Hassan ME, Hassan MA, El-Nekeety AA, Abdel-Aziem SH, Bakeer RM, Abdel-Wahhab MA. Zinc-loaded whey protein nanoparticles alleviate the oxidative damage and enhance the gene expression of inflammatory mediators in rats.
J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022;
73:127030. [PMID:
35779434 DOI:
10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127030]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element required for the function of the immune system. However, Zn fortification of food has faced some challenges, although excess Zn may be induced obesity and other related. This study aimed to use Zn-loaded whey protein nanoparticles (Zn-WPNPs) to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of Zn in rats treated with CCl4.
METHODS
Zn was loaded to WPNPs at a level of 14 mg/g. Four experimental groups of male albino Wistar rats were treated for 30 days including the control group, CCl4-treated group (0.5 ml/100 g b.w), Zn plus CCl4-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and CCl4 plus Zn-WPNPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w). Blood and tissue samples were collected for different assays and histological examinations.
RESULTS
The results revealed that CCl4 disturbs the serum biochemical, hematological, and immune indicators in different organs besides the liver as a target organ. Animals that received CCl4 showed a significant increase in oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in the lung and spleen accompanied by a significant decrease in the hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes along with histological changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, and lung. Zn or Zn-WPNPs could improve these parameters and the histological picture of the tested organs and Zn-WPNPs were more effective than Zn alone.
CONCLUSION
WPNPs induced synergistic immune-modulating effects which may control Zn release and may be a suitable candidate to enhance the immune system during any pandemic or the exposure to any chemicals that affect the immune system.
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