Comparative attenuation of TiO₂ nanoparticle dose-dependent toxicities in lung, spleen, and blood by nanoencapsulated wheat germ oil in male rats.

This study aimed to prepare and characterize nanoencapsulated wheat germ oil (WGO), to evaluate the dose-dependent toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in rat lungs, blood, and spleen, and to investigate the protective efficacy of both free and nanoencapsulated WGO, with particular emphasis on oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, and genotoxicity. WGO was nanoencapsulated and characterized for its colloidal properties, revealing desirable physicochemical attributes (spherical nanoparticles; size 173.9 ± 0.51 nm; zeta potential 14.4 ± 0.23 mV; PDI 0.39 ± 0.01) and strong in vitro antioxidant activity. To evaluate tissue injury, hematological parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed. TiO2 NPs accumulated primarily in the lung and spleen, causing dose-dependent biochemical changes and immunomodulatory disruptions, such as increased TBARS and NO levels, DNA damage, and depletion of antioxidant enzymes. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed significant tissue damage. Co-administration of WGO mitigated these effects, with the nanoencapsulated form showing superior protection over the free form. Thus, nanoencapsulated WGO effectively counters TiO2 NP-induced pulmonary and splenic toxicity, likely via enhanced antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions, highlighting its promise as a therapeutic approach in nanotoxicology, occupational health, and food safety.