Ultrastructural hepatocytic alterations induced by silver nanoparticle toxicity

Area of Science:

• Nanotoxicology
• Hepatopathology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are increasingly used in medicine and consumer goods.
• Potential human health risks from SNPs are a growing concern.
• Limited data exists on the ultrastructural pathological effects of nanosilver.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ultrastructural alterations in rat hepatocytes induced by silver nanoparticle (SNP) exposure.
• To assess the potential cellular damage and functional impact on the liver.

Main Methods:

• Male rats received daily doses of SNPs (15-35 nm diameter) at 2 mg/kg for 21 days.
• Liver biopsies were collected and examined using transmission electron microscopy.
• Ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes were systematically documented.

Main Results:

• Observed alterations include mitochondrial swelling/crystolysis, endoplasmic reticulum disruption, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and lipid accumulation.
• Other findings include glycogen depletion, karyopyknosis, apoptosis, sinusoidal dilatation, Kupffer cell activation, and myelin figures.
• These changes indicate significant organelle damage and cellular stress within hepatocytes.

Conclusions:

• SNP exposure can induce significant hepatocyte organelle alterations, leading to cellular damage.
• These ultrastructural changes may impair liver function, posing potential health risks.
• Further research is needed to understand nanosilver toxicity in vital organs.