EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DETARIUM MICROCARPUM ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON THE ANTIOXIDANTS STATUS OF DMBA INDUCED BREAST CANCER IN WISTAR RATS

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide, with oxidative stress being a key factor in its initiation and progression. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of Detarium microcarpum zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on oxidative stress biomarkers in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in Wistar rats. Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each: normal control, DMBA control, DMBA + standard treatment, DMBA + ZnO-NPs, and DMBA + D. microcarpum ZnO-NPs. Breast cancer was induced with a single intraperitoneal dose of DMBA, followed by treatment administration for 28 days. Biochemical parameters assessed included malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH). The DMBA control group showed significant elevation of MDA and NO levels with a marked decline in antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the normal control. Treatment with ZnO-NPs reduced oxidative stress by lowering MDA and NO levels and improved antioxidant enzyme activities. However, treatment with D. microcarpum ZnO-NPs produced more pronounced effects, resulting in greater reductions in oxidative stress markers and stronger restoration of antioxidant defenses. The enhanced activity of D. microcarpum ZnO-NPs may be attributed to phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolics, which synergize with ZnO to exert protective effects. The findings suggest that D. microcarpum ZnO-NPs are a promising natural therapeutic option for managing oxidative stress in breast cancer. Further studies are recommended to optimize dosage, assess long-term safety, and evaluate clinical applicability.