Gold Nanoparticles Down-Regulate Alpha Fetoprotein Expression Induced by Meloxicam Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male
Hekmat Osman Abdel Aziz1, Mai Nashat1, Aziz Awaad2
1Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
Background:
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug most commonly used for the treatment of arthritis. Meloxicam decreases prostaglandin E2 resulting in an increase in free radical concentration within the cell. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced normally by the fetal liver in hepatoblasts. In inflammatory conditions, the adult liver synthesizes AFP by regenerating cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the medical field, represent one of the most commonly studied metal nanoparticles which have antioxidant properties.
Objective:
This study was conducted to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of AuNPs on Meloxicam induced degenerative changes in rat liver.
Materials And Methods:
fifty adult male albino rats were divided into 8 groups: The first group (control); the AuNPs group was treated with AuNPs daily for 2 weeks. The MEL 2w& MEL 2m groups were treated with meloxicam daily for 2 weeks and 2 months respectively. The MEL2w+AuNPs & MEL2m+AuNPs groups received AuNPs for 2 weeks after meloxicam injection daily for 2 weeks and 2 months respectively. The MEL2w+SAL & MEL2m+SAL groups were given meloxicam for 2 weeks and 2 months respectively followed by saline injection for 2 weeks. Histological changes, AuNPs localization in the liver by silver nitrate stain, and AFP immunoexpression were studied.
Results:
Time dependent Degenerative changes and increased AFP expression were observed in the liver after meloxicam injection. However, AuNPs ameliorated these changes and decreased AFP expression. AuNPs were detected in Kupffer cells.
Conclusion:
AuNPs could ameliorate meloxicam-induced toxicity in the liver and decrease AFP expression because AuNPs act as free radical scavengers which accumulate in Kupffer cells.
Insights
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) protect the liver from meloxicam toxicity by reducing free radicals and decreasing alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. These antioxidant nanoparticles accumulate in Kupffer cells, offering therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Nanomedicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can induce liver damage by increasing free radicals.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is synthesized by regenerating liver cells during inflammation.
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess antioxidant properties beneficial in medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) against meloxicam-induced liver injury in rats.
- To evaluate the effect of AuNPs on alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression in the context of meloxicam toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Fifty male albino rats were divided into control, AuNPs, meloxicam (2 weeks and 2 months), and meloxicam + AuNPs groups.
- Histological examination, silver nitrate staining for AuNPs localization, and AFP immunoexpression were performed.
- Treatment durations varied, with some groups receiving saline after meloxicam to control for the injection procedure.
Main Results:
- Meloxicam administration led to time-dependent degenerative liver changes and elevated AFP expression.
- Co-administration of AuNPs significantly ameliorated meloxicam-induced liver damage and reduced AFP levels.
- Gold nanoparticles were localized within Kupffer cells in the liver.
Conclusions:
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) demonstrate a protective effect against meloxicam-induced hepatotoxicity.
- The antioxidant activity of AuNPs, particularly their accumulation in Kupffer cells, underlies their therapeutic benefit.
- AuNPs can mitigate liver damage and reduce elevated AFP expression caused by meloxicam.
