The effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and TSH in rats

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been used as contrast agents in MRI and in thermal therapy for cancer cells. However، their adverse effects on human health have not been fully investigated. In this study the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on lever enzymes (ALT، AST and ALP)، thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and TSH in rats were investigated. In this experimental study، 28 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Three intervention groups received iron oxide nanoparticle (in 20µ g/kg، 50µ g/kg and 150µ g/kg doses، dissolved in 1 ml of distilled water) and the control group received 1 ml of distilled water through gavage tube daily for fifteen consecutive days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukeys tests. The serum levels of ALP، ALT and T4 in the group receiving the maximum dose (150µ g/kg) showed a higher increase compared with control group (P<0. 05) Serum AST level in groups receiving the medium (50µ g/kg) and maximum (150µ g/kg) doses showed more increase compared with control group (P<0. 05). Serum TSH level in the groups receiving 50µ g/kg and 150µg/kg doses underwent more decrease compared with control group (P<0. 05). The results of this study show that iron oxide nanoparticles have toxic effects on liver and thyroid gland in mice at high concentrations (150µ g/kg).