Effect of long-term administration of Cinnamomum cassia silver nanoparticles on organs (kidneys and liver) of Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract

This study investigated the toxic effects of silver on the kidneys and livers of Sprague-Dawley rats after administering multipledoses of silver nanoparticles synthesized using extracts of Cinnamomum cassia (CcAgNPs). Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats (250± 20 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (A–D) of six animals per group and treated for 8 weeks. Group A was administered200 mg/kg of Cinnamon Cassia extract (Cc), group B 5 mg/kg of CcAgNPs, group C 10 mg/kg of CcAgNPs, and group D normalsaline. Body weight was measured weekly and fasting blood glucose was measured fortnightly. At the end of the experiment, animalswere euthanized and organs (livers and kidneys) were fixed in neutral buffered formalin and processed for light microscopy (H&E).Body weight differences were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the low-dose Cc group and the kidney to body weight ratio was notsignificant. Renal function analysis of proteins and ketones showed a significant increase in CcAgNP-treated rats (P < 0.05). Kidney andliver histology showed distortions in hepatocytes and sinusoidal linings with infiltrations especially in the higher dose groups. Kidneyhistology mirrored degenerative changes in glomerular and Bowman’s capsules with fibrillary mesangial interstitium. CcAgNPs impairsrenal and hepatic morphology and function after a long period of administration.