The Effects of Long-Term Administration of Green-Synthetized Nickel Oxide (NiO) Nanoparticles on Liver, Kidney, and Testis in Rats

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of green- and chemically-synthesized nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles on the histopathology of liver, kidney, and testis in rats. Methods: This was a descriptive analytic study, forty rats were allocated into five equal groups. The first group (healthy control) received normal saline. The second and third groups received oral chemically-synthetized NiO nanoparticles (5 and 50 mg/kg, respectively). The green-synthetized NiO nanoparticles were orally fed to the fourth and fifth groups for eight weeks (5 and 50 mg/kg, respectively). Finally, blood was collected from the heart of rats and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were evaluated. After euthanasia, liver, kidney, and testis samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and examined under a light microscope. Findings: Both groups treated with 50 mg/kg dose showed significantly higher ALT and AST levels compared to the control group (P < 0.050). Serum BUN and creatinine levels were significantly higher in rats received the dose of 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). In histopathological investigation, necrosis and fat accumulation were observed in the liver of rats treated with the 50 mg/kg dose of NiO nanoparticles. In kidney, proximal tubule swelling was observed and testis tissues showed necrosis, too. Conclusion: The long-term administration of NiO nanoparticles have toxic effects on liver, kidney, and testis in rats.

Keywords

• liver
• nickel oxide
• nanoparticles
• kidney
• rats