Effects of silver nanoparticles on the functional tests of liver and its histological changes in adult male rats

Objective(s): Silver nanoparticles show anti-fungal properties, and is widely used in medicine. In this research, the impacts of silver nanoparticles on the hepatic functional tests and changes in liver tissues in adult male rats were investigated. Methods: In this experimental study, 28 adult male Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 180-220 g were divided into 4 groups of 7: the control group, and the experimental groups 1 and 2 received silver nanoparticles that were synthesized at 75 seconds interval with doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 14 days, respectively. Experimental group 3 received silver nanoparticles that were synthesized at 300 seconds interval with a dose of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 14 days. At the end of experiment period, blood samples were obtained from their hearts, and serum levels of hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), albumen and total protein were measured. In addition, possible histological changes in liver was studied after hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan test. Results: The findings reported that the mean serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total Protein and albumin in the experimental groups 1 and 3 increased significantly relative to the control group. Similarly, the mean serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the experimental group 3 increased significantly relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, necrosis of the liver tissue was observed in the recipients of silver nanoparticles. Conclusions: The use of silver nanoparticles can boost the serum levels of hepatic enzymes and Increase liver tissue necrosis as well.