Effects of intraperitoneal injection of gold nanoparticles in male mice

Objective(s):  There is a rising use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in goods and in the medical fields but there is concern about the toxicity of them. So in this study spherical AuNPs with 3 different concentrations were applied for investigating their effects in vivo.   Materials and Methods:  40 male albino mice were randomly divided into sham, control, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm groups and were treated by intraperitoneal injection for period of 14 days. Blood was taken for measuring of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGOT and SGPT) enzyme levels and Complete Blood Count (CBC).   Results:  After the treatment and comparing groups with sham group, in 50 ppm group significant increases on RBC, HCT, HGB, MCHC and in 25 ppm group significant increase on MCHC and significant decrease on MCV and in 100 ppm group significant increase on MCHC were observed. Also in 50 ppm group an increase on SGOT enzyme level was observed. However, it was nonsignificant.  Conclusion:   By observing the abnormality on the RBC count and SGOT enzyme level in the 50 ppm group, we concluded a slight toxicity effect for AuNPs and the threat potential of their use in human.