摘要
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 co-treatment 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.
