A histological study for the evaluation of potential harmful effects of orally ingested iron oxide nanoparticles in mice

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to search for the possible adverse effects of orally ingested iron oxide nanoparticles on the liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle of BALB /c mice. Materials and Methods: Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared with the co-precipitation method and characterized using Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). BALB /c mice were chosen as an experimental animal model. Twenty-four mice were classified into four groups with six mice in each group. Group 1 was named control group. The second, third, and fourth groups were experimental groups which were given iron oxide nanoparticles daily in concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg bodyweight for 21 days via oral ingestion. One day after the last feed of nanoparticles, the tissue specimen from the liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle were taken and processed for histopathological evaluation to study the evidence of any toxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on these organs. Results: The histopathological assessment of the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle tissue of the three experimental groups revealed no evidence of necrosis, inflammation, or any degenerative changes in comparison to the control group samples. Discussion: Oral ingestion of spherical shaped iron oxide nanoparticles (average diameter 50nm) is safe and there was no histological evidence of any toxic effects on the liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle of BALB /c mice in concentrations up to 500 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. These findings are in accordance with some studies but certain studies reported the toxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles. This means that the size, shape, and route of exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles can affect their extent of toxicities.