The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on the Biochemical Parameters of Liver Function in Serum, and the Expression of Caspase-3 in the Liver Tissues of Male Rats

Background Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties and their use is growing in different industries. Since the toxicity of nanosilver is not well known, it is essential to examine its safety. Objectives This experiment was undertaken to study the effects of nanosilver on rat liver function with an evaluation of blood biochemistry parameters and caspase-3 expression in the liver. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. In the four experimental groups, nanosilver particles were given orally for 28 consecutive days at doses of 30, 125, 300, or 700 mg/kg. Rats in the control group received equal volumes of deionized water. To evaluate the expression of caspase-3 in liver tissue, the real-time PCR method was used. Albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were measured with an RA-1000 autoanalyzer. Results The results indicated that caspase-3 was upregulated in the treated groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No considerable changes in serum biochemical parameters were observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions Based on the present study, it can be concluded that oral administration of silver nanoparticles for 28 days had no effect on rat liver function, but probably led to early apoptotic stages.