Melittin Nanoparticles Mitigate Glyphosate-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Cytokine Modulation and Bax/Nrf2 Pathways

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Nanomedicine
• Renal Physiology

Background:

• Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) induce nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Melittin offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits but faces stability and toxicity issues.
• Nanoparticle encapsulation can enhance melittin's therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess melittin-loaded chitosan-TPP nanoparticles (MEL-NPs) for protection against glyphosate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
• To investigate the effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways.

Main Methods:

• Rats received glyphosate, free melittin, or MEL-NPs.
• Evaluated renal function biomarkers, oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and protein/iron indices.
• Utilized Western blotting (Nrf2, NGAL), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (Bax).

Main Results:

• Glyphosate induced renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, increasing MDA, NO, NGAL, and Bax.
• MEL-NPs significantly restored renal function and normalized oxidative/inflammatory markers.
• MEL-NPs outperformed free melittin in renoprotection and preserving kidney structure.

Conclusions:

• Melittin nanoparticles provide significant renoprotection against glyphosate toxicity.
• The mechanism involves modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and Nrf2/Bax signaling.
• Nano-melittin is a potential therapeutic strategy for herbicide-related kidney damage.