Investigation of the Enzyme activities of Alkaline Phosphatase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Transaminase and Histopathological Changes of Liver after Exposure to NiO and NiO Nanoparticles in Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Nickel (Ni) and nickel compounds are widely used in industry, radiotherapy and nanomedicine. However, the toxicity of NiO nanoparticles is yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of NiO and NiO nanoparticles (NiONPs) using basic medical diagnostic tools, such as biochemical tests and histopathological changes of liver in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 49 male rats were divided randomly into seven groups (n=7), including one control group and six experimental groups (three experimental groups received NiONPs and three experimental groups received NiO intraperitoneally) with doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg for 8 days. After 8 days, blood samples were collected from heart and liver enzyme activity assay was performed on serum sample. Livert issue for histopathological evaluation were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test with SPSS21 software at significant level of P<0.05. Results:The results showed that enzyme activity of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH in different doses NiO NPs and NiO increased in compared to control group (p<0.05). Histopathological study of liver following intraperitoneal (IP) administration of NiONPs and NiO showed pathological changes, including congestion, Cirrhosis and inflammatory cell infiltration compared to control group. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to different doses of NiONPs and NiO can induce different degrees of damage in a dose dependent manner. Thus, increasing level of liver enzymes and histopathological changes confirmed NiONPs and NiO toxicity.

Keywords

• NiO Nanoparticles
• Nickel Oxide
• Biochemical Tests
• Histopathological
• Rat