Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:15
Antagonistic Effect of Jiawei Shengjiang San on a Rat Model of Diabetic Nephropathy: Related to EGFR/MAPK3/1 Signaling Pathway
Published on: May 10, 2024
Withania somnifera-Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles Attenuate Glycerol-Induced Rhabdomyolysis-Associated Acute
Hala Fouad Elmazar1,2, Khaled M Alam-ElDein3, Mariam G Elneel3
1Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Alkarak 61710, Jordan.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Green-synthesized Withania somnifera-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (Ws-SeNPs) offer significant kidney protection against rhabdomyolysis-induced injury. Ws-SeNPs demonstrated superior nephroprotective effects compared to the plant extract and sodium selenite alone.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nanomedicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.
- Current treatments for AKI lack targeted efficacy.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed for AKI management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the nephroprotective potential of green-synthesized Withania somnifera-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (Ws-SeNPs).
- To compare the efficacy of Ws-SeNPs against native Withania somnifera extract and sodium selenite in a glycerol-induced AKI model.
- To elucidate the underlying protective mechanisms of Ws-SeNPs.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of Withania somnifera extract (LC-MS/MS) and Ws-SeNPs (DLS, zeta potential, TEM, FTIR).
- Induction of AKI in male rats using intramuscular glycerol injection.
- Administration of Ws-SeNPs, Withania somnifera extract, or sodium selenite to assess renal protection.
Main Results:
- Glycerol induced significant skeletal muscle injury, renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and apoptosis.
- Ws-SeNPs demonstrated superior protection, improving renal function and tissue architecture compared to Ws extract and sodium selenite.
- Protective effects were linked to Nrf2 activation, NF-κB/NLRP3 inhibition, and apoptosis attenuation.
Conclusions:
- Ws-SeNPs exhibit multi-target nephroprotective activity against glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI.
- This phytochemical-based selenium nanoformulation shows promise for preclinical development.
- Ws-SeNPs represent a potentially effective therapeutic agent for AKI.
