Sub-chronic intraperitonealy toxicity assessments of modified silver nanoparticles capped coated Myrtus communis-derived the hydrolyzable tannins in a mice model

Objective(s): The use of silver nanoparticles in the field of biomedicine is increasing day by day, but less attention has been paid to its toxicity. In this paper, the ability of the silver nanoparticles produced by a green synthesis procedure to protect the liver and its effects on liver function in male mice was investigated in a sub-chronic toxicity study. Methods: The silver nanoparticles functionalized the hydrolyzable tannin fraction of Myrtus communis (MC-AgNPs) were used for testing in vivo sub-chronic toxicity in mice model. The MC-AgNPs and Ag+ were intraperitoneally injected with different doses 5 times a week over 90 days. The biochemical, hematological factors were determined using an autoanalyzer following the routine procedures. In addition, histopathological test of liver tissue in laboratory mice were examined through haematoxylin & eosin staining. Results: The obtained results showed that liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) were decreased. The mean value ± standard deviation of white blood cells, lymphocytes, red blood cells and Hb were increased, while red blood cells and hemoglobin decreased. Histopathological investigations indicated no obvious effect on hepatic cyto-architecture in the group receiving silver nanoparticles (50 mg/kg), and mild inflammation in the port space. In the groups receiving silver nanoparticles (100 and 200 mg/kg), mild inflammation, and moderate inflammation were observed in the port space and pre portal, respectively. Conclusions: The findings indicated that AgNPs could be safe even for long-term use in a therapeutic period if hybridized with active biomolecules.