Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles on ALT, AST, ALP and Histopathological Changes in NMRI Mice

Background and purpose: Despite the widespread use of silver nanoparticles, there are concerns about their biological effects on the environment and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of Ag + nanoparticles on liver tissue and enzyme activities in NMRI mice. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, thirty five female NMRI mice were randomly divided into one control group and four experimental groups (n=7 per group). The mice in experimental groups were injected with silver nanoparticles at different concentrations (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally, every other day). Blood samples were taken from the inner corners of the eyes of mice and after separating the serum, liver enzyme activities were analyzed. Then, all animals were euthanized via cervical dislocation and tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathology evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. Results: Histopathological examination showed that different concentrations of Ag+ nanoparticles resulted in mild to severe injury (necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuolar degeneration) in the liver. The activity of liver enzymes significantly increased in all groups at 400 mg/kg concentration compared to that of the control group. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that exposure to different concentrations of Ag+ nanoparticles can cause severe damages in the mice liver and increase serum enzyme activities.