Biological impacts of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles on the pregnant albino rats and their fetuses.

BACKGROUND

With the increasing production and applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), they can be released into the air, water, and soil environments leading to direct exposure to human beings. On this, the current study revealed the physiological, histological, and genotoxic effects of the green biosynthesized AgNPs using two methods; lemon juice or saponin reduction on the maternal and fetal tissues.

METHODS

Twenty-eight pregnant female rats were divided into four groups (seven/group) and orally administrated the corresponding treatment doses once daily from the first to the 19th gestational day. The first group was administered distilled water as a control. The second group was administrated saponin. The third was administrated AgNps. The fourth was administrated saponin-loaded silver nanoparticles (Sn-AgNPs).

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the serum of pregnant rats treated with saponin, AgNPs, and Sn-AgNPs exhibited significant alterations in liver and kidney function parameters. In addition, maternal hepatic and renal tissues showed elevated oxidative stress, with a significant increase in the comet parameters. Histologically, both mothers and fetuses showed changes in the liver and kidney tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Green synthesized AgNPs have toxic effects on maternal and fetal tissues. Sn-AgNPs revealed an increase in the transfer, accumulation, and toxicity.