Chromium oxide nanoparticle-induced biochemical and histopathological alterations in the kidneys and brain of Wistar rats.

Chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3 NPs) have a wide range of applications in industry. They are used as pigments, catalysts, wear-resistant or high-temperature-resistant coating material and are used in liquid crystal displays. In view of ever escalating use of NPs, risk assessment becomes obligatory to ensure the safety of both human health and the ecosystem. The present study was designed and conducted to evaluate biochemical changes and histopathological alterations in kidneys and brain of rats, following exposure to Cr2O3 NPs. Male Wistar rats were divided into low-dose (50 µg/100 g body weight (bwt) groups and high-dose (200 µg/100 g bwt) groups. Each group type received oral administration of Cr2O3 NPs for multiple durations (single dosing, once daily for 7 days and once daily for 14 days, respectively). According to our data, this allotment presented a meaningful picture of NPs behaviour in different scenarios. In the kidneys and brain of Cr2O3 NPs-exposed animals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration along with a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels, as compared to controls. Histopathological changes in these organs confirmed cellular injury and functional damage due to exposure to Cr2O3 NPs. In this study, we have distinguished pathological alterations consequent to deleterious oxidative stress due to enhanced ROS generation after Cr2O3 NPs exposure.