributed throughout the organism and will be taken up by liver, spleen, bone marrow, heart, and other major organs [2, 3]. Depending on the duration of exposure, these materials can translocate from circulation to internal organs. The potential for significant biological response at each of these sites requires investigation [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
