Abstract
ObjectiveThe potential risk of a nanoparticle as a medical application has raised wide concerns, and this study aims to investigate silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-induced acute toxicities, genotoxicities, target organs and the underlying mechanisms.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 4 each group), and AgNP (containing Ag nanoparticles and released Ag+, 5 mg/kg), Ag+ (released from the same dose of AgNP, 0.0003 mg/kg), 5% sucrose solution (vechicle control) and cyclophophamide (positive control, 40 mg/kg) were administrated intravenously for 24 h respectively. Clinical signs and body weight of rats were recorded, and the tissues were subsequently collected for biochemical examination, Ag+ distribution detection, histopathological examination and genotoxicity assays.ResultsThe rank of Ag detected in organs from highest to lowest is lung>spleen>liver>kidney>thymus>heart. Administration of AgNP induced a marked increase of ALT, BUN, TBil and Cre. Histopathological examination results showed that AgNP induced more extensive organ damages in liver, kidneys, thymus, and spleen. Bone marrow micronucleus assay found no statistical significance among groups (p > 0.05), but the number of aberration cells and multiple aberration cells were predominately increased from rats dosed with Ag+ and AgNP (p < 0.01), and more polyploidy cells were generated in the AgNP group (4.3%) compared with control.ConclusionOur results indicated that the AgNP accumulated in the immune system organs, and mild irritation was observed in the thymus and spleen of animals treated with AgNP, but not with Ag+. The liver and kidneys could be the most affected organs by an acute i.v. dose of AgNP, and significantly increased chromosome breakage and polyploidy cell rates also implied the potential genotoxicity of AgNP. However, particle-specific toxicities and potential carcinogenic effect remain to be further confirmed in a chronic toxicity study.
Highlights
Silver nanoparticle (AgNP), having potent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, strong permeability and little drug resistance, was used to produce a range of antibacterial medical products, such as, toothpaste, gynecologic suppository and wound dressing[1].Potential adverse effects consequentially associated with exposure to aims to investigate silver nanoparticle (AgNP) are of concern
Administration of AgNP induced a marked increase of ALT, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), TBil and Cre
Bone marrow micronucleus assay found no statistical significance among groups (p > 0.05), but the number of aberration cells and multiple aberration cells were predominately increased from rats dosed with Ag+ and AgNP (p < 0.01), and more polyploidy cells were generated in the AgNP group (4.3%) compared with control
Summary
Silver nanoparticle (AgNP), having potent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, strong permeability and little drug resistance, was used to produce a range of antibacterial medical products, such as, toothpaste, gynecologic suppository and wound dressing[1].Potential adverse effects consequentially associated with exposure to AgNPs are of concern. The concerns have been raised on the potential risk of using nanoparticles in medical applications. In recent years, accumulating evidence has shown toxicities induced by AgNP in various in vitro experimental models, such as alveolar macrophages [5], neutrophils [6] and sertoli and granulosa cells [7]. These results need to be confirmed in the in vivo system
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