Evaluation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Toxicity on Liver Cells of BALB/c Rats

BACKGROUND: Because of their unique magnetic properties, Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (Fe(3)O(4)-NPs) have extensive applications in various biomedical aspects. Investigation of the possible adverse aspects of these particles has lagged far behind their fast growing application. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Fe(3)O(4)-NPs in the liver of mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present clinical trial, 90 BALB/c mice were randomly divided in 15 groups. Five control groups were fed by usual water and food. Five placebo groups were gavaged with physiological serum in doses of 25, 50, 75, 150, and 300 micrograms per gram of body weight (μg/gr). Five experimental groups were gavaged with Fe(3)O(4)-NPs, in doses of 25, 50, 75, 150, and 300 μg/gr. This pattern was repeated every other day, for 3 days. Then, the levels of liver enzymes [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were compared between these groups. The histological alterations of livers were examined, as well. For statistical analysis, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney, with type I Bonferroni correction, as post-hoc, have been used. RESULTS: The administration of 150 and 300 μg/gr doses of Fe(3)O(4)-NPs were associated with significant elevation in liver enzymes, compared to controls (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the histopathological effects were observed in the liver tissue of these groups. However, in groups treated with lower doses of Fe(3)O(4)-NPs, no significant adverse effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the administration of Fe(3)O(4)-NPs causes dose dependent adverse effects on liver.