Abstract
Titanium dioxide TiO2 nanoparticles are manufactured worldwide in large quantities for use in a wide range of applications including pigment and cosmetic manufactures. Although TiO2 is chemically inert, nanoparticles can cause negative health effects. The present study investigates the teratogenic effects of TiO2 on pregnant albino rats and their fetuses. Pregnant albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were injected intraperitoneally with TiO2, 0.5 mg/kg/day, from the 5th day of gestation till the end of lactation. The animals were sacrificed at the end of gestation and during lactation. Fetuses were removed from the uterus and evaluated for mortality rate, growth parameters, morphological and skeletal malformations as well as histological study of brain, liver and kidney. The data revealed that fetal weights were significantly reduced in most study groups. It was found that severe degenerative changes were observed in the liver, kidney as well as the brain following TiO2 administration. Titanium dioxide pretreatment was able to increase the level of lipid peroxidation significantly. The correlation noted between GSH levels and the Titanium dioxide effects is significant. Our findings suggest the need for great caution to handle the nanomaterials as Titanium dioxide especially during pregnancy and lactation.