In the present work, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) which is a biocompatible agent in living systems. The sub-chronic effects of ZnO-NPs were investigated based on biochemical parameters and histological changes applied to Rattus norvegicus. The structural, morphology, and size characterization of nanoparticles were studied by applying techniques as XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TEM. 8-week intraperitoneal injection of ZnO-NPs at a dose of 100 mg/kg leads to significant changes in liver enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and tissue histopathological changes. The animal group which was treated with 50 mg/kg of ZnO-NPs presented elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, but the liver enzymes and liver histopathology were found to be in normal level. The rats exposed to increasing dose of ZnO-NPs (100 mg/kg) showed necrosis of germinal epithelium and sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. The current study clearly demonstrated the dose-dependent toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles.
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