Exploring fetal skeletal alterations induced by gold nanoparticles in mice confirmed by laser speckle imaging and LIBS approach [2026-04-15]

Exploring fetal skeletal alterations induced by gold nanoparticles in mice confirmed by laser speckle imaging and LIBS approach Shaimaa M. I. Alexeree1,4* , Doaa Youssef2, Ahmed H. Galmed1, Ragaa M. Elbalshy3 and M. Abdel-Harith1 Abstract Background The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has expanded the use of nanomaterials across biomedical and industrial applications. Engineered gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have attracted considerable interest for diagnostic and therapeutic applications; however, their ability to cross the placental barrier and the potential for fetotoxic effects remain insufficiently explored. Results This study aimed to investigate the transplacental transfer and developmental toxicity of biosynthesized Au NPs in a BALB/c mouse model. Pregnant mice were assigned to three groups: a control group (G1) and two treatment groups receiving intravenous doses of 10 µg/g/day (G2) or 20 µg/g/day (G3). Morphological examination of fetal skeletal structures using light microscopy revealed no overt abnormalities. In contrast, comprehensive skeletal assessment using an advanced multimodal complementary laser-based platform demonstrated significant dose- dependent alterations. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) detected pronounced dysregulation of calcium and magnesium critical for bone mineralization. Additionally, laser speckle imaging enabled sensitive, nondestructive evaluation of microstructural changes associated with fetal bone ossification and alterations in mineral content. The integrated analysis revealed disrupted ossification centers, abnormal bone density signatures, and subtle skeletal anomalies that were undetectable by conventional microscopy. Conclusions The combined application of LIBS and laser speckle imaging proved highly sensitive in identifying early elemental imbalances and microstructural defects in fetal bone development following Au NPs exposure. These findings emphasize the value of advanced photonic and spectroscopic techniques for nanosafety assessment and underscore the necessity for thorough in vivo evaluation of the potential developmental risks associated with biosynthesized gold nanoparticles. Keywords Metal nanoparticles , Transplacental transfer, Nanotoxicology, LIBS, Laser speckle imaging, Osteological

Toxicological Studies on The Effect of Methotrexate on Prenatal Rat Foetuses [2024-05-08]

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MICROSCOPICAL STUDIES ON THE POSSIBLE TOXIC EFFECT OF SODIUM BENZOATE ON THE LIVER OF PREGNANT MICE AND THEIR FETUSES [2021-01-05]

Abstract The present study delt with the possible effects of sodium benzoate (SB), which is commonly used in Egypt as an antimicrobial agent in food industry, on the livers of pregnant mice and their fetuses. The pregnant females were treated with low and high doses of SB (200 & 500mg/kg b.wt) through stomach tube. In this study, 25 pregnant mice were used, which were classified as follow: 5 pregnant mice were used as control, 10 animals in group 1 and in group 2 treated with low and high doses of SB, respectively, during days 8-12 or 12-16 of pregnancy. On day 18 of gestation, the liver of the treated mothers showed some histopathological changes which were more severe in mice given the high dose than those given the low dose. These alterations included highly vacuolated hepatocytes, dilated blood sinusoids, congestion of blood vessels, hypertrophied Kupffer cells and focal necrotic areas. Structureless hepatocytes were also observed with vacuolated, pyknotic and chromatolytic nuclei. On the other hand, the fetal liver maternally treated with SB revealed similar degenerative changes such as degenerated hepatocytes, dilated sinusoids and blood vessels, and large spaces occluded with red blood cells representing severe haemorrhage. The hematopoietec cells showed variable occurrence in the fetal hepatic tissue, probably, due to SB treatment. Ultrastructural alterations were also reported in the liver cells. These changes included large vacuoles of different sizes and forms, lipid droplets and highly degenerated mitochondria with deformed outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. Also, activated Kupffer cells were observed in blood sinusoids with dense elongated nuclei. All these degenerative changes could be related to the direct action of SB on the pregnant mothers and through the placental passage of SB or its metabolites on the developing fetuses.

MICROSCOPICAL STUDIES ON THE POSSIBLE TOXIC EFFECT OF SODIUM BENZOATE ON THE LIVER OF PREGNANT MICE AND THEIR FETUSES [2021-01-05]

Abstract The present study delt with the possible effects of sodium benzoate (SB), which is commonly used in Egypt as an antimicrobial agent in food industry, on the livers of pregnant mice and their fetuses. The pregnant females were treated with low and high doses of SB (200 & 500mg/kg b.wt) through stomach tube. In this study, 25 pregnant mice were used, which were classified as follow: 5 pregnant mice were used as control, 10 animals in group 1 and in group 2 treated with low and high doses of SB, respectively, during days 8-12 or 12-16 of pregnancy. On day 18 of gestation, the liver of the treated mothers showed some histopathological changes which were more severe in mice given the high dose than those given the low dose. These alterations included highly vacuolated hepatocytes, dilated blood sinusoids, congestion of blood vessels, hypertrophied Kupffer cells and focal necrotic areas. Structureless hepatocytes were also observed with vacuolated, pyknotic and chromatolytic nuclei. On the other hand, the fetal liver maternally treated with SB revealed similar degenerative changes such as degenerated hepatocytes, dilated sinusoids and blood vessels, and large spaces occluded with red blood cells representing severe haemorrhage. The hematopoietec cells showed variable occurrence in the fetal hepatic tissue, probably, due to SB treatment. Ultrastructural alterations were also reported in the liver cells. These changes included large vacuoles of different sizes and forms, lipid droplets and highly degenerated mitochondria with deformed outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. Also, activated Kupffer cells were observed in blood sinusoids with dense elongated nuclei. All these degenerative changes could be related to the direct action of SB on the pregnant mothers and through the placental passage of SB or its metabolites on the developing fetuses.

Teratogenic effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) -phthalate (DEHP) on Survival, Morphology and Skeleton System of Mice Fetuses [2020-01-05]

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Teratogenic effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) -phthalate (DEHP) on Survival, Morphology and Skeleton System of Mice Fetuses EL-Balshy, R. M.1, Ibrahim, S.A2, Awwad, M.H3, El- Daly, A.A4, Iskandar, M.K.5 1, 2, 3,, 4, 5Department of Zoology- Faculty of Science- Benha University-Benha- Egypt [2020-01-05]

2016-02-26

MALFORMATIONS INDUCED IN THE SKELETAL SYSTEM OF MOUSE FETUSES BY THE FOOD PRESERVATIVE SODIUM BENZOATE [2016-02-26]