Implication of Oxidative Stress in Dose-Dependent Toxicity of Silica Nanoparticles in Hepatocytes

Abstract

Despite applications of Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) have been developed in the biomedicine field, relatively few studies have been conducted to determine the hepatotoxicity of SiO2 NPs. In the present study, rat hepatic cells (BRL cells) were directly exposed SiO2 NPs. The cytotoxicity of SiO2 NPs at different doses was studied by analyzing the cell viability, cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation (MDA). The results showed that after treatment with SiO2 NPs for 24 h, the viability of BRL cells was reduced. In addition, SiO2 NPs were also found to induce cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. In summary, exposure to SiO2 NPs resulted in a dose-dependent cytotoxicity in BRL cells that was associated with increased oxidative stress.