Mitochondrion is the Main Target for the Toxicity of Nanomaterials

Abstract

Background: Nanoparticles and nanocomposite are used in many applications with potential risk to human health in the tissue, cellular and macromolecules level.

Objective: The present work aimed to find out the ultrastructural alterations that might be induced by different nanomaterials in the hepatocytes and renal cells.

Methodology: Twelve groups (6 control groups and 6 treated ones) of Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were subjected to eight oxide and metallic (Silver, gold, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, copper oxide, ferrous oxide) nanoparticles at a daily base for 21 days. Liver and kidney tissue blocks were processed for Transition Electron Microscopy (TEM) examinations.

Results: In comparison with the control rats, the hepatic and renal tissue of all NPs-treated rats demonstrated variable ultrastructural alterations included apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, nuclear alterations, endoplasmic reticulum dilatation, lysosomal hyperplasia, hydropic degeneration, ribosomal dropping, hepatocytes and renal cells degenerative changes, peroxisomes formation and basement membrane thickening.  However, the mitochondria and to lesser extent the nucleus are the main targets for the toxicity of nanomaterials.

 Conclusion: Exposure to nanomaterials could induce variable ultrastructural alterations that may alter the cellular of the vital organ functions with mitochondria are the target organelles for gold toxicity. Additional efforts are needed for better understanding the pathogenesis and the potential risk of nanomaterials on the organelles and macromolecules of the cell.