Comparison of the effects of silver nanoparticles and silver cobalt nanoparticles on function tests and liver tissue changes in adult male rats

Objective(s): This study aimed to compare impacts of silver nanoparticles and silver cobalt nanoparticles on the hepatic function tests and changes in liver tissues in adult male rats. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 49 adult male Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 180-220 gr. The rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of seven including one control group and six experimental groups. The experimental groups 1 and 2 respectively received 25 and 100 mg/kg of silver nanoparticles synthesized for 75 sec intraperitoneally for 14 days. Experimental group 3 received silver nanoparticles that were synthesized at 300 sec which were administered intraperitoneally in a 25 mg/kg dose for 14 days. The experimental groups 4 and 5 received silver cobalt nanoparticles, whereby silver nanoparticles were synthesized at 75 sec and were administered intraperitoneally in a 25 and 100 mg/kg dose for 14 days, respectively. Finally, experimental group 6 received a 25 mg/kg dose of silver cobalt nanoparticles, intraperitoneally for 14 days, with the silver nanoparticles synthesized for 300 sec. At the end of this period, the serum levels of hepatic enzymes, albumin, and total protein were measured and tissue changes were evaluated in this study. Results: The mean serum levels of AST, total protein, and albumin in the experimental groups 1 and 3 increased significantly compared to the control group. Similarly, the mean serum levels of ALT and ALP in the experimental group 3 showed a significant increase in comparison with the control group. The mean of liver weight in all experimental groups was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05). Furthermore, the necrosis of the liver tissue was observed in the recipients of silver nanoparticles. However, liver necrosis was not observed in the groups receiving silver cobalt nanoparticles. Conclusion: The use of silver nanoparticles can boost the serum levels of hepatic enzymes and increase liver tissue necrosis, as well. However, the silver cobalt nanoparticles did not change the levels of hepatic enzymes and liver tissue.