Ultrasonic irradiation for ZnO NPs Synthesis and their hepatoprotective effect against acetaminophen induced hepatic toxicity in albino rats: Biochemical, physiological, and histopathological assessments

Abstract

The present novel trial assesses the prophylactic influence of ZnO NPs in comparison to silymarin against liver damage induced by acetaminophen (APAP). Forty albino rats were allocated into 4 groups (n = `10 rats/ group). Group I (Control), was orally administered 0.9 % NaCl for 21 days. Group II (exposed to APAP) received distilled water (1 ml/kg per day) via oral gavage for 19 successive days followed by APAP (600 mg/kg, PO) twice daily for 2 days. Group III (APAP+ Silymarin) was orally administered silymarin at the dose of 200 mg/kg daily for 19 days followed by APAP (600 mg/kg) via oral gavage twice daily for 2 successive days. Group IV (APAP+ ZnO NPs) was orally given ZnO NPs at the dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 19 days followed by (600 mg/kg/ twice daily) APAP orally for 2 successive days. APAP exhibited a substantial elevation of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels. Meanwhile, APAP markedly decreased catalase, SOD, GST and TAC levels. A significant elevation in DNA damage inside hepatocytes was noticed. APAP induced many histopathological changes. Conversely, the prophylactic use of ZnO NPs inhibited the elevation of AST, ALT, ALP, NO and MDA as well as the decline of catalase, SOD, GST and TAC levels induced by APAP toxicity compared to group III. Marked improvement of the architecture of hepatic tissue was noticed in group IV. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs were more actual in ameliorating APAP hepatotoxicity compared to silymarin via antioxidant and antiapoptotic pathways.

Keywords: Acetaminophen; Antioxidant; Hepatoprotective; Silymarin; ZnO NPs.