EVALUATING THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLE ON RENAL FUNCTION OF MALE WISTAR RAT EXPOSED TO DMH AND DSS

This study investigates the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on renal function in male Wistar rats subjected dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). DMH is a potent carcinogen known to induce colorectal cancer, while DSS is frequently used to induce colitis in animal models, both contributing to systemic oxidative stress and renal impairment. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of five animals in each group: Group 1 was designated as negative control (unexposed), Group 2 received 25 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of DMH only as positive control through subcutaneous injection. Group 3, 4 and 5 received DMH (25 mg/kg) and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w of ZnONPs respectively through administration. Group 6 received DMH (25 mg/kg) and 2 mg/kg b.w of Doxorubicin. Group 7 received 400 mg/kg b.w ZnONPs only. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 5th week and kidney was harvested for biochemical analysis. Renal Reduced glutathione (GSH), Glutathione s-transferase (GST), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. The results indicated that the DMH/DSS-treated group experienced significant oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated MDA levels (p < 0.0001) and reduced GSH (p < 0.0001) and GST (p = 0.0007) activity compared with the Negative control group. Conversely, ZnONP administrations induced a marked decrease in MDA levels and increased GSH levels and GST activities when compared with DMH/DSS exposed group. This study implies that ZnONPs exhibit significant protective effects against renal damage induced by DMH/ DSS in male Wistar rats.