| Summary: | The potential toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs) to mammals has become a widespread concern. Young individuals exposed to TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs have a higher risk than adults. In this study, the protective effects of <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> GG (LGG) on liver toxicity in young rats induced by TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs were explored. Results show that the four-week-old rats that underwent LGG after the oral intake of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs could prevent weight loss, reduce hematological indicators (WBC and NEUT) and serum biochemical indicators (AST, ALT, AST/ALT, and ALP). Moreover, it alleviated the pathological damage of the liver (as indicated by the disordered hepatocytes, more eosinophilic, ballooning degeneration, and accompany with blood cells), but it did not reduce the Ti contents in the liver. In addition, RT-qPCR results indicated that LGG restored the expression of anti-oxidative stress-related genes, such as <i>SOD1</i>, <i>SOD2</i>, <i>CAT</i>, <i>HO-1</i>, <i>GSH</i>, <i>GCLC</i>, and <i>GCLM</i> in the liver. In summary, the hepatotoxicity of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs in young rats is closely related to oxidative stress, and the antioxidant effect of LGG might protect the harmful effects caused by TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs.
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