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Toxic Impacts of Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles on Liver and Kidney of Male Adult Rats: an In Vivo Study

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Abstract

The toxic effects of the amorphous silica nanoparticles have not been thoroughly studied. Moreover, the majority of the in vivo investigations were performed using an inhalation exposure method. The current study aimed to explore the potential toxic effects of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) after the treatment of adult male rats with two different concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm) via drinking water for 28 days. The genotoxicity, antioxidant status, and liver and kidney functions were assessed. Besides, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed. The results showed a significant elevation in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level concurrent with a reduction in total reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and catalase activity in the 1000-ppm SiNP-exposed rats as well as increase in ALT and AST activity confirmed by various histopathological alterations detected in liver. Also, in the 1000-ppm SiNP-exposed animals, there was an elevation in urea and creatinine levels confirmed by histopathological alterations detected in kidneys. Immunohistochemical findings in both liver and kidneys indicated strong expression of caspase-3 in the 1000-ppm SiNP-treated rats compared with the control and 500-ppm SiNP-treated groups. Such findings indicated that the 1000-ppm SiNPs exerted severe hepato-renal toxic impacts when compared with the control and 500-ppm SiNP-exposed rats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    Rehab A. Azouz

  2. Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    Reda M. S. Korany

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  1. Rehab A. Azouz
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  2. Reda M. S. Korany
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All authors contributed equally in the planning of the study and drafting the manuscript. All of them approve the final version of the article.

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Correspondence to Rehab A. Azouz.

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This study was approved by the Animal Use and Care Committee at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. This study was performed after receiving ethical approval number.

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Azouz, R.A., Korany, R.M.S. Toxic Impacts of Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles on Liver and Kidney of Male Adult Rats: an In Vivo Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 199, 2653–2662 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-020-02386-3

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