The Nephroprotective Effect of In Utero Administration of Green Synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Albino Rats.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 -NPs) are one of the most popular nanoscale materials and have a wide range of applications in the manufacturing industry; nonetheless, researchers' focus has been directed to the detrimental consequences of TiO 2 -NPs. The current study was designed to assess the potential hazardous effects of chemically synthesized TiO 2 -NPs on the placenta and feto-maternal kidneys of rats. On the other hand, the probable positive impact of TiO 2 -NPs made after green synthesis was also evaluated. HepG 2 cell lines were used to assess the cytotoxicity of chemical and green TiO 2 -NPs. Five groups of fifty pregnant female rats were formed (n=10). The first (control) group received distilled water. The second and third groups were orally given 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight (bw) of chemical TiO 2 -NPs, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups were orally given 100 and 300 mg/kg bw of green synthesized TiO 2 -NPs, respectively. On gestational day 20 (GD 20), blood and tissues were collected for biochemical and histological studies. Our findings revealed that chemical TiO 2 -NPs induced apoptosis in HepG 2 cells at high concentrations, while there was no observed toxicity for green TiO 2 -NPs. The chemically treated TiO 2 -NPs groups showed a significant decrease in the level of HDL and a significant increase in cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Renal tissues showed necrosis with exfoliation of lining epithelial cells, degenerated tubules, and glomerulonephritis. While the placenta was atrophied and hyalinized. Moreover, Bax expression significantly increased in the renal tubular cells and the villi of the placenta. Contrariwise, green TiO 2 -NPs-treated groups showed a significant rise in HDL levels with a significant reduction in triglycerides and LDL levels, while cholesterol levels were unaffected. Also, renal tissues showed mild degenerative changes in the glomeruli and renal tubules; thus, noticeable regeneration of epithelium lining tubules was detected in the maternal kidney. Bax showed a minimal reaction in the renal tubules and the villi of the placenta. It concluded that in contrast to chemical TiO 2 -NPs, biosynthesized TiO 2 -NPs with garlic showed a positive impact on the biochemical profile and histological investigations.