Silver nanoparticles down-regulate Nrf2-mediated 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 through inactivation of extracellular regulated kinase and protein kinase B in human Chang liver cells

► Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. ► 8-Oxoguanine (8-oxoG) is sensitive marker of ROS-induced DNA damage. ► 8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) is a repair enzyme that excises 8-oxoG. ► AgNPs accumulate 8-oxoG in DNA via down-regulation of OGG1 gene expression. ► The inability of OGG1 by AgNPs occurs via inactivation of Nrf2, ERK and AKT.