Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized with Berberis vulgaris L. ameliorate cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Objective: To examine the protective effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles with Berberis vulgaris L. fruit aqueous extract (BVZnONPs) on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Methods: 35 Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: normal, BVZnONPs (20 mg/kg), CP (100 mg/kg), and 2 cotreatment groups receiving CP with BVZnONPs (10 and 20 mg/ kg). All treatments were administered intraperitoneally for 28 days. Serum levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, nitric oxide) and kidney function parameters (creatinine, total protein, blood urea nitrogen) were measured. The expressions of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins were assessed via immunohistochemical assay while kidney volume and substructures were estimated stereologically.

Results: CP induced nephrotoxicity with significant increases (P<0.05) in nitric oxide, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels, and decreases (P<0.05) in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels. It also increased p53 protein expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. Treatment with BVZnONPs significantly increased (P<0.05) antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased nitric oxide levels in the 20 mg/kg group compared to CP. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were significantly reduced in the BVZnONPs-treated groups, with greater effects at 20 mg/kg. However, total protein serum levels were not significant (P>0.05) in the BVZnONPs-treated groups compared to CP.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that BVZnONPs can mitigate CP- induced nephrotoxicity, likely due to their antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, though longer treatment duration may be necessary for tissue- level improvements.

Keywords

Nanoparticle / Berberis vulgaris L / Barberry / Kidney / Zinc oxide / Chemotherapy