Histomorphometric and Biochemical Study of Liver and Thyroid Hormones Following Administration of MoO3 Nanoparticles in Female Rats

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles are popular carriers for gene therapy and drug delivery. Their low toxicity effects, as well as their ability to accumulate and enter mammalian cells, illustrate their importance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles on liver structure and function. METHODS: Thirty-five adult Wistar rats were studied and placed in five groups. The control group took any drug, the solvent group received normal saline, and groups 3, 4, and 5 received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kgBW molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs), respectively, by intraperitoneal injection for 35 days. In the end, serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, T3, T4, TSH, and VLDL were investigated. Moreover, liver tissue was evaluated in terms of morphometrical, histological, histochemical, and image analysis. The Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, and Periodic Acid Schiff staining methods were utilized for liver tissue evaluation. RESULTS: The results showed that molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles significantly increased serum levels of the liver enzymes and thyroid hormones and decreased TSH in MoO3 NPs groups compared with control and solvent groups. Also, histomorphometric and histochemical evaluation and image analysis of liver tissue indicated adverse effects of MoO3 NPs on liver tissue. They showed that the accumulation of carbohydrates in hepatocytes was decreased, and collagen fibers stained by Masson’s Trichrome staining were increased in MoO3 NPs groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that nanoparticles such as MoO3 NPs affect and damage the histological structure of the hepatocytes. Also, MoO3 NPs can alter serum levels of liver enzymes by affecting and damaging hepatocytes.