Evaluation of Carbon Nanoparticle–Induced Renal Toxicity in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats

ABSTRACT

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been reported to disrupt cellular integrity and induce oxidative stress and genotoxicity. Potential health risks thus make it imperative to look into tissue specific toxic impact and thereby focus on the safety measures. Given the wide‐range applications of CNPs across biomedical and industrial domains, the present study was designed to investigate the dose‐dependent effects of CNPs in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Characterization of synthesized CNPs was carried out using standard analytical techniques to determine their structure and composition through x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: control group, saline group, and three treatment groups, which received intraperitoneal doses of CNPs over a 28‐day period. Renal toxicity was determined through biochemical assay and the histological examination of kidney tissues. The data were statistically analyzed using Minitab 17. Both biochemical and microscopic findings revealed that CNPs exposure induced an increase in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels, indicating renal dysfunction. Similarly, kidney to body weight ratio showed a dose‐dependent increase, which is consistent with the kidney injury. However, body weight was found decreased with respect to increased CNPs dose. Additionally, certain behavioral and physiological changes were also observed, that is, systemic distress, including weight loss, dry skin, and tight body condition. Autopsy revealed visibly compromised organ health, particularly in the kidneys, which appeared pale and shrunken. Histopathological assessment and serum biochemical analysis demonstrated renal damage at high dose. Overall, these findings revealed possible health hazards associated with CNP exposure, which induces significant renal toxicity in male Sprague–Dawley rats in a dose‐dependent manner. Further research work is needed to develop smart strategies for risk assessment and the cautious use of CNPs in future.