Pulmonary Effects of Silica Nanoparticles in Rats Following Subchronic Inhalation Exposure
نویسندگان
1 College of Pharmacy, University of Al-Ameed, Iraq
2 Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, (Maysan), Iraq
3 Department of Medical Engineering, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
4 Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
5 Teacher of the Department of Fruits and Vegetables, Urganch State University, Uzbekistan
6 Termez State University, Termez, Uzbekistan
7 Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Turath University, Baghdad, Iraq
8 Department of Dentistry, Al-Hadi University College, Baghdad, Iraq
9 Technical Engineering College, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
10 International School of Finance and Technology., Tashkent, Uzbekistan
11 Karshi State University, Kuchabag, Karshi, Uzbekistan
12 Tashkent State Agrarian University, 100140, Tashkent region, Uzbekistan
13 Gulistan State University, 120100, Gulistan region, Uzbekistan
doi
10.22052/JNS.2024.01.006چکیده
The widespread use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in various applications has raised concerns about their potential health effects, particularly regarding pulmonary toxicity. The purpose of this analysis was to delve into the dose-dependent pulmonary effects of SiNPs following subchronic inhalation exposure in rats. Adult male rats, specifically of the Sprague-Dawley breed, experienced filtered air (control), 1 mg/m³ (low-dose), or 10 mg/m³ (high-dose) of SiNPs (mean diameter 52.3 ± 4.7 nm) for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 13 weeks. Pulmonary function tests were conducted periodically. At study termination, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for inflammatory markers, and lung tissues were examined histopathologically. High-dose SiNP exposure led to significant impairment of lung function, characterized by decreased tidal volume (19.2%), increased respiratory rate (15.7%), reduced lung compliance (24.1%), and increased airway resistance (54.5%). Both low and high-dose exposures induced dose-dependent pulmonary inflammation, evidenced by increased total cell counts, neutrophil infiltration, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in BALF. Histopathological examination revealed dose-dependent structural changes in lung tissues, encompassing increased alveolar wall thickness, overgrowth of alveolar epithelium, and inflammation in both alveoli and bronchioles. Notably, granuloma formation was observed in 62.5% of rats in the high-dose group. Subchronic inhalation exposure to SiNPs induces dose-dependent pulmonary toxicity in rats, characterized by impaired lung function, persistent inflammation, and structural changes in lung tissues. These findings highlight the possible hazards linked to extended contact with SiNPs and underscore the importance of implementing appropriate safety measures in occupational settings where SiNP exposure may occur.
