Modulatory effect of nano TiO2 on Pb in Hoplias malabaricus trophically exposed

• The increasing use of nanomaterials has attracted the attention of toxicologists.
• TiO2 seems to have low toxicity, but can modulate the effect of other pollutants.
• The chemical interaction of Pb and nano TiO2 may increase the Pb absorption.
• TiO2 may decrease Pb bioavailability for interacting with cellular components.
• Some observed changes were more relevant in the pollutants association.

This study investigated the hepatic and neural effects of TiO2 nanoparticle and Pb in Hoplias malabaricus trophically exposed. The alanine transaminase activity was altered at the high dose of exposed group to Pb and at the lowest doses of co-exposed groups. It may reflect the hepatic effects of TiO2 on Pb toxicity, but the aspatate transaminase activity was not altered. The decreased injury index observed at the highest dose of co-exposed group compared to TiO2 may be related to the increased energy demand and can explain the more pronounced toxic effects observed in this group. The liver authomethallography revealed the metals presence at high dose groups. Serotonin concentration increased at the Pb lowest dose and at the highest dose of co-exposed group compare to control. Most importantly, when associated the contaminants were able to interact and altered some biomarkers. However, further studies, about action mechanisms of this co-exposure are needed.