Hazardous Effects of SiO Nanoparticles on Liver and Kidney Functions, Histopathology Characteristics, and Transcriptomic Responses in Nile Tilapia () Juveniles.

The current investigation assessed the impacts of sub-lethal concentrations of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiONPs) on hepato-renal functions, histopathological characteristics, and gene transcription in gills and liver of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish were exposed to 20, 40, and 100 mg/L of SiONPs for 3 weeks. Pairwise comparisons with the control group showed a significant dose-dependent elevation in serum ALP, ALT, and AST enzyme activities as well as blood urea and creatinine levels in SiONP-intoxicated groups. Exposure to 100 mg/L SiONPs significantly upregulated expression of , , , and genes in the gills as compared to the control group. Moreover, exposure to 100 mg/L SiONPs significantly upregulated the expression , , , , and genes in the hepatic tissues as compared to the control group. Exposure of fish to 20 mg SiONPs/L significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of in both the gills and liver tissues. Notably, all tested SiONP concentrations significantly upregulated the transcription of gene in gills and liver of Nile tilapia as compared to the control group. Interestingly, varying histopathological alterations in renal, hepatopancreatic, and branchial tissues were observed to be correlated to the tested SiONP concentrations. In conclusion, our results provide additional information on the toxic impacts of SiONPs in Nile tilapia at the hematological, tissue, and molecular levels.