Low-dose, subchronic exposure to silver nanoparticles causes mitochondrial alterations in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Aim: Nanoparticles (NPs) have increasingly been studied due to their probable harmful effects to both humans and the environment. However, despite several indications of possible harmful effects, no long-term studies using a low dose of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been conducted in vivo.

Results: Our data demonstrate that the prolonged exposure to a very low dose of AgNP was sufficient to cause alterations in hepatic mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial function compromised by AgNPs is recovered by pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, which highlights the crucial role of oxidative stress in AgNPs' toxicity.

Conclusion: Our data show for the first time that even a very low dose of AgNP can cause harmful effects on mitochondrial function, thus compromising the normal function of the organ.