Combined In vitro Effects of TiO2 Nanoparticles and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) on HepG2 Hepatocytes

Abstract

Introduction: Professional workers that manufacture or use titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )-based paints are exposed to potentially toxic TiO 2 nanomaterials as well as to different paint solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). In this context, we evaluate the combined cytotoxic effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles and DMSO on HepG 2 human hepatocytes. Methods: Three types of TiO2 nanoparticles were used: commercial Degussa P25 and two samples synthesized by a hydrothermal procedure – undoped and Fe 3+ -doped TiO2. The effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on HepG2 cells exposed to DMSO before, after or together with the TiO2 treatment were investigated by viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) determinations, performed using the MTT and DCFH-DA(2’,7’-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate) methods respectively.