Cerium oxide nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells via oxidative stress and the activation of MAPK signaling pathways

► CeO2 nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity to human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells. ► CeO2 nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity via oxidative stress and MAPKs. ► NAC pretreatment can prevent the CeO2 nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity.