Biodistribution of Gold in Organs of Male Wistar Rats and Its Effects on Nutritional Status and Blood and Urine Biochemical Parameters

Gold is used in different fields showing great promise in various biomedical applications like nanotechnology, oncology, and drug delivery. Meanwhile, its effects on some biological systems of male Wistar rats remain unclear. The aim of this study was first to investigate the impact of Allochrysine solution after its intraperitoneal administration to male Wistar rats on their nutritional status. Second, the biodistribution of gold in the liver, the testes, and the brain was investigated, and the 24-h urine samples were studied as well. Third, the biochemical evaluation of hepatic and renal functions was performed. Our results showed that gold altered the nutritional status of rats. The quantitative study allowed the measurement of very high levels of gold in 24-h urine samples, in the testes, in the liver, and in the brain. The biochemical study of blood parameters showed that gold induced hyperglycemia and toxicity in the liver (e.g., ALT, AST, ALP, and TB) of treated rats. The study of urine showed excretion of elevated urine output with high specific gravity. The absolute and relative creatinine clearance were significantly higher in the gold-treated group. Our results suggest that gold is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and the blood-testis barrier. In the brain, gold stimulated a significant weight loss and reduced food intake, leading to modification in their nutritional status. The hepatic and kidney tissues concentrated gold in order to eliminate the metal, via biliary and urinary excretion, respectively. These organs regulated gold concentration and enhanced its elimination to facilitate detoxification.