Stereological Study of the Protective Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Kidney Tissue following Toxicity with Silver Nanoparticles in NMRI Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Today, with the advancements in technology and the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)in various products, serious concerns have been raised about the use of this substance. This study aimed to determine the effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid(ALA) as a potent antioxidant against the toxicity of AgNPs on kidney tissue of NMRI mice. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult male NMRI mice with a mean weight of 36±2 g were randomly allocated into four groups of control, AgNPs (500 mg/kg/day), ALA (100 mg/kg/day), and AgNPs+ALA. Subsequently, they were treated orally for 35 days and sacrificed. The left kidney was taken out, fixed, sectioned, processed, and stained using the hematoxylin-eosin method. Following that, the biochemical and stereological parameters of the kidney, such as the volume calculation of its various components were measured in this study. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16). Ethics code: P/2/97s3113 Findings: In this study, there was a significant increase in the mean volume of the renal corpuscle (P<0.005), glomerulus (P<0.001), Taft (P<0.001), and Bowman capsule membrane (P<0.001); however, a significant decrease was observed in the mean total volume of Bowman capsule space (P<0.001) and proximal tubule lumen volume (P<0.05) in the AgNPs group, compared to the control group. The level of urea and malondialdehyde (P<0.001) was increased in the AgNPs group, compared to the control group. In addition, total antioxidant capacity (P<0.001) showed a significant decrease. Discussions & Conclusions: The ALA has a protective role in ameliorating kidney damage caused by silver nanoparticles.

Keywords

• alpha lipoic acid
• kidney
• nmri mice
• silver nanoparticles
• stereology