Toxicity of silver nanoparticles on different tissues of Balb/C mice

Abstract Aim The main purpose of the current study was to evaluate the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on adult Balb/C mice. Main methods Twenty five Balb/C mice purchased and divided into four groups of five. Group one serves as control and injected by normal saline; group's two to four were injected by Ag NPs at 0.25, 0.50 and 1 mg/kg, respectively. Key findings Overall, current results indicate that all concentration of Ag NPs have potential for induction of toxicity in different tissues. Ag NPs at concentration >0.25 mg/kg result in pathological changes in liver, spleen, brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and testicles tissues; as well as it lead to significant change in sperm quality and quantity, and blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Ag NPs at the lowest concentration (0.25 mg/kg) significantly changed the oxidative stress levels in serum and liver tissue but did not change the level of liver enzymes and renal markers in serum. Significance The current research results support clearly the toxic effects of Ag NPs at very low concentration and suggest that further in vivo investigation are required to be able to confirm the safety of nanoparticle derived application to use in life.