Evaluation of the effects of the green nanoparticles zinc oxide on monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity in the brain of rats

Examining the Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Bulk Zinc Oxide on Rat Brain Functions: a Comprehensive Neurobehavioral, Antioxidant, Gene Expression, and Histopathological Investigation

The study aimed to assess the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on rats' neurobehavior compared to bulk zinc oxide (BZnO). Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group received Tween 80 (10%), while the ZnONP groups were given ZnONPs at 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight dosages, and the bulk zinc oxide (BZnO) groups received BZnO at the same dosages. Behavioral observations, neurobehavioral examinations, and assessments of brain tissue oxidative markers, neurotransmitter levels, and histopathological changes were performed. The results indicated that ZnONP at a dosage of 5 mg/kg improved general behavior, locomotor activity, memory, and recognition and reduced fearfulness in rats. Conversely, the higher dosage of 10 mg/kg and the bulk form had adverse effects on general behavior, locomotor activity, and learning ability, with the bulk form demonstrating the most severe impact-znONP-5 treatment increased antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased inflammatory markers. BZnO-5 exhibited lower oxidative stress markers, although still higher than BZnO-10. Furthermore, ZnONP-5 and BZnO-5 increased neurotransmitter levels compared to higher dosages. ZnONP-5 upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, while BZnO-5 showed increased BDNF mRNA expression and decreased expression of genes related to apoptosis and inflammation. In summary, ZnONPs at 5 mg/kg demonstrated positive effects on rat brain function and behavior, while higher dosages and the bulk form had detrimental effects. In conclusion, the studies emphasized the importance of further assessing various doses and forms of zinc oxide on brain health, highlighting the significance of dosage considerations when using nanomaterials.

Neuroprotective effects of L-Dopa-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles on the rat model of 6-OHDA-ınduced Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative case. As the disease progresses, the response time to doses of levodopa (L-Dopa) becomes shorter and the effects of the drug are severely limited by some undesirable side effects such as the 'on-off' phenomenon. In several diseases, including Parkinson's, nanoparticles can deliver antioxidant compounds that reduce oxidative stress. This study evaluates and compares the neuroprotective effects of L-Dopa-modified zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD rat model. For this purpose, the synthesis of NPs was carried out. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer were used for characterization. The rats were randomized into 9 experimental groups: control, lesion group (6-OHDA), 6-OHDA + 5 mg/kg L-Dopa, 6-OHDA + 10 mg/kg L-Dopa, 6-OHDA + 20 mg/kg L-Dopa, 6-OHDA + 20 mg/kg ZnNPs, 6-OHDA + 40 mg/kg ZnNPs, 6-OHDA + 30 mg/kg ZnNPs + L-Dopa, and 6-OHDA + 60 mg/kg ZnNPs + L-Dopa. Behavioral tests were performed on all groups 14 days after treatment. Phosphatase and tensin homolog, Excitatory amino acid transporter 1/2, and Glutamine synthetase gene analyses were performed on brain samples taken immediately after the tests. In addition, histological and immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the general structure and properties of the tissues. We obtained important findings that L-Dopa-modified ZnNPs increased the activity of glutamate transporters. Our experiment showed that glutamate increases neuronal cell vitality and improves behavioral performance. Therefore, L-Dopa-modified ZnNPs can be used to prevent neurotoxicity. According to what we found, results show that L-Dopa-modified ZnNPs will lend to the effective avoidance and therapy of PD.

Exogenous monosodium glutamate exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced neurobehavioral deficits, oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and cholinergic dysfunction in rat brain

Extensive experimental evidence points to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress as major pathogenic events that initiate and drive the neurodegenerative process. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive in processed foods known for its umami taste-enhancing properties. However, concerns about its potential adverse effects on the brain have been raised. Thus, the present study investigated the impact of MSG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurotoxicity in rat brains. Wistar rats weighing between 180 g and 200 g were randomly allocated into four groups: control (received distilled water), MSG (received 1.5 g/kg/day), LPS (received 250 µg/kg/day), and LPS + MSG (received LPS, 250 µg/kg, and MSG, 1.5 g/kg). LPS was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days while MSG was administered orally for 14 days. Our results showed that MSG exacerbated LPS-induced impairment in locomotor and exploratory activities in rats. Similarly, MSG exacerbated LPS-induced oxidative stress as evidenced by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) with a concomitant decrease in levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in the brain tissue. In addition, MSG potentiated LPS-induced neuroinflammation, as indicated by increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) in the brain. Moreover, MSG aggravated LPS-induced cholinergic dysfunction, as demonstrated by increased activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain. Further, we found a large number of degenerative neurons widespread in hippocampal CA1, CA3 regions, cerebellum, and cortex according to H&E staining. Taken together, our findings suggest that MSG aggravates LPS-induced neurobehavioral deficits, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, cholinergic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration in rat brains.

Myco-fabricated ZnO nanoparticles ameliorate neurotoxicity in mice model of Alzheimer's disease via acetylcholinesterase inhibition and oxidative stress reduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the primary health problems linked to the decrease of acetylcholine in cholinergic neurons and elevation in oxidative stress. Myco-fabrication of ZnO-NPs revealed excellent biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potentials. This study aims to determine if two distinct doses of myco-fabricated ZnO-NPs have a positive impact on behavioral impairment and several biochemical markers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in mice that have been treated by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) to induce AD. Sixty male mice were haphazardly separated into equally six groups. Group 1 was injected i.p. with 0.5 ml of deionized water daily during the experiment. Mice in group 2 received AlCl3 (50 mg/kg/day i.p.). Groups 3 and 4 were treated i.p. with 5 and 10 mg/kg/day of ZnO-NPs only, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were given i.p. 5 and 10 mg/kg/day ZnO-NPs, respectively, add to 50 mg/kg/day AlCl3. Results showed that the AlCl3 caused an increase in the escape latency time and a reduction in the time spent in the target quadrant, indicating a decreased improvement in learning and memory. Moreover, acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels were significantly increased, and the content of glutathione (GSH), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as levels of serotonin and dopamine, were decreased in brain tissues only in AlCl3 treated mice. However, treatment of mice with myco-fabrication of ZnO-NPs at doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg improves learning and memory function through ameliorate all the previous parameters in the AD mice group. The low dose of 5 mg/kg is more effective than a high dose of 10 mg/kg. In accordance with these findings, myco-fabricated ZnO-NPs could enhance memory and exhibit a protective influence against memory loss caused by AlCl3.

Luteolin/ZnO nanoparticles attenuate neuroinflammation associated with diabetes via regulating MicroRNA-124 by targeting C/EBPA

OBJECTIVE

The most prevalent brain-specific microRNA, MicroRNA-124, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Luteolin nano-formulation with Zn oxide in the form of L/ZnO NPs may boost anti-diabetic properties; however, its beneficial effect on miRNAs is yet unknown in diabetes. The effectiveness of L/ZnONPs supplements in preventing diabetic neurodegeneration by modulating inflammatory responses in a diabetic model was investigated.

METHODS

A diabetic rat model was induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (30 mg/kg I.P.). Plasma glucose, insulin, and HOMR-IR levels, as well as cytokines, lipid peroxidation, GSH/GSSG, and glucose transporter 1, were determined along with the tight junction proteins occludin (OCLN) and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1). Moreover, the expressions of brain CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPA mRNA), miR-124, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and NF-kBp65 were measured alongside the histological investigation.

RESULTS

The results revealed that L/ZnO NPs were able to diminish lipid peroxidation, increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduce inflammation under oxidative stress. Consequently, it was able to reduce hyperglycemia, elevate insulin levels, and improve insulin resistance. Besides, L/ZnO NPs upregulate miR-124, reduce C/EBPA mRNA, increase BCl-2, and inhibit apoptosis. The results indicate that diabetes raises BBB permeability via tight junction protein decline, which is restored following L/ZnO NPs treatment. Luteolin/ZnO NPs regulate miR-124 and microglia polarization by targeting C/EBPA and are expected to alleviate inflammatory injury via modulation of the redox-sensitive signal transduction pathways. Luteolin/ZnO NPs have a novel target for the protection of the BBB and the prevention of neurological complications in diabetes.

The Effects of Apocynin on Monosodium Glutamate Induced Liver Damage of Rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is found in refined foods. Apocynin (APO) is a selective NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate possible effects of MSG and the curative effects of APO in rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (Normal control, APO, MSG and MSG + APO, n:7 for each group). The MSG and MSG + APO groups received 120 mg/kg MSG solution orally for 28 consecutive days. The APO and MSG + APO groups received 25 mg/kg APO solution orally for 5 days until the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and liver tissue and blood samples were taken for histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses. In the MSG group, vacuolization and loss in glycogen content in the hepatocytes, leukocyte infiltration and fibrosis in the liver parenchyme and portal triads, were observed. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP (TUNEL)-positivity and NADPH oxidase (NOX)-2-positivity were higher in the MSG group compared with the other experimental groups. The concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were higher, whereas albumin, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide (SOD) levels were lower in the MSG group. All these data has been reversed in MSG + APO group. The histological and biochemical criteria indicated the prominent ameliorating effect of APO on MSG -induced liver injury.

Palliative effect of Moringa olifera-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Repeated acrylamide (ACR) exposure in experimental animals and humans causes variable degrees of neuronal damage. Because of its unique features, several green synthesized nanomaterials are explored for neuromodulatory activity. Hence, this study investigated the effect of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Moriga olifera leaves extract (MO-ZnONP) against acrylamide (ACR)-induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impacts in rat. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into four groups orally given distilled water, MO-ZnONP (10 mg/kg b.wt), ACR (20 mg/kg b.wt), or MO-ZnONP + ACR for 60 days. Gait quality and muscular, motor, and sensory function were assessed. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopamine, catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Zn brain contents were determined. Brain histopathology and immunohistochemical localization of the amyloid-β protein and abnormal Tau were performed. The results revealed that MO-ZnONP significantly reduced ACR-induced sensory dysfunctions, hind limb abnormality, and motor deficits. Additionally, the ACR-induced increase in dopamine and AChE were significantly supressed by MO-ZnONP. Besides, MO-ZnONP significantly restored catalase and Zn content but reduced increased MDA brain content resulting from ACR. Furthermore, the ACR-induced neurodegenerative changes and increased amyloid-β and phosphorylated Tau immunoexpression was significantly abolished by MO-ZnONP. Conclusively, MO-ZnONP could be used as a biologically effective compound for mitigating ACR's neurotoxic and neurobehavioral effects.

The protective effect of thymoquinone or/and thymol against monosodium glutamate-induced attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavior in rats: Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways in rat model

Both thymoquinone (TQ) and thymol (T) have been proved to possess a positive impact on human health. In this research, we aimed to investigate the effect of these compounds separately and together on the Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavior induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) in rats. Forty male, Spargue Dawley rat pups (postnatal day 21), were randomly allocated into five groups: Normal saline (NS), MSG, MSG+TQ, MSG+T, and MSG+TQ+T. MSG (0.4 mg/kg/day), TQ (10 mg/kg/day) and T (30 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 8 weeks. The behavioral tests proved that rats treated with TQ and/or T showed improved locomotor, attention and cognitive functions compared to the MSG group with more pronounced effect displayed with their combination. All treated groups showed improvement in MSG-induced aberrations in brain levels of GSH, IL-1β, TNF-α, GFAP, glutamate, calcium, dopamine, norepinephrine, Wnt3a, β-Catenin and BDNF. TQ and/or T treatment also enhanced the mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and Bcl2 while reducing the protein expression of TLR4, NFκB, NLRP3, caspase 1, Bax, AIF and GSK3β as compared to the MSG group. However, the combined therapy showed more significant effects in all measured parameters. All of these findings were further confirmed by the histopathological examinations. Current results concluded that the combined therapy of TQ and T had higher protective effects than their individual supplementations against MSG-induced ADHD-like behavior in rats.

Hepatic Impact of Different Concentrations of Hibiscus rosa Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Rats

Nanomaterial, especially zinc oxide nanoparticles, has entered the manufacture of many materials used in daily lives. The current study aimed to assess the impact of three concentrations of hibiscus rosa zinc oxide nanoparticles (HrZnONPs) and hibiscus rosa extract (Hre) on the liver tissue and DNA fragmentation of liver cells. A total of 35 adult male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: The first group which was the control (n=7) did not receive any treatment. The remaining 28 animals were randomly assigned to four groups. Group 1 (n=7) were subcutaneously injected with 100mg\kg BW of Hibiscus rosa extract for 60 days; the rats in group 2 were subcutaneouslyinjected with 25 mg\kg BW of HrZnONPs for 60 days; rats in group 3 were subcutaneouslyinjected with 75mg\kg BW of HrZnONPs for 60 days; rats in group 4 were subcutaneously injected with 100mg\kg BW of HrZnONPs for 60 days. The liver biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) have been assessed in serum at zero time, after one month, and after two months of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, all animals were euthanized, the liver was dissected, the specimen underwent a pathohistological investigation, and the percentage of DNA fragmentation was evaluated. The results pointed out that the rats which were treated with HrZnONPs at concentrations of 75 and 100 mg\kg B.W. demonstrated a salient elevation in serum AST, ALT, or ALP activity, a modulation in hepatic tissue architecture, and an elevated percentage of high DNA damage, as compared to those treated with HrZnONPs at a concentration of 25 mg\kg B.W. On the other hand, the recorded data indicated that the administration of Hre has some ameliorative effects on AST, ALP, and ALT levels, histological cross-section, and the value of comet assay for liver cells due to the role of Hre antioxidant. In conclusion, the results of the current study demonstrated that high doses of HrZnONPs had exerted more adverse effects, compared to low doses. Moreover, the findings confirmed the ameliorative impact of Hre on liver biomarkers, a histological cross-section of the liver, and DNA damage.

Is L-Glutamate Toxic to Neurons and Thereby Contributes to Neuronal Loss and Neurodegeneration? A Systematic Review

L-glutamate (L-Glu) is a nonessential amino acid, but an extensively utilised excitatory neurotransmitter with critical roles in normal brain function. Aberrant accumulation of L-Glu has been linked to neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. To investigate this further, we systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the effects of L-Glu on neuronal viability linked to the pathogenesis and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). A search in PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to retrieve studies that investigated an association between L-Glu and pathology for five NDDs: Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD). Together, 4060 studies were identified, of which 71 met eligibility criteria. Despite several inadequacies, including small sample size, employment of supraphysiological concentrations, and a range of administration routes, it was concluded that exposure to L-Glu in vitro or in vivo has multiple pathogenic mechanisms that influence neuronal viability. These mechanisms include oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant defence, neuroinflammation, altered neurotransmitter levels, protein accumulations, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, intracellular calcium level changes, and effects on neuronal histology, cognitive function, and animal behaviour. This implies that clinical and epidemiological studies are required to assess the potential neuronal harm arising from excessive intake of exogenous L-Glu.

Protective Effect of Natural Antioxidant, Curcumin Nanoparticles, and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Type 2 Diabetes-Promoted Hippocampal Neurotoxicity in Rats

Numerous epidemiological findings have repeatedly established associations between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease. Targeting different pathways in the brain with T2DM-therapy offers a novel and appealing strategy to treat diabetes-related neuronal alterations. Therefore, here we investigated the capability of a natural compound, curcumin nanoparticle (CurNP), and a biomedical metal, zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP), to alleviate hippocampal modifications in T2DM-induced rats. The diabetes model was induced in male Wistar rats by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Then model groups were treated orally with curcumin, zinc sulfate, two doses of CurNP and ZnONP, as well as metformin, for six weeks. HFD/STZ-induced rats exhibited numerous biochemical and molecular changes besides behavioral impairment. Compared with model rats, CurNP and ZnONP boosted learning and memory function, improved redox and inflammation status, lowered Bax, and upregulated Bcl2 expressions in the hippocampus. In addition, the phosphorylation level of the MAPK/ERK pathway was downregulated significantly. The expression of amyloidogenic-related genes and amyloid-beta accumulation, along with tau hyperphosphorylation, were lessened considerably. In addition, both nanoparticles significantly improved histological lesions in the hippocampus. Based on our findings, CurNP and ZnONP appear to be potential neuroprotective agents to mitigate diabetic complications-associated hippocampal toxicity.

Chemical and Green ZnO nanoparticles ameliorated adverse effects of cisplatin on histological structure, antioxidant defense system and neurotrophins expression in rat hippocampus

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of cancer, but it has various side effects, in particular, neurotoxicity. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are a potent antioxidant. However, there is limited knowledge about the protective effects of ZnO NPs against CP-induced hippocampal toxicity. The present study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of ZnO NPs against CP-induced oxidative stress, loss of neurotrophins support, and tissue damage in the hippocampus of the rats. Eighty adult male Wistar rats were dividing into ten groups including: control (Con), sham, ZnO Bulk (ZnB), chemical ZnO NPs (ChZnO NPs), Green ZnO NPs (GrZnO NPs), CP, CP + ZnB, CP + ChZnO NPs, CP + GrZnO NPs and CP + AE. CP was administrated (5 mg/kg/weekly) for four weeks, and animals were treated simultaneously with different forms of ZnO (5 mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), changes of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and GSH/GSSG ratio, histological changes, expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) genes were assessed in the hippocampus. The results revealed that a decrease in BDNF and NGF mRNA expression, GSH concentration and GSH/GSSG ratio, increasing of GSSG and MDA levels, and neuronal loss in the CP-treated rats were reversed following the administration of different forms of ZnO, especially Gr ZnO NPs and ch ZnO NPs. Co-administration of ZnO NPs to CP-treated rats restored the suppressive effects of CP on activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, CAT). The results showed that in most of the evaluated factors, Gr ZnO NPs showed a greater protective effect than other forms of ZnO. The results suggest that ZnO NPs, in particular Green ZnO NPs (GrZnO NPs) had more potential protective effects against CP-induced oxidative stress, inadequate support neurotrophin and tissue damage in rat hippocampus.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol against Hepatotoxicity of Cadmium in Male Rats: Antioxidant and Histopathological Approaches

Cadmium (Cd) is widely used in some industries and emitted from fossil fuels. It is a heavy metal with a number of side effects, including hepatotoxicity. Resveratrol (Rs) is considered an important polyphenol, which is a secondary plant metabolite and has the ability to scavenge free radicals. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on Cd, which induced hepatotoxicity, by the assessment of some histopathological and biochemical alterations. Forty male albino rats were divided into four groups: the 1st group was the control group, the 2nd group was treated with Cd (5 mg/kg), the 3rd group was given Rs (20 mg/kg), and the 4th group was treated with Cd in combination with Rs intraperitoneally for 30 successive days. The results indicate that Cd increased liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase ALP and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) while reducing the total protein level; Cd increased the malondialdhyde (MDA) level while decreasing the levels of other antioxidant enzymes super oxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (SOD, CAT and GPx). Serious congestion and hemorrhage related to the hepatic tissues were noticed in the Cd group, and Rs plays a major role in alleviating histopathological injuries and hepatic oxidative damage. It is clear that Rs has the ability to minimize the hepatotoxicity induced by Cd in male rats.

Quercetin/Zinc complex and stem cells: A new drug therapy to ameliorate glycometabolic control and pulmonary dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: Structural characterization and genetic studies

Medicinal uses and applications of metals and their complexes are of increasing clinical and commercial importance. The ligation behavior of quercetin (Q), which is a flavonoid, and its Zn (II) (Q/Zn) complex were studied and characterized based on elemental analysis, molar conductance, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, electronic spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR spectral data revealed that Q acts as a bidentate ligand (chelating ligand) through carbonyl C(4) = O oxygen and phenolic C(3)-OH oxygen in conjugation with Zn. Electronic, FTIR, and 1H-NMR spectral data revealed that the Q/Zn complex has a distorted octahedral geometry, with the following chemical formula: [Zn(Q)(NO3)(H2O)2].5H2O. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. A total of 70 male albino rats were divided into seven groups: control, diabetic untreated group and diabetic groups treated with either MSCs and/or Q and/or Q/Zn or their combination. Serum insulin, glucose, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were determined. Pancreatic and lung histology and TEM for pancreatic tissues in addition to gene expression of both SOD and CAT in pulmonary tissues were evaluated. MSCs in combination with Q/Zn therapy exhibited potent protective effects against STZ induced hyperglycemia and suppressed oxidative stress, genotoxicity, glycometabolic disturbances, and structural alterations. Engrafted MSCs were found inside pancreatic tissue at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, Q/Zn with MSC therapy produced a synergistic effect against oxidative stress and genotoxicity and can be considered potential ameliorative therapy against diabetes with pulmonary dysfunction, which may benefit against COVID-19.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles with green tea extract complex in the pancreas of rats against monosodium glutamate toxicity

OBJECTIVES

Nanotechnology is an exciting field for investigators. Green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with Camellia sinensis extract complex are proved to be used in the treatment of the toxicity of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the liver, kidney, and testis of rats. Therefore, the synthesized complex of green nanoparticles using green tea extract (GTE) was tested against the toxicity of MSG on the pancreas.

METHODS

The glucose and insulin levels were estimated as well as some biochemical parameters for evaluating the antioxidant status of the pancreas tissue. The histopathological change of the pancreas also has been determined.

RESULTS

It indicates the biomedical capability of ZnO NPs/GTE to act as potent antidiabetic through decreasing blood glucose and increasing serum insulin also, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of the antioxidant parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The ZnO NPs/GTE enhanced the pancreatic cell and Langerhans islets as well lowered the sugar levels and stimulated insulin.

Ameliorative Role of Green Tea and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Complex Against Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to estimate the long-term effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles/green tea (ZnONPs/GTE) complex against monosodium glutamate (MSG). The antioxidant/oxidative status, testosterone levels, DNA damage, and histopathological changes of testis were evaluated.

METHODS

The rats were divided into eight groups that were treated as follows: saline, the lower dosage of MSG (6.0 mg/kg), the higher dosage of MSG (17.5 mg/Kg), GTE, ZnONPs, ZnONPs/GTE and the last two groups were treated with the lower dosage of MSG or the higher dosage of MSG with ZnONPs/GTE complex. The data showed minimal toxicity in testicular tissue after the administration of ZnONPs.

RESULTS

The MSG treatment in the adult male rats reduced testosterone levels and disrupted testicular histology, which revealed dose-dependence of MSG. Also, ZnONPs induced testicular dysfunction through the interference of antioxidant/oxidant balance and suppression of testosterone levels as well as induction of cellular damage of testis. The combination of ZnONPs with GTE complex significantly protects against MSG or ZnONPs toxicity by decreasing the DNA damage, oxidative stress, and enhancement of antioxidant as well as histological structure of testis.

CONCLUSION

We could recommend using ZnONPs/GTE complex to reduce the toxicity of ZnONPs and MSG on the testis at the cellular and oxidative stress levels.