Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs): A Dual Approach to Therapy and Toxicity in Hepatorenal Systems

Nanotechnology has grown extensively in past few years and has offered several benefits in healthcare and many associated fields. Nanoparticles have shown great therapeutic potential in drug delivery, combating life-threatening diseases, tissue engineering, wound healing, and vaccine development. However, with these potential benefits, various concerns have been raised due to their toxic effects on living organisms. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs), also known as nano ceria, have manifested as a promising remedial agent in liver and kidney associated problems due to their distinctive physical, chemical, and unique biochemical activities. However, it raises concerns associated with their toxicity in these organs. In this review, we have discussed the therapeutic role of CeO2 NPs in treatment of various hepatorenal disorders such as inflammation, fibrosis, liver sepsis, and nephrotoxicity as an anti-inflammatory agent and potentially encountering oxidative stress due to its antioxidant properties. Besides the therapeutic effects, we have comprehensively reviewed the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity mechanisms with relative nano-toxicity of other nanoparticles. Furthermore, this review also highlights the future research directions of CeO2 NPs to understand their dual role in liver and kidney to maximize their therapeutic effects while reducing toxicity.