Physiology & Pharmacology
Zhaleh Noroozifar; Zahra Hoshmandi; Mahbubeh Setorki
Volume 24, Issue 3 , July and August 2017, , Pages 157-164
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Despite the numerous potential applications of nanoparticles in different sciences due to their unique properties, their adverse effects on human health have not been fully studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Fe2O4Zn nanoparticle on thyroid and thyroid ...
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Background & Objectives: Despite the numerous potential applications of nanoparticles in different sciences due to their unique properties, their adverse effects on human health have not been fully studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Fe2O4Zn nanoparticle on thyroid and thyroid hormones in male rats. Materials & Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control rats received 0.5 ml saline for 7 consecutive days. Group 1 and 2 rats received 0.5 ml of Fe2O4Zn nanoparticle solution at doses of 100 and 200 ppm, respectively. Injections were carried out intraperitoneally. Serum biochemical parameters were evaluated in rats, after 2, 7 and 14 days of beginning the experiment. On the 14th days, thyroid tissue was removed and used for histological assessment. Results: Administration of Fe2O4Zn nanoparticle in concentrations of 100 ppm and 200 ppm significantly decreased TSH levels compared with that of control samples (P<0.05), whereas no significant change in levels of T3 was observed (P>0.05). Fe2O4Zn nanoparticle treatments significantly increased serum levels of T4 (P<0.05). Nanoparticle treatments in view of textural properties showed severe blood, mild inflammation and larger follicle size and, by increasing the concentration of the nanoparticles, these effects were observed more severe. Conclusion: Due to the variations observed in the levels of thyroid hormones and the histological changes of thyroid tissue, it can be concluded that Fe2O4Zn nanoparticle had toxic effects on thyroid function. More studies to investigate the toxic effects of nanoparticles in different doses and different times of exposure to Fe2O4Zn nanoparticles seem to be necessary.