Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on The Amount of Blood Cells and Liver Enzymes in Wistar Rats

Considering the development of nanotechnology and extensive use of nano-materials are in different fields of industry, it is necessary to investigate their destructive effects on biological systems. Titanium dioxide(TiO2) is used in the production of different dyes, cosmetics, ceramics, photocatalysts, water and sewage treatment and a lot of other products. In the present study, the effect of TiO2 on the number of blood cells and the activity of liver enzymes of rat was assessed. Concentrations of 50, 100 and 500 mg/Kg TiO2 nanoparticles (25 nm size) in distilled water were administered orally to Wistar rats for 14 days and some blood factors were studied on the blood samples collected. Results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles cause different changes in blood cells, and the changes were significant for some of them such as white blood cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils). Decreased number of red blood cells and increased level of liver enzymes was also observed after the administration of different concentrations of TiO2, which proves the toxic effects of TiO2 on the body. Results of the present study proved the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles on the living organisms. So, further studies are recommended to predict TiO2 toxicity.