Administration Of AgNPs Research Articles

Bioinformatic Analysis of the Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Colorectal Cancer Cell Line.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most diagnosed cancer with the highest mortality rate each year globally. Although there are treatments for CRC, the development of resistance to therapies decreases the success of treatments. In vitro studies using the Caco-2 cell line have revealed the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a possible treatment for this disease. This study considered four researches that evaluated the proteomic profiles of cells of the Caco-2 line exposed to AgNPs. We performed a bioinformatics analysis to predict protein-protein interaction, hub genes, Gene Ontology (molecular function, biological process, and cellular components), KEGG pathways, analysis of expression, and immune cell infiltration. For these analyses, the STRING, DAVID, UALCAN, GEPIA2, and TISIDB databases were used. The results in Gene Ontology show that AgNPs cause a deregulation of genes related to cell-cell adhesion, the cytoplasm, the centriole, and carbon metabolism. Hub genes were identified, including GADPH, ENO1, EEF2, and ATP5A1, which showed differential expression in patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum. Additionally, the expression of the hub genes and immune cells was correlated. It was found that ATP5A1 and ENO1 were positively correlated with the infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes in colon adenocarcinoma and a negative correlation between GADPH and PDIA3 with the infiltration of NK cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes in rectal adenocarcinoma, respectively. In conclusion, the administration of AgNPs causes an alteration of biological processes, cellular components, metabolic pathways, deregulation of hub genes, and the activity of immune cells leading to a potential anticancer effect.

Differential Immunomodulatory Potential of Silver Nanoparticles and Effect on the Kynurenine Pathway in Male Wistar Rats

Silver nanoparticles are increasingly being used in a wide variety of ways that may lead to frequency of exposure for humans and the environment. Thus, it is necessary to understand the biological effect(s) of these nanoparticles. Previously, we showed that AgNPs activated the kynurenine pathway in rat brain independently of oxidative stress in rats. This present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of AgNPs on some selected cytokines, redox parameters, and on the kynurenine level in rats. Male Wistar rats (130-150 g) were divided into 4 groups. Rats were grouped into control, AgNPs only (50 mg/kg bw), coadministration of AgNPs (50 mg/kg bw), and dexamethasone (100 mg/kg bw) and dexamethasone only (100 mg/kg bw). Results indicated that AgNPs did not significantly elevate MDA levels in rat plasma and brain relative to the control group. AgNPs caused a significant alteration in the level of rat brain and plasma total protein concentration. Meanwhile, AgNPs led to an elevation in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in rat plasma but decreased plasma kynurenine level significantly. Furthermore, IFN-γ level was reduced following AgNPs administration, IL-1β decreased across the treatment groups, while NF-κB was reduced in the dexamethasone only and AgNPs + dexamethasone groups when compared with the control. AgNPs led to increased IL-4 levels, while IL-10 levels decreased across the treatment groups. Taken together, our data showed a differential immunomodulatory potential of AgNPs in rats.

Occurrence of silver-containing particles in rat brains upon intranasal exposure of silver nanoparticles.

The widespread application of silver (Ag) nanomaterials raises health concerns due to the adverse effects that can be associated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exposure. AgNPs can be introduced into human bodies via inhalation, either intentionally (intranasal administration of AgNPs) or unintentionally (environmental pollution, accidental release, or occupational exposure). Recent studies have shown that intranasal exposure of experimental animals to AgNPs can lead to the accumulation of Ag in brain tissues. However, there is little information available concerning what forms of Ag (particulate and ionic) exist in brain tissues. This study aimed to investigate whether particulate Ag exists in rat brains following intranasal exposure of AgNPs at 1mg/kg/day using multiple analytical techniques. The results demonstrated that Ag-containing particles were presented in AgNPs-exposed rat brains, accounting for 20.2-68.1% of the total Ag. The mass concentrations of Ag-containing particles in brain tissues increased with exposure time but only decreased by 37.5% after elimination for 4 weeks upon exposure cessation. The size of Ag-containing particles identified in rat brains was larger than the original AgNPs. The Ag-containing particles identified in the rat brain were composed of multiple elements, including Ag, sulfur, and selenium with atomic percentages of 45.8%, 37.5%, and 16.7%, respectively. The finding highlighted the occurrence and accumulation of transformed AgNPs containing S and Se in rat brains after intranasal exposure to AgNPs, implying potential risks for brain health.

Possible Protective Effect of Silver Nanoparticles against Cisplatin Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Rat Model

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining interest in medical applications for their prominent antibacterial and antimicrobial potentials. AgNPs possess remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and enhances wound healing. The main objective of the current study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of administration of AgNPs on cisplatin (CP) induced pulmonary inflammation in rats. Sixty male albino rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into 6 groups (n=10). Group I control group. Group II and III control groups received AgNPs at doses (5 and 10 ppm). Group IV CP group received CP (2.5 mg/kg). Group V and VI CP group received AgNPs (5, and 10 ppm). All doses were administered intraperitoneally once a day for 4 weeks. Oxidative stress and antioxidant status, inflammatory mediators, fibrogenic as well as apoptotic markers were determined in lung tissues. The results revealed that rats treated with CP showed remarkable elevation in lung tissues MDA, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, CRP, Fibrinogen and P53 levels associated with depression in SOD, GSH and CAT activities. However, administration of AgNPs (5 or 10 ppm) to CP group resulted in significant amelioration of the aforementioned parameters in a dose dependent manner. Histopathological investigation of lung tissues of CP group demonstrated disruption of normal lung architecture and lung injury. However, treatment with AgNPs revealed significant improvement in lung tissue against CP- induced inflammatory changes and lung tissue damage. It could be concluded that AgNPs exert potent cytoprotective effects via combating oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrogenic and apoptotic markers and repairing histopathological changes in lung tissues.

AgNPs Argovit™ Modulates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Genotoxicity on Peripheral Blood Erythrocytes In Vivo.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been studied worldwide for their potential biomedical applications. Specifically, they are proposed as a novel alternative for cancer treatment. However, the determination of their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects continues to limit their application. The commercially available silver nanoparticle Argovit™ has shown antineoplastic, antiviral, antibacterial, and tissue regenerative properties, activities triggered by its capacity to promote the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, in this work, we evaluated the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of the Argovit™ formulation (average size: 35 nm) on BALB/c mice using the micronucleus in a peripheral blood erythrocytes model. Besides, we evaluated the capability of AgNPs to modulate the genotoxic effect induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) after the administration of the oncologic agent. To achieve this, 5–6-week-old male mice with a mean weight of 20.11 ± 2.38 g were treated with water as negative control (Group 1), an single intraperitoneal dose of CP (50 mg/kg of body weight, Group 2), a daily oral dose of AgNPs (6 mg/kg of weight, Group 3) for three consecutive days, or a combination of these treatment schemes: one day of CP doses (50 mg/kg of body weight) followed by three doses of AgNPs (one dose per day, Group 4) and three alternate doses of CP and AgNPs (six days of exposure, Group 5). Blood samples were taken just before the first administration (0 h) and every 24 h for seven days. Our results show that Argovit™ AgNPs induced no significant cytotoxic or acute genotoxic damage. The observed cumulative genotoxic damage in this model could be caused by the accumulation of AgNPs due to administered consecutive doses. Furthermore, the administration of AgNPs after 24 h of CP seems to have a protective effect on bone marrow and reduces by up to 50% the acute genotoxic damage induced by CP. However, this protection is not enough to counteract several doses of CP. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the exceptional chemoprotective capacity produced by a non-cytotoxic silver nanoparticle formulation against CP genotoxic damage has been reported. These findings raise the possibility of using AgNPs as an adjuvant agent with current treatments, reducing adverse effects.

Safety assessment and biochemical evaluation of the effect of biogenic silver nanoparticles (using bark extract of C. zeylanicum) on Rattus norvegicus rats

Background: Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in various biomedical applications. However, limited reports are currently available about the safety of biofabricated AgNPs using Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extracts. Objectives: The current study is aimed to assess the potential toxicity of biosynthesized AgNPs (using C. zeylanicum) by subacute oral administration in experimental rats. Methods: AgNPs were biofabricated using methanol extract of C. zeylanicum bark and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Twenty-four Rattus norvegicus female rats were divided into 4 groups (6 animals per group) as follows: Group-I was the control, while groups II, III, and IV were given 0.85, 1.76 and 3.53 mg/kg doses of AgNPs, respectively for 14 consecutive days. After 14 days of oral administration of AgNPs, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured using an ELISA technique. Serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were also determined as well as histopathologic features of the liver and the kidney. Results: AgNPs did not induce any changes in mean body weight, biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, urea and creatinine), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD and CAT) and histopathologic features (of the liver and kidneys) of the treated groups when compared to control group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the oral administration of biogenic AgNPs (biofabricated using methanol extract of C. zeylanicum) to rats at a specific dose is relatively safe and does not show any signs of toxicity.

Effect of Titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles on Mitochondrial Dynamics in Mouse Testis Tissue.

This study was performed to investigate whether the toxicity of nanoparticles (Ag NPs or TiO2 NPs) affected mitochondrial dynamics (mitochondrial fusion and fission mechanisms) in testicular cells of mice. Animals were assigned into three groups (ten mice per group): control group (distilled water), TiO2 NP group (5mg/kg per dose), and Ag NP group (5mg/kg per dose). NPs were administered intravenously (via tail vein) to mice with 3-day intervals. To determine the possible toxic effect of NPs on mitochondrial dynamics, the expression levels of mitochondrial fission (Drp1)- and fusion (Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1)-related genes were analyzed. The results showed that both Ag NPs and TiO2 NPs entered the testis via the blood-testis barier and accumulated in mouse testis tissue. Experiments showed that administration of Ag NPs neither alters testicular weight and testicular index nor causes significant toxic effect on sperm parameters. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that Ag NP treatment did not disrupt mitochondrial dynamics in testicular cells. Conversely, administration of TiO2 NPs (anatase, < 25nm) decreased the sperm motility and the percentages of sperms with swollen tail. Furthermore, RT-PCR and western blot analyses showed that TiO2 NPs disrupted mitochondrial dynamics by causing excess mitochondrial fission (excess expression of Drp1 gene and DRP1 protein). This is the first report on the toxicity of nanoparticles on mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission mechanisms) in testicular cells.

Prevalence of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance and Nanotechnological Control of Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the pathogens that may cause a wide range of infections in humans. Clindamycin has been considered as an important medication in treating these infections especially skin and soft tissue infections. Inducible clindamycin resistance (ICR) is a complication in treating S. aureus infections in humans. It is difficult to detect S. aureus strains expressing ICR by using standard susceptibility test methods. Recently, there is an increasing need to find alternatives to antibiotics. Nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles, were reported as potential alternatives for traditional antibiotics (or in combination with traditional antibiotics) against the emergence of bacterial multidrug resistance. This research aimed to study the prevalence of ICR among S. aureus clinical isolates and investigate the antibacterial effects of AgNPs solely and in combination with clindamycin against these isolates with evaluation of the acute toxicity of intraperitoneal administrated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Out of one hundred isolates of S. aureus studied over a period of one year, 70 isolates were identified as MRSA and 30 isolates were MSSA. Results revealed that the percentage of cMLSB, iMLSB, and MS phenotypes were 40%, 10% and 9% respectively. Overall, 41% isolates of S. aureus showed susceptibility to Erythromycin. Both iMLSB and cMLSB phenotypes were the most predominated among MRSA isolates. AgNPs was found to have strong antibacterial effect with MIC of 1μg/ml and partially synergistic activity with clindamycin towards S. aureus. Intraperitoneal administration of AgNPs was found to be moderately toxic.

Impact of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles cytotoxicity on dental pulp of albino rats (histological and immunohistochemical study)

This study aimed to evaluate the potential cytotoxic effect of oral administration of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on adult albino rats’ pulp tissue; due to the enormous uses of Ag-NPs in the medical and dental field. The Ag-NPs were synthesized via the green process using peels of pomegranate extract. The pomegranate-mediated Ag-NPs were subjected to morphological and spectral analysis through ultraviolet visible absorption spectra, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared, Zeta-potential measurements, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The structural and morphological characterization techniques confirmed the proper synthesis of biosynthesized Ag-NPs with a size around 20 ​nm and the surface plasmon resonance peak within 400–450 ​nm. The oral cytotoxic effect of Ag-NPs was assessed through detecting the histological (hematoxylin & eosin, Masson’s trichrome) and immunohistochemical (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Caspase-3 proteins) variations. The data was analyzed statistically through using the SPSS software. Dental pulp tissues of albino rats-treated with Ag-NPs revealed that most of the odontoblasts with marked hydropic degeneration, vacuolization of their cytoplasm, loss of organization and apoptosis. Marked vasodilatation and cognition of blood vessels were detected. There was weak to moderate positive reactivity to Masson’s trichrome stain. There was statistically significant decrease in the expression of VEGF in the treated group and highly statistically significant increase in the expression of Caspase-3 in comparison with the control group. ConclusionOral administration of Ag-NPs induced size and dose-dependent structural changes in the pulp tissue of adult male albino rats.

Histological modifications of the rat prostate following oral administration of silver nanoparticles

Background and aims: Recently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received much attention for their possible usage in various fields. This study examined the effect of AgNPs on the histopathological changes in the prostate of rats. Methods: In this study, 40 male adult Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups (n=8 in each group). AgNPs were given orally to the four experimental groups at doses of 30, 125, 300, and 700 mg/kg for 28 consecutive days. The control group received deionized water. After performing hematoxylin and eosin (H &amp; E) staining and Masson’s trichrome staining, the histological changes in the prostate of rats were evaluated. Results: Histological evaluation showed that the acinar epithelial height and alveolar folds decreased, but vacuoles in the epithelial cells and accumulation of blood vessel increased in the groups treated with AgNPs at doses of 30 and 125 mg/kg. The collagen content also increased significantly in these groups (30 mg/kg: P=0.03 and 125 mg/kg: P=0.002). Furthermore, the groups treated with AgNPs at doses of 300 and 700 mg/kg showed relative normalization acini and epithelial lining and the amount of their content. Conclusion: According to the results of current study, oral administration of AgNPs for 28 days had effects on prostate, indicating the toxicity of AgNPs.

Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Potential of Green AgNPs against Diabetic Mice.

Green nanotechnology-based approaches have been acquired as environmentally friendly and cost effective with many biomedical applications. The present study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the leaves of Emblica phyllanthus, characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, EDX, SEM, AFM, and XRD. The acute and chronic antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of AgNPs was studied in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A total of 11 groups (G1-G11, n = 6) of mice were treated with different concentrations (150 and 300 mM) and sizes of AgNPs and compared with those treated with standard glibenclamide. A significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the glucose level was achieved for 30, 45, and 65 nm after 15 days of treatment compared to the diabetic control. The oral administration of optimal AgNPs reduced the glucose level from 280.83 ± 4.17 to 151.17 ± 3.54 mg/dL, while the standard drug glibenclamide showed the reduction in glucose from 265.5 ± 1.43 to 192 ± 3.4 mg/dL. Histopathological studies were performed in dissected kidney and liver tissues of the treated mice, which revealed significant recovery in the liver and kidney after AgNP treatment. Acute toxicity study revealed that AgNPs were safe up to a size of 400 nm and the raw leaf extract of Emblica phyllanthus was safe up to 2500 mg/kg b.w. This study may help provide more effective and safe treatment options for diabetes compared to traditionally prescribed antidiabetic drugs.

RETRACTED: Tranilast ameliorated subchronic silver nanoparticles-induced cerebral toxicity in rats: Effect on TLR4/NLRP3 and Nrf-2

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely applied in various aspects of life. However, recent studies reported their potential toxicity both on environment and human health. The present study aimed to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in AgNPs-induced brain toxicity. Moreover, chemopreventive effect of tranilast, an analogue of tryptophan metabolite and a mast cell membrane stabilizer was evaluated. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were enrolled equally into Normal control group, AgNPs-intoxicated group (50 mg/kg, 3 times/week) and tranilast (300 mg/kg, 3 times/week)+AgNPs group. AgNPs administration triggered brain oxidative stress as depicted by reduced Nrf-2 expression, decreased TAC and GSH as well as upregulated brain lipid peroxidation. The apparent brain oxidative damage was accompanied by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Moreover, brain levels of TLR4, NLRP3 and caspase-1 were up-regulated. Additionally, histological study indicated marked cellular injury in cerebrum and cerebellum specimens. This was concomitant with elevated serum CK activity and CK-BB level. On the other hand, tanilast administration remarkably alleviated AgNPs-induced brain toxicity. The present study shed the light on implication of TLR4/NLRP3 axis and NrF2 in AgNPs-induced brain toxicity. In addition, it explored the potential protective effect of tranilast on AgNPs-induced brain injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies.

EFFECT OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED USING LEAVES EXTRACT OF OLIVE ON HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND CYTOGENETIC EFFECTS IN ALBINO MICE

This study was conducted to examine the possible effects of Ag-NPs synthesized using the olive leaf extract on histopathology and cytogenetic effect in mice. A total of thirty albino mice aged two months were divided into five treatment groups as follows: Group 1: served as control was administrated orally with 0.3 mg/kg bw of normal saline; Group 2 and 3 were administrated orally with varying doses of Ag-NPs synthesized on olive leaf extract (10 and 100 mg/kg bw, respectively) for 30 days; Group 4 and 5 were administrated orally with olive leaf crude extract (300 and 1000 mg/kg bw, respectively) for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the detection of possible chromosomal aberrations in blood samples and histopathology (liver, spleen, kidney, uterus, and testes) were carried out. Statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed for the chromosomal aberrations in all Ag-NPs groups compared to control and to crude olive leaf extract groups. Histopathological study revealed various alterations in internal organs at high doses of Ag-NPs group including inflammatory reaction, blood congestion, degeneration, fibrosis, mononuclear cell lesion, and necrosis. Slight changes were identified at both doses of crude olive extract treated groups. Based on these results, oral administration of Ag-NPs could cause genotoxic and inflammatory responses in mice and this could be representing a risk to both environment and human health.

Plasmodium chabaudi-infected mice spleen response to synthesized silver nanoparticles from Indigofera oblongifolia extract.

Malaria is a worldwide serious-threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium and the parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs has confirmed a significant obstacle to novel therapeutic antimalarial drugs. In this article, we assessed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of nanoparticles prepared from Indigofera oblongifolia extract (AgNPs) against the infection with Plasmodium chabaudi caused in mice spleen. AgNPs could significantly suppress the parasitaemia caused by the parasite to approximately 98% on day 7 postinfection with P. chabaudi and could improve the histopathological induced spleen damage. Also, AgNPs were able to increase the capsule thickness of the infected mice spleen. In addition, the AgNPs functioned as an antioxidant agent that affects the change in glutathione, nitric oxide and catalase levels in the spleen. Moreover spleen IL1β, IL-6 and TNF-α-mRNA expression was regulated by AgNPs administration to the infected mice. These results indicated the anti-oxidant and the anti-inflammatory protective role of AgNPs against P. chabaudi-induced spleen injury.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) exposure order determines the toxicity in C6 rat glioma cells

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) induced specific cell toxicity, and they are used as a tool for the study of several pathologies such as cancer. This work aimed to elucidate the toxic effect of < 10-nm silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) in different administration orders on C6 rat glioma cells, as a biological model of study. C6 rat glioma cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of AgNPs (10–100 μg/mL) in the presence or absence of ZnCl2 (10–50 μg/mL) for 24 h. AgNPs or ZnCl2 as separate treatments decreased C6 rat glioma cell viability by 21% and 13%, respectively, versus the control, using the MTT assay. The administration of AgNPs (50 μg/mL) in the presence of ZnCl2 (10–50 μg/mL) was performed under two conditions: as pretreatment and as concomitant administration; both of them showed a significant decrease in the cell viability, around 30% and 90%, respectively. It was the concomitant treatment, which exerted the most significant effect on the viability decrease. We also observed that 24-h exposure to AgNPs increased cell populations (40%) in stages G0/G1 of the cell cycle, and decreased the number of cells (60%) in stages G2/M. However, in the concomitant treatment, as well as during induced cell death, the ZnCl2 pretreatment and concomitant treatment modified the cycle, increasing the S phase by 10%, suggesting that zinc (Zn) could be an essential regulator of the C6 rat glioma cell damage induced by AgNPs. This study will allow us to understand the mechanisms of cellular response to AgNPs, for the eventual study of these particles as a potential agent against cancer, such as glioblastoma multiforme.

Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Silver Nanoparticles/Alginate/Nanocrystalline Cellulose Hydrogels: Study of the Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Efficacy.

Here, a formulation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and two natural polymers such as alginate (ALG) and nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) was developed for the 3D printing of scaffolds with large surface area, improved mechanical resistance and sustained capabilities to promote antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Mechanical resistance, water content, morphological characterization and silver distribution of the scaffolds were provided. As for applications, a comparable antimicrobial potency against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was demonstrated by in vitro tests as function of the AgNP concentration in the scaffold (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration value: 10 mg/mL). By reusing the 3D system the antimicrobial efficacy was demonstrated over at least three applications. The cytotoxicity effects caused by administration of AgNPs to hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell culture through ALG and ALG/CNC scaffold were discussed as a function of time and dose. Finally, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique was used for targeted analysis of pro-apoptotic initiation and executioner caspases, anti-apoptotic and proliferative proteins and the hepatocyte growth factor, and provided insights about molecular mechanisms involved in cell death induction.

Silver Nanoparticles Stimulates Spermatogenesis Impairments and Hematological Alterations in Testis and Epididymis of Male Rats.

The potential pharmaceutical application of nanoparticles has led to the toxicity within the male reproductive system. In the present study, the effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on hematological parameters, free radical generation, antioxidant system, sperm parameters, and organ histo-morphometry in male rats were investigated. Ag-NPs were produced by the reduction of silver ions, while the formation of which was monitored by UV–visible spectrophotometry. Zeta potential, transmission, and scanning electron microscopies were applied for the characterization of AgNPs. A total of 30 rats were divided into 6 groups and were sub-dermally exposed to Ag-NPs at the dosage of 0 (control), 10, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight (bw) doses for either 7 or 28 days. Ag-NP administration altered hematological indices and caused dose-dependent decreases in sperm motility, velocity, kinematic parameters, concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone. In the epididymis and testis, the concentrations of malondialdehyde and peroxide increases while superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and total thiol group decreases. These findings suggest that Ag-NP triggered hormonal imbalance and induce oxidative stress in testis and epididymis; which negatively affect sperm parameters of male rats.

Effect of Silver Nanoparticle Administration on Productive Performance, Blood Parameters, Antioxidative Status, and Silver Residues in Growing Rabbits under Hot Climate.

Simple SummarySilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used for their antibacterial effects, which increase productive performance and immune response in poultry and rabbits. On the other hand, residues of silver in meat and the internal organs of treated animals may be toxic for human beings. The current results of using two doses of injecting AgNPs revealed that body weight significantly improved in rabbits given a low dose of AgNPs compared with control animals. For consumers’ health concerns, it is of interest to note that the amount of accumulated silver in blood plasma and meat increased dramatically with an increasing dose.The influence of subcutaneous injections of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on rabbit performance, hematological and biochemical parameters of blood, antioxidant status, and the residues of silver in meat and blood in two breeds (New Zealand White (NZW) and Jabali) of rabbits growing under high ambient temperature was evaluated. A total of 90 six-week-old rabbits (45 NZW and 45 Jabali) were randomly distributed into three equal treatment groups (control, 0.5 mg, and 1.0 mg AgNPs/kg body weight). The treated rabbits were injected twice a week for four consecutive weeks. The results revealed that AgNPs administration had no significant effect on average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The NZW breed surpassed the Jabali breed in growth performance traits, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and cuts of mid parts and hind cuts. Administration of AgNPs had a significant effect on hematocrit (HCT) and platelet (PLT) values. Rabbits injected with AgNPs at a dose of 0.5 mg showed a lower plasma concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides than that of control rabbits. The NZW breed had significantly low platelet, total cholesterol, and triglyceride values. Rabbits injected with 0.5 mg/kg BW had the lowest total antioxidant capacity and highest malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase. The Ag residues were higher in blood than those in meat in treated rabbits. The local breed (Jabali) had significantly lower residues than the imported one (NZW) either in meat or in blood. However, the amount of accumulated silver in blood plasma and meat increased with increasing dose.

Zinc protects the rat brain from damage induced by 24 h exposure to silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely employed due to their antimicrobial properties; however, several studies sustain that AgNPs can induce brain damage, like the blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Among the BBB defense mechanisms, the metallothioneins (MTs), a collection of proteins that regulate intracellular levels of zinc (Zn), play an important role. The goal of this work was to investigate whether the brain damage caused by an intraperitoneal administration of AgNPs (15 mg/ g body weight) at the level of the BBB permeability disruption, damage of the brain tissue, and systemic inflammation could be prevented by 24 h of previous treatment with Zn (27 mg/kg body weight). Evans blue (EB) extravasation, modification of claudin-5 expression, alterations on MTs, N-cadherin expression, and systemic inflammation were evaluated. Our results show that AgNPs induce BBB damage by increasing EB extravasation and decreasing claudin-5 expression, associated with overexpression of MTs, effects that were related with systemic inflammation, evidenced by the increase of granulocytes. Zn pretreatment partially prevented the BBB permeability from the damage induced by AgNPs, whereas the MTs expression and granulocytes count exhibited a reversal effect, suggesting that the effect of Zn could be related with the BBB regulation process. The rat brain histological analysis confirmed that pretreatment with Zn prevented at least in part the toxic effect of AgNPs. This work provides relevant information about the role of Zn as a protectant against the noxious effects of AgNPs upon the rat brain physiology.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle from Datura inoxia Flower Extract and Its Cytotoxic Activity

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized biologically through a green synthesis method using the flower extract of Datura inoxia, a well-known medicinal plant for its antispasmodic, pacifying, pain relief, and for respiratory ailments. The synthesized AgNPs were structurally characterized and the cytotoxic efficiency of the AgNPs on human breast cancer cell line (MCF7) was appraised by cell viability assay, followed by cytomorphological analysis. However, apoptosis initiated by the AgNPs administration was assessed through nuclear fragmentation assay, cell cycle arrest, and comet assay. The synthesized AgNPs inhibited the propagation of cells at an IC50 concentration of 20 μg/mL after 24 h incubation. The AgNPs promoted apoptosis through DNA damage. Thus, this study reveals that the green synthesis is an ecofriendly method for production of AgNPs from Datura inoxia flower extract which provided a powerful anti-proliferative action on MCF7 cell line, suggesting them as a novel chemotherapeutic agent against human breast cancer.