The protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against orally administered titanium dioxide nanoparticles
(TiO2) for 3 months on male albino rats were examined. Adult male albino rats were given saline as a
control group, TiO2 (1200 mg kg-1 BW), NAC (100 mg kg-1 BW) and co-treatment of NAC and TiO2 as a
protective group for 3 months. Blood was assayed for serum changes in GPT, GOT, lipid profiles, cytokines
and immunoglobulins profiles. Moreover, spleen was examined for alterations in cytokines expression and
histopathology. Administration of TiO2 significantly increased serum levels of GPT, GOT and increased
lipid profiles. Administration of NAC to TiO2 rats improved significant changes induced by Tio2 alone.
There were an increase in IL-1b and IL-6 secretion in TiO2 administered rats which is normalized by NAC
administration. Tio2 administration down regulated IL-8 and IL-10 secretion, while co-administration of
rats by NAC together with TiO2 normalized that down regulation. Moreover, TiO2 induced toxicity in
spleen that accompanied by a decrease in IgA, IgG and IgM that are normalized by NAC administration.
Finally, Tio2 up-regulated IL-1b, IL-6 and TNF-b expression in spleen and NAC administration together
with TiO2 normalized cytokines expression. In conclusion, present findings confirmed the protective effect
of NAC on TiO2 induced alteration in immune responses in male albino rats. |
