Protective Role of Quercetin on Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are one of the most commercially used nanomaterials. However, their extensive usage has adverse biological effects, which has led to increasing concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment. This study aimed to confirm Ag-NP-induced hepatotoxicity and determine the potential protective role of quercetin (Qur) in Ag-NP-induced hepatotoxicity. Fifteen healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three group: (1) Control group (administered deionized water), (2) Ag-NPs group (administered 100 mg/Kg Ag-NP orally) and (3) Ag-NP+Qur group (administered 100 mg/Kg Ag-NPs+100 μl of Qur) for five consecutive days. Samples were collected 24 h after the last treatment following standard protocols. The antioxidant activity of Qur against Ag-NP-induced toxicity was determined by measuring serum levels of various enzymes including Alanine Aminotransferases (ALT), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferases, (GGT), Alkaline Phosphatases (ALP), biomarkers of oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and examining liver histopathology. A significant increase in the activity of serum liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT), MDA and alterations in liver morphology were noted in Ag-NPs treated rats relative to control rats. In contrast, reduced glutathione level was considerably lower in Ag-NPs treated rats compared to that in control rats. Co-administration of Qur resulted in significant changes in the biochemical parameters compared to that in Ag-NP-treated rats. The activity of liver enzymes, liver injury and oxidative stress biomarkers were found to be decreased, whereas levels of reduced glutathione were increased in the Qur+Ag-NP group. Our results suggest that the antioxidant Qur may have a protective role against Ag-NP-induced hepatotoxicity.