Abstract
We evaluated the neuro-, immuno-, and male reproductive toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) alone and in combination with lead acetate. We also studied the therapeutic role of α-lipoic acid postexposure. Lead (10 mg/kg, body weight), ZnO NPs (100 mg/kg, bwt) alone, and their combination were administered orally in Wistar rats for 28 days, followed by the administration of α-lipoic acid (15 mg/kg, bwt) for the next 15 days. Our results demonstrated protective effects of α-lipoic acid on lead and ZnO NP–induced biochemical alterations in neurological, immunological, and male reproductive organs in rats. The altered levels of blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6), caspase-3, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were attenuated by lipoic acid treatment. Lead and ZnO NP–induced oxidative stress was decreased by lipoic acid treatment, while a moderate recovery in the normal histoarchitecture of the brain section (cortex and hippocampus) and testes further confirmed the neuro- and male reproductive toxicity of lead and ZnO NPs. We also observed a significant decrease in the blood metal content in the animals treated with lipoic acid compared to the lead-administered group, indicating the moderate chelating property of lipoic acid. It may thus be concluded that lipoic acid might be a promising protective agent against lead and ZnO NP–induced alterations in the neurological, immunological, and reproductive parameters.
Highlights
Lead is a widespread highly toxic heavy metal
The size and shape of the zinc oxide nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
The average hydrodynamic diameter of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was around 60–70 nm (Figure 2B)
Summary
Lead is a widespread highly toxic heavy metal. It is ubiquitous in the environment and generated in various human activities such as mining, burning fossil fuels, paints, printing, gasoline, water pipes, car batteries, cosmetic products, shielding for X-ray machines, and toys. Lead has neurotoxic and immunotoxic potential in addition to its effects on other organ systems depending upon the dose, route, duration of exposure, etc. Various reports have shown the anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of zinc oxide nanoparticles. These particles are widely used in sunscreens, cosmetics, and bottle coating due to their ultraviolet blocking features (Klaine et al, 2008). The toxic effects of these particles depend upon the size, dosage, duration of exposure, etc. The toxic effects of these particles depend upon the size, dosage, duration of exposure, etc. (Keerthana and Kumar, 2020)
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