Evaluation of liver toxicity in rats exposed to silver nanoparticles - Targeted metabolomics and histology based study.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) while providing beneficial applications may also pose risks, making it essential to investigate their potential toxicity in living systems. In this study, we examined the impact of Ag NPs on the liver metabolomes, as the liver is the body's primary homeostatic organ. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups and fed either silver nitrate, low-dose Ag NPs, high-dose Ag NPs, or a basal diet (control). Serum samples were analyzed using an LC-ESI-MS/MS system for metabolomic profiling. The analysis identified 32 differential metabolites, including organic acids and their derivatives, amino acids and related metabolites, hormones and hormone-related substances, bile acids, nucleotides and their metabolites, lipids, and various heterocyclic compounds. These metabolomic changes were consistent with biochemical findings, which showed elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in both low- and high-dose AgNPs groups. Histological examination further revealed inflammatory cell infiltration in the confluent areas and mild fibrous tissue proliferation in the livers of AgNP-treated rats, indicating notable toxic effects of AgNP exposure on liver morphology. This study will help to understand the hazardous effects of AgNPs on histology and metabolism of the live. It may also initiate new research to make strategies to avoid from the side effects of the AgNPs if their use is inevitable.