Effect of citrate stabilized gold nanoparticle on the biochemical and histological alterations of liver in an experimental animal model

Abstract

Although the nanoparticles (NP) are seemed to have the immense potentiality for using in different biomedical fields the possible toxic health effects of these NPs associated with human exposure is a serious concern. In general, the toxicity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) depends on their physical dimensions and surface chemistry. In the present study, size-specific AuNPs were used to test its potential harmful effect in the biochemical and histological alterations of liver tissue in experimental animals (swiss albino mice). Animals were exposed to the AuNPs for seven days. Oxidative stress in whole tissue homogenates and in mitochondrial extracts and histological studies were studied in the liver. Significant deterioration in glutathione reductase (GR), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total thiol content were observed in the case of whole liver tissue homogenates; on the other hand, in case of whole-brain tissue homogenates, deterioration in glutathione S-transferase (GST), total thiol and MDA was observed. Almost all the lipid peroxidation product and oxidative stress marker enzymes were affected in the hepatic system were observed in AuNP treated animals. Anatomical differences in liver tissue were also observed in the AuNP treated animals. Minute loss of hepatic cords, occurrence of swallowing and atrophic cells is the major detoriation observed in AuNP treated animals. Surface negativity and the small size of the AuNPs may be assumed to affect the biochemical and cellular architecture of the organs. The further molecular level analysis will reveal the usability potential of AuNP in the body system for different purposes.