| Today, many issues concerning the interactions between metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) and biological systems (cells and tissues) are unclear. This is particularly the case regarding effects of MNPs on hepatocytes and other liver cells. Although considered safe in certain conditions, numerous studies have shown that some MNPs are capable of inducing severe hepatotoxicity in experimental animal models. Sometimes, MNP-induced changes in liver tissue are visible using conventional histological methods. In other cases, these changes are more discrete and limited only to individual cells, in terms of programmed cell death. Metallic nanoparticlesmay cause generation of reactive oxygen species with subsequent damage of cell membrane and DNA. This concise article focuses on the recent research on the effects of metallic nanoparticles on liver physiological functions with emphasis on their potential hepatotoxicity in humans and experimental animal models. |
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