Effect of Different Vaccines and Aluminum Nanoparticles (ALNPs) on Liver and Kidney of Rabbits

Background: Aluminum nanoparticles (ALNPs) have gained attention as potential vaccine adjuvants due to their immunostimulatory properties. However, their impact on organ health remains a critical concern. This study examines the histopathological effects of ALNP-based vaccination compared to conventional aluminum-adjuvanted vaccines, focusing on liver and kidney tissue alterations in rabbits. Materials and Methods A total of 30 male rabbits were randomly assigned to five groups (n=6 per group). The control group received normal saline (0.2 mL, IM). In contrast, the experimental groups received either ALNPs at low (0.05M, IM) or high (0.1M, IM) doses, or inactivated poliomyelitis (0.2 mL, IM) or diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine (0.2 mL, IM). A single dose was administered, and histopathological assessments of liver and kidney tissues were conducted after a 30-day observation period. Results ALNP exposure resulted in significant histopathological damage, with the high-dose ALNP group exhibiting renal tubular necrosis, glomerular swelling, intertubular hemorrhage, and hepatocyte degeneration. The vaccine groups also showed notable but comparatively less severe pathological changes, including moderate hepatocyte degeneration and renal tubular apoptosis. The control group exhibited normal histological structures. Discussion The findings indicate that while both ALNPs and conventional aluminum-adjuvanted vaccines induce organ toxicity, ALNP exposure leads to more pronounced tissue damage. The extent of histopathological alterations suggests a dose-dependent effect, raising concerns about the safety of ALNPs as vaccine adjuvants. These results align with previous studies highlighting aluminum toxicity but underscore the need for further research into nanoparticle-specific mechanisms of tissue injury. This study provides comparative evidence of ALNP and vaccine-induced histopathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. The severity of damage associated with ALNP exposure necessitates further investigation into their long-term safety and biocompatibility. Future studies should explore alternative nanoparticle formulations with reduced cytotoxicity while maintaining immunogenic benefits.