Neonatal Exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Modulates the Redox Balance in Infantile and Adult Female Rats

Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine a possible relationship between the redox state of the organism and the exposure to TiO2 Nanoparticles (NPs). Design and methods: TiO2 NPs (1% or 10% LD50 TiO2) were intraperitoneally administered to female Wistar rats from the Postnatal Day 4 (PND4) to PND7. Rats were sacrificed on the PND15 (infantile rats) or after the PND220 (adult rats). In plasma, Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), concentration of protein carbonyls and lipoperoxides were measured. Hemolysates were used to determine the changes in catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities. Results: Young rats: 1% and 10% LD50 TiO2 induced the decrease in TEAC, lipoperoxide levels and Gluthione Peroxidase (GPx) activities and higher Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities in infantile rats, compared to controls. Adults: Significantly lower lipoperoxide levels, higher SOD and GPx activities were found in adults compared to young rats. 1% LD50 TiO2 significantly increased TEAC value and reduced SOD and GPX activities, but 10% LD50 TiO2 reduced TEAC compared to controls. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that neonatal exposure to TiO2 NPs may modulate redox balance in female rats depending on the age, which might lead to alterations of their physiological functions.