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Zinc oxide nanoparticles inhibit dimethylnitrosamine induced liver injury in rat
Varsha Rani1, Yeshvandra Verma1, Kavita Rana1
1Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology/Toxicology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut 250004, India.
Abstract:
Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) is a potent hepatotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic compound. It induces massive liver cell necrosis and death in experimental animals. Several drugs have been tested in the past for their protective behavior against DMN toxicity. However, it is for the first time that therapeutic intervention of ZnONPs (zinc oxide nanoparticles) has been studied against its toxicity. Present results show that a post treatment of ZnONPs (50 mg/kg) to DMN (2 μl/100 g body weight) treated rats reduces lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in the liver. It diminishes serum ALT (alanine transaminases), AST (aspartate transaminases) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) showing improvement in liver function. Reduced values of proinflammatory cytokines viz. TNF-α and IL-12 also support its protective effects. Histopathological observations also indicate improvement in liver cell morphology. It is postulated that ZnONPs offer protection through selective toxicity to proliferating tissue including adenomatous islands formed in the liver. Zinc metallothionein (Zn-MT) induced by ZnONPs may also contribute in the amelioration of DMN induced toxic effects. Diminution of oxidative stress by ZnONPs remains to be the key mechanism involved in its protective effects. However, toxicity of ZnONPs in the liver needs to be monitored simultaneously.
Insights
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) show protective effects against dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) induced liver toxicity in rats. ZnONPs reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage, improving overall liver function.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nanomedicine
- Hepatology
Background:
- Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) is a known hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic compound causing significant liver cell necrosis.
- Previous attempts to mitigate DMN toxicity involved various drugs, but nanoparticle interventions remained unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in counteracting DMN-induced liver toxicity.
- To elucidate the protective mechanisms of ZnONPs against DMN-induced hepatic damage.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with DMN, followed by post-treatment with ZnONPs (50 mg/kg).
- Evaluated liver function markers (ALT, AST, LDH), oxidative stress indicators (lipid peroxidation), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-12).
- Histopathological analysis of liver tissues was performed to assess cellular morphology.
Main Results:
- ZnONP post-treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and liver fibrosis in DMN-exposed rats.
- Serum enzyme levels (ALT, AST, LDH) and pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased, indicating improved liver function and reduced inflammation.
- Histopathology revealed amelioration of liver cell damage and improved tissue morphology.
Conclusions:
- ZnONPs demonstrate significant hepatoprotective effects against DMN toxicity, primarily through the reduction of oxidative stress.
- Potential mechanisms include selective toxicity to proliferating cells and induction of Zinc metallothionein (Zn-MT).
- Further monitoring of ZnONP toxicity in the liver is warranted.