Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Hepatol. Apr 27, 2024; 16(4): 566-600
Published online Apr 27, 2024. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i4.566
Molecular mechanism of nanomaterials induced liver injury: A review
Sanjib Kumar Das, Koushik Sen, Biswatosh Ghosh, Nabanita Ghosh, Krishnendu Sinha, Parames C Sil
Sanjib Kumar Das, Koushik Sen, Krishnendu Sinha, Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram 721507, India
Biswatosh Ghosh, Department of Zoology, Bidhannagar College, Kolkata 700064, India
Nabanita Ghosh, Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata 700013, India
Parames C Sil, Department of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Calcutta 700054, India
Co-corresponding authors: Krishnendu Sinha and Parames C Sil.
Author contributions: Das SK, Sen K, Ghosh B, Ghosh N and Sinha K performed the research and wrote the manuscript; Sinha K and Sil P conceptualized and designed the study; Das SK drew the figures; all authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Sil PC initiated and conceptualized the review, bringing extensive experience and expertise in the field of hepatotoxicity and nanomaterials. Sil PC oversaw the overall design of the review, provided critical insights into the interpretation of scientific literature, and ensured the accuracy and relevance of the content presented. Additionally, Sil PC played a pivotal role in synthesizing complex scientific concepts and findings, contributing significantly to the intellectual content and scholarly rigor of the manuscript. Sinha K was selected as co-corresponding author based on his demonstrated scientific acumen, research leadership, and ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with co-authors. Sinha K actively participated in the review process, conducting thorough literature reviews, analyzing data, and synthesizing key findings. Moreover, Sinha K played a crucial role in manuscript preparation, including drafting sections, revising content based on feedback, and ensuring the coherence and clarity of the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Krishnendu Sinha, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Raj College Road, Jhargram 721507, India. dr.krishnendusinha@gmail.com
Received: December 28, 2023
Peer-review started: December 28, 2023
First decision: January 30, 2024
Revised: February 5, 2024
Accepted: March 19, 2024
Article in press: March 19, 2024
Published online: April 27, 2024
Processing time: 117 Days and 17.1 Hours
Abstract

The unique physicochemical properties inherent to nanoscale materials have unveiled numerous potential applications, spanning beyond the pharmaceutical and medical sectors into various consumer industries like food and cosmetics. Consequently, humans encounter nanomaterials through diverse exposure routes, giving rise to potential health considerations. Noteworthy among these materials are silica and specific metallic nanoparticles, extensively utilized in consumer products, which have garnered substantial attention due to their propensity to accumulate and induce adverse effects in the liver. This review paper aims to provide an exhaustive examination of the molecular mechanisms underpinning nanomaterial-induced hepatotoxicity, drawing insights from both in vitro and in vivo studies. Primarily, the most frequently observed manifestations of toxicity following the exposure of cells or animal models to various nanomaterials involve the initiation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, we delve into the existing in vitro models employed for evaluating the hepatotoxic effects of nanomaterials, emphasizing the persistent endeavors to advance and bolster the reliability of these models for nanotoxicology research.

Keywords: Nanoparticles; Hepatotoxicity; Oxidative stress; Inflammation; Autophagy

Core Tip: This comprehensive review explores nanoparticle-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on diverse nanomaterials (e.g., silver nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes) and their impacts on hepatic function. It categorizes nanoparticles, discusses exposure routes, and highlights hepatotoxic mechanisms. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive assessments, understanding, and responsible practices in nanotechnology to guide future research for the development of safer nanomaterials.