Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Liver and Kidney Function in Birds.

Abstract

AgNPs are finding broad application in veterinary medicine and poultry production because of their power antimicrobial effects, but thus far some questions have been raised in regard to its possible toxicity against crucial organs. The aim of the present research was to determine the histopathological and biochemical impact of silver nanoparticles on the liver and kidney functions on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Adult quails were randomly selected into four groups (n= 6): one control group (treated with normal saline), and three treatment groups (treated with AgNPs) orally on 28 consecutive days of doses (10, 20 and 40mg/kg body weight). Biochemical parameters that assessed hepatic and renal functioning including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine, and uric acid were examined. Oxidative stress proteins and antioxidant enzymes activity were evaluated on liver and kidney tissues and the structures were analyzed by subjecting the tissues to hematoxylin and eosin staining. The outcomes showed that AgNP-treated groups showed a great dose-dependent rise in serum liver and kidney biomarkers compared to controls, which revealed the functional impairment of both organs. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx) were also decreased and malondialdehyde (MDA) level was increased, which proved the increased oxidative stress. The biochemical results were supported by histopathological ones that showed hepatocellular degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, necrosis of liver tissues, and tubular degeneration, glomerular damage, and interstitial congestion in kidneys with progressive severity with increasing doses. To conclude, chronic oral administration of silver nanoparticles causes pronounced dose-dependent hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Japanese quail, which are mainly associated with the effect of oxidative stress. These results indicate that AgNPs should be used carefully in the avian systems and such data will be important in risk assessment and establishment of safe doses.