Carbon nanoparticle toxicity assessment in the liver of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Background: Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are extremely small particles mainly composed of carbon atoms, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nm in size. Although CNPs have promising applications in various fields, they can damage cell membranes, cause toxicity, and potentially induce mutations that may lead to cancer. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the dose-dependent effects of CNPs on the liver in rats. Methods: Twenty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 100-130 g) were acclimated and randomly divided into five groups. Groups I, II, and III received intraperitoneal injections of CNPs at doses of 19.5, 58.5, and 97.5 mg/kg of body weight for 28 consecutive days, respectively. The saline control group received 0.5 ml of normal saline. Liver samples were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. Results: Rats exposed to higher CNP doses showed significant weight loss. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels were markedly modulated, especially in the high-dose group. Lipid metabolism was also disrupted. Histological studies revealed hepatocellular degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, and sinusoidal dilation at higher CNP concentrations. Conclusion: The results revealed that exposure to CNPs, particularly at higher doses, may lead to liver toxicity and pose health risks. As the use of CNPs becomes more widespread, understanding their biological effects is essential to ensure their safe use for the reasonable development of nanotechnology.