Sub-Chronic Exposure (90 Days) to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) Induce Alterations in Hematology and Serum Biochemistry in Male Wistar Rats: Effect of Exogenous Melatonin Supplementation

Rapid increase in the use of metal-oxide nanoparticles in many industries increased the risk of toxicity to humans. In this regard, an experimental study was conducted in male Wistar rats to study the effect of repeated-dose sub-chronic oral exposure for 90 days to titanium dioxide nanoparticles on certain hematological and serum biochemical parameters and to evaluate the ameliorative potential of melatonin to overcome such alterations. The rats were divided randomly into four groups of fourteen each. Group-I served as vehicle control, Group-II received TiO2 NPs (100mg.kg-1); Group-III received treatment similar to that of Group-II along with melatonin @10mg.kg-1, while group-IV received only melatonin. Rats exposed to TiO2 NPs showed a significant increase in WBC count at 60days and 90 days intervals, whereas a significant decrease in RBC count, platelets count, and increase in percent granulocytes only at 90 days intervals. In addition, a significant increase in the activities of serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase was observed in rats exposed to TiO2 NPs. Melatonin supplementation significantly ameliorated some of these parameters on day 60 or 90 of the experimental period. Thus, melatonin can be a promising agent for therapeutic intervention to overcome titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce adverse effects after appropriate clinical studies.