Evaluation of the effects of different levels of gold nanoparticles on liver enzymes level and fat profile in rats

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing use of nanoparticles in pharmaceutical applications,
concerns about their possible negative effects on the body have also increased.
Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of gold
nanoparticles on the level of ALT, AST and ALP enzymes as well as fat profile (TG,
Chol, LDL) in male rats.
Materials & Methods: For this study, 30 adult male Wistar rats weighing 200 ± 50g
were divided into 3 groups of ten. The control group, saline and the other two groups
received gold nanoparticles at 100 and 1000 mg / kg body weight by gavage for 3 weeks.
The results showed that in the group receiving 100 mg/kg of gold nanoparticles
compared to other groups the serum levels of liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP were
reduced significantly.
Result: Meanwhile, in the group receiving 1000 mg/kg of gold nanoparticles compared
to the other two groups, a significant increase in the level of liver enzymes (p<0.05). In
addition, while the group receiving 100 mg/kg of gold nanoparticles had no significant
alteration on serum lipid parameters, in the group receiving 1000 mg/kg caused a
significant increase in all three lipid indices of cholesterol, triglyceride and blood LDL
(p<0.05).
Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that receiving 100mg/kg of gold
nanoparticles reduced the serum level of liver enzymes and probably this level can be
successfully used in pharmaceutical applications.