Sub-active Toxicity Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Selected Organs in Male Mice

Abstract

Background: Decreased particle size and increased surface area to volume ratio are beneficial properties of nanoparticles. However, there are contrasting reports on their potential organotoxic effects. The dose de-pendent toxicity effects of iron III oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs) on the biochemical indices and histology of select-ed organs of adult male mice were investigated. Methods: Fifty six male mice weighing between 25-32g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=14), the control/group 1 was given the vehicle/distilled water, while animals in groups (2-4) received 5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50mg/kg body weights of Fe2O3NPs (INP) respectively by intraperitoneal route of administration for 14 days after which blood samples were drawn for biochemical analysis. Histopathology studies on the effect of graded doses of INP on the architecture of the liver, kidney and testes of mice were carried out. Results: There were significant increases in plasma sodium, creatinine, urea, chloride, albumin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) in the experimental animals after the 7th and 14th days of ad-ministration of graded doses of INP compared with the control group(p<0.05). These changes were dose-dependent. Photomicrographs showed morphological alterations including kupffer cells hyperplasia, hepatocyte necrosis, interstitial nephritis and eosinophilia of the renal tubular cells but only mild reduction in spermatid formation in testes at 25 and 50mg/kg dosage respectively. Conclusion: The Administration of INP brought about dose-dependent alterations in plasma markers of renal functions as well as hepatic enzymes activity. Deleterious morphological changes in architecture of the liver and kidney as well as mild changes in testes of mice were associated with INP administration