Cadmium is primarily utilized in the construction of particles known as quantum dots. Hepatotoxicity caused by microparticles of cadmium is very well known; however, toxicity of nanoparticles of cadmium is not well understood. The present study describes the toxicity of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdSNPs) in the liver of rat. Adult Wistar rats were administered CdSNPs (10 mg/kg) on alternate days for 45 days. Serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), biomarkers of lipid peroxidation (MDA, H2O2, and NO), and metallothionein concentration were determined. Histopathological and TEM observations were also made to record morphological changes. CdSNPs (10 mg/kg) induced significant changes in the structure and function of liver. Values of serum enzymes and reactive species increased significantly in rats treated with CdSNPs in comparison to CdS-treated rats. Histopathological observations showed extensive parenchymal degeneration. Ultrastructural studies exhibited proliferation of endoplasmic reticulum, microsomes, and lysosomes. It is concluded that NP-membrane interaction leads to the generation of reactive species that alter membrane integrity and induce oxidative stress. These events may activate cell death pathways in hepatocytes.

中文翻译：

---

硫化镉纳米颗粒引起大鼠肝损伤的可能机制。

镉主要用于构建称为量子点的粒子。镉微粒引起的肝毒性是众所周知的。然而，镉纳米颗粒的毒性还不是很清楚。本研究描述了硫化镉纳米颗粒 (CdSNPs) 在大鼠肝脏中的毒性。成年 Wistar 大鼠连续 45 天隔天服用 CdSNPs (10 mg/kg)。测定了血清酶（ALT、AST、ALP）、脂质过氧化的生物标志物（MDA、H2O2 和 NO）和金属硫蛋白浓度。还进行了组织病理学和 TEM 观察以记录形态学变化。CdSNPs (10 mg/kg) 引起肝脏结构和功能的显着变化。与 CdS 处理的大鼠相比，CdSNPs 处理的大鼠的血清酶和活性物质的值显着增加。组织病理学观察显示广泛的实质变性。超微结构研究显示内质网、微粒体和溶酶体的增殖。结论是NP-膜相互作用导致产生改变膜完整性并诱导氧化应激的活性物质。这些事件可能会激活肝细胞中的细胞死亡途径。