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A Silver Nanoparticle Method for Ameliorating Biliary Atresia Syndrome in Mice
Published on: October 13, 2018
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Fighting sepsis-induced liver damage with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles
Amal M Marey1, Mohamed A Dkhil2, Ahmed A Abdel Moneim2
1Department of Chemistry, Molecular Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|August 30, 2024
Summary
Pomegranate peel-derived silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) show promise in treating sepsis-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These nanoparticles improved liver function and protected against cellular damage in a rat model, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology and Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled immune response and significant financial burden on healthcare systems.
- Sepsis-induced hepatic injury is a critical complication, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated various biological activities, but their role in sepsis-related liver damage requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles derived from pomegranate peel extract (P-AgNPs) in mitigating sepsis-induced hepatic injury.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of P-AgNPs in a sepsis model.
Main Methods:
- Sepsis was induced in rats using cecal slurry, followed by treatment with P-AgNPs (20 mg/kg) for 7 days.
- Oxidative stress markers (glutathione, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase), liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), histological changes, and gene expression (NF-κB, IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Bax, BCl2, Casp-3) were analyzed.
- Characterization of P-AgNPs confirmed spherical morphology with a ~19 nm diameter.
Main Results:
- P-AgNP treatment significantly improved liver function by enhancing antioxidant status and reducing lipid peroxidation.
- P-AgNPs modulated inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, evidenced by normalized gene expression of NF-κB, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis-related proteins.
- Histological examination revealed reduced liver damage and inflammation in P-AgNP-treated rats.
Conclusions:
- Pomegranate peel-derived silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- P-AgNPs demonstrate therapeutic potential in managing sepsis-induced liver injury by protecting against oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis.
- These findings highlight P-AgNPs as a promising agent for sepsis management and liver protection.

