Oxidative-damage effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on mouse hepatic and brain cells in vivo

Abstract

To assess the biological safety of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), the oxidative-damage effect of these NPs was studied. Twenty-five Kunming mice were exposed to Fe3O4 NPs by intraperitoneal injection daily for 1 week at doses of 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg·kg−1. Five Kunming mice were also injected with 40 mg·kg−1 ordinary Fe3O4 particles under the same physiological conditions. Biomarkers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hepatic and brain tissues were detected. Results showed that no significant difference in oxidative damage existed at concentrations lower than 10 mg·kg−1 for NPs compared with the control group. Fe3O4 NP concentration had obvious dose-effect relationships (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) with ROS level, GSH content, and MDA content in mouse hepatic and brain tissues at > 20mg·kg−1 concentrations. To some extent, ordinary Fe3O4 particles with 40 mg·kg−1 concentration also affected hepatic and brain tissues in mice. The biological effect was similar to Fe3O4 NPs at 10 mg·kg−1 concentration. Thus, Fe3O4 NPs had significant damage effects on the antioxidant defense system in the hepatic and brain tissues of mice, whereas ordinary Fe3O4 had less influence than Fe3O4 NPs at the same concentration.