Toxıcologıc Evaluatıon of Sılver Nanopartıcles
Özet
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are widely applied
in several products due to their unique physico-chemical properties as well
as bactericidal effects. The extensive application of Ag-NPs has raised
concerns about their potential toxicity. The evaluation of toxicity of Ag-NPs in
some previous studies has revealed the adverse effects of these NPs on
living organisms. However, very little is known about the potential toxicity of
Ag-NPs on dams and offspring during the prenatal exposure. In the present
study, reproductive/ developmental toxicity of orally administered Ag-NPs
(0.2, 2 and 20 mg/kg/day) and AgNO3 (20 mg/kg/day) was investigated in
rats from gestation day 7 to 20. At 2 days after parturition, dams and pups
were sacrificed and Ag level in maternal as well as pups organs was
measured by Atomic absorption spectrometry. For safety evaluation of
administered Ag-NPs, body and organ weights; ALT, AST and IL-6 levels;
oxidative stress parameters; comet assay and histopathological examination
were performed. As a result, no treatment related effects were found for the
reproductive parameters including pregnancy length, maternal weight gain,
and number of implants, fetal weight and litter size up to 20 mg/kg daily dose.
Ag content of all investigated tissues was found higher in Ag-NPs and AgNO3
treated groups than control in both dams and pups, indicating the possible
transfer of Ag from pregnant rats to the fetus. The data suggest that Ag in
nanoparticulate and ionic forms can affect oxidative stress in both dams and
related offspring. However, this ability was just observed significantly when
Ag was administrated to pregnant rats in ionic form. Histopathological
examination of brain tissue revealed the high incidence of hippocampal
sclerosis in both Ag-NPs and AgNO3 treated dams. As a conclusion, the
NOAEL values reported in previous studies may be needed to adjust in the
light of findings from this study.
