Doses Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

MiRNA-driven sensitization of breast cancer cells to Doxorubicin treatment following exposure to low dose of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles

The impact of Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) (i.e., Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)) on human health has been investigated at high and unrealistic exposure levels, overlooking the potential indirect harm of subtoxic and long exposures. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of subtoxic concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) on breast cancer cells’ response to Doxorubicin. Zinc oxide nanoparticles caused a concentration-dependent reduction of cell viability in multiple breast cancer cell lines. A subtoxic concentration of 1.56 µg/mL (i.e., no observed adverse effect level) was used in subsequent mechanistic studies. Molecularly, miRNA profiling revealed significant downregulation of 13 oncogenic miRNAs (OncomiRs) in cells exposed to the sub-toxic dose of ZnO NPs followed by doxorubicin treatment. Our comprehensive bioinformatic analysis has identified 617 target genes enriched in ten pathways, mainly regulating gene expression and transcription, cell cycle, and apoptotic cell death. Several tumor suppressor genes emerged as validated direct targets of the 13 OncomiRs, including TFDP2, YWHAG, SMAD2, SMAD4, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, BCL2L11, and TGIF2. This study insinuates the importance of miRNAs in regulating the responsiveness of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Our findings further indicate that being exposed to environmental ENMs, even at levels below toxicity, might still modulate cancer cells’ response to chemotherapy, which highlights the need to reestablish endpoints of ENM exposure and toxicity in cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutics.

Exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles induced reproductive toxicities in male Sprague Dawley rats

BackgroundThis research delves into the reproductive toxicology of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in male Sprague Dawley rats. It specifically examines the repercussions of Zn accumulation in the testes, alterations in testosterone levels, and histopathological changes in the gonadal tissues. AimsThe primary objective of this study is to elucidate the extent of reproductive toxicity induced by ZnO-NPs in male Sprague Dawley rats. The investigation aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential endocrine and reproductive disruptions caused by ZnO-NPs exposure. MethodsCharacterization techniques including SEM-EDX and XRD affirmed the characteristic nature of ZnO-NPs. Twenty-five healthy post weaning rats (200–250 g) were intraperitoneally exposed to different concentrations of ZnO-NPs @ 10 or 20 or 30 mg/kg BW for 28 days on alternate days. ResultsResults showed significant dose dependent decline in the body weight and testicular somatic index of rats. It also showed significant dose dependent accumulation of Zn in testis with increasing dose of ZnO-NPs. Conversely, serum testosterone level and sperm count were reduced with increasing dose of ZnO-NPs. Histological results showed dose dependent abnormalities i.e., vacuolization, edema, hemorrhage, destruction of seminiferous tubules, loss of germ cells and necrosis in rat testis. ConclusionThe findings of this study clearly indicate that high doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) can adversely affect the structural integrity and functional efficacy of the male reproductive system. Given these results, it becomes crucial to implement stringent precautionary measures in the utilization of ZnO-NPs, particularly in cosmetics and other relevant sectors. Such measures are imperative to mitigate the toxicological impact of ZnO-NPs on the male reproductive system and potentially on other related physiological functions. This study underscores the need for regulatory vigilance and safety assessments in the application of nanotechnology to safeguard human health.

COPD basal cells are primed towards secretory to multiciliated cell imbalance driving increased resilience to environmental stressors

IntroductionEnvironmental pollutants injure the mucociliary elevator, thereby provoking disease progression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Epithelial resilience mechanisms to environmental nanoparticles in health and disease are poorly characterised.MethodsWe delineated...

Study of different doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles by intraperitoneal and gavage methods on testicular tissue in Wistar rats: An experimental study.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPS) are widely used inhuman life; however, they do have side effects on human health. This study aimed to evaluatethedifferent doses of ZnO-NPS on testicular tissue. 35 male Wistar rats(10-12 wk, 220 20gr) were divided into 7 groups of 5, including the control group (gavaged distilled water daily), sham group (received intraperitoneal doses of distilled water twice a week). The group receivedintraperitoneal ZnO-NPS (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight, twice a week), and gavage (150 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily). All stages of the test were performed in 4 wk then serum testosterone and tissue malondialdehyde, and ferric reducing antioxidant power levels were measured, also testes histopathological evaluation was performed. Our results showed that a reduced cell population of spermatozoa was observed in the group that received 25 mg/kg ZnO-NPS, while a reduced cell population of spermatozoa, edema, hyperemia, and vacuolar degeneration were observed in the group that received 50 and 100 mg/kg ZnO-NPS. The maximum amount of lesions were observed in the dose of 200 mg/kg. The highest amount of ferric reducing antioxidant power and testosterone levels were observed in the control group. Also, a 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of ZnO-NPS and 150 mg/kg oral dose of ZnO-NPS were suitable doses to create a model of male genital lesions. Nanoparticles are harmful factors for the reproductive system and consequently affect infertility, which requires the toxicity of the concentration of these nanoparticles to be evaluated and controlled.

Prevention of neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment induced by zinc nanoparticles by oral administration of saffron extract.

The accumulation of relatively higher dose of zinc oxide nanoparticles in brain was reported to produce neurotoxicity. Indeed, nanoparticles have a high ability to penetrate biological membranes and be uptaken by cells, which may cause cell disorders and physiological dysfunctions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate, whether oral administration of saffron extract, in rats, can protect from neurotoxicity and behavioural disturbances induced by chronic administration of ZnO-NPs. Daily oral administration of ZnO-NPs was performed for 21 consecutive days to induce oxidative stress-like situation. Then after the saffron extract was concomitantly administrated in several rat groups to overcome the nanotoxicological effect induced by ZnO-NPs. In the frontal cortex, the hippocampus and the cerebellum, ZnO-NPs induced a H2 O2 -oxydative stress-like effect reflected in reduced enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase, and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, increased levels of proinflammatory interleukins IL-6 and IL-1-⍺ occurred in the hippocampus, reveal the existence of brain inflammation. The concomitant administration of saffron extract to animals exposed to ZnO-NPs prevented the enhanced anxiety-related to the behaviour in the elevated plus-maze test, the open field test and preserved spatial learning abilities in the Morris water maze. Moreover, animals exposed to ZnO-NPs and saffron showed abnormal activity of several antioxidant enzymes as well as acetylcholinesterase activity, an effect that may underly the preserved anxiety-like behaviour and spatial learning abilities observed in these animals. Saffron extract has a potential beneficial therapeutic effect: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent.

Green Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Utilizing Pomegranate Peel Extract for Grey Water Treatment

The Aim of this Study is the Green Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPS) Using Pomegranate Peel Extract Utilized from Fruit Waste. Zno Nps were Characterized by X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrum and UV–Vis Spectrophotometry. Also, Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Prepared Zno Nps Using the Jar Test Procedure was Employed after the Determination of the Optimum Dose of Zno Nps for the Removal of Pollutants from the Grey Water. Different Doses of Zno Nanoparticles (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 g/L) were Examined. the Results Obtained Confirmed that Zno Nps are Large Particles in Size Ranging from 54.2 to 86.4 Nm, Exist in a Pure and Crystalline Phase. the Results Obtained Showed that the Efficiency of Zno Nps for Pollutant Removal from Grey Water was Increased with the Increase of the Adsorbent Dose. the Best Removal Efficiency of Zno Nps was Obtained at a Dose of 400 Mg/L. the Removal Efficiency of Zno NPS was 98.16 %, 88.68%, 100%, 94.40%, 97.88%, 91.18%, 89.13%, 90.93%, and 90.37% for Ammonia (NH3+), Phosphorous (PO43-), Nitrate (NO3-), Oil & Grease, Total Nitrogen (TN), Turbidity, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Removal, Respectively. the Cost Required for the Production of 100 g of Zno Nps was Calculated and Estimated to Be 42.37 Egyptian Pounds. in Conclusion Zno Nps Synthesized from Pomegranate Waste is a Sustainable, Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Approach with Potent Efficiency for Pollutants Removal from Grey Water.

Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Wheat Cultivars through Nano-ZnO Priming by Improving Leaf Pigments and Antioxidant Activity

Climate change, global warming, stagnant productivity of wheat and food security concerns owing to frequent spells of drought stress (DS) have necessitated finding biologically viable drought-mitigation strategies. A trial was conducted to test two promising wheat cultivars (Ujala-16 and Zincol-16) that were subjected to pre-sowing priming treatments with different doses of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs = 40, 80, 120 and 160 ppm) under 50% and 100% field capacity (FC) conditions. The ZnO NPs were prepared with a co-precipitation method and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). For comparison purposes, untreated seeds were sown as the control treatment. The response variables included botanical traits (lengths, fresh and dry wrights of root and shoot), chlorophyll (a, b and total) contents, antioxidant and proline contents and nutrients status of wheat cultivars. The results showed that DS significantly decreased all traits of wheat cultivars, while ZnO NPs, especially the 120 ppm dose, remained superior by increasing all botanical traits at 100% FC. In addition, ZnO NPs increased the chlorophyll a (1.73 mg/g FW in Ujala-16 and 1.75 mg/g FW in Zincole-16) b (0.70 mg/g FW in Ujala-16 and 0.71 mg/g FW in Zincole-16) and total chlorophyll content (2.43 mg/g FW in Ujala-16 and 2.46 mg/g FW in Zincole-16) by improving the activity of antioxidant and proline content. Moreover, plant nutrients such as Ca, Mg, Fe, N, P, K, and Zn contents were increased by ZnO NPs, especially in the Zincol-16 cultivar. To summarize, Zincol-16 remains superior to Ujala-16, while ZnO NPs (120 ppm dose under 100% FC) increases the growth and mineral contents of both wheat varieties. Thus, this combination might be recommended to wheat growers after testing further in-depth evaluation of more doses of ZnO NPs.

Toxicological effect of exposure to different doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles on brain and heart structures of male Wistar rats.

Nanotechnology is rapidly developing in the fields of industry, medicine and nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) toxicity on rats’ heart and brain. Eighty Wistar male rats were allotted into eight groups: control group, sham group receiving 0.9% normal saline and six treatment groups receiving ZnO Nps (4, 8, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) intraperitoneally twice a week over 28 days. For behavioural evaluation, shuttle box and Y-maze tests were done. The heart and brain structures were obtained for bioaccumulation, histopathological exa­mination and biochemical analysis. Histopathologic lesions in the heart structures of 200 mg/kg ZnO Nps group included necrosis, hyperaemia, and vacuolar degeneration. In brain structures, changes included necrosis, gliosis and spongiform change. Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in the treated groups showed an increase compared to the control group. The accumulation of nanoparticles has also shown a dose-dependent increase in the heart and brain. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the control group and the 200 mg/kg group (P<0.05). The mean acquisition of the passive avoidance test showed a significant decrease in the 200 mg/kg group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The alternation behaviour test differed significantly between the 100 and 200 mg /kg groups with other groups (P<0.05). The results indicated that zinc nanoparticles at doses more than 25 mg/kg were related to heart and brain toxicity in the form of increased bioaccumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA), histopathological lesions and CPK and decrease in behaviour index, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).

Biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by subchronic exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticle in male rats and assessment of its genotoxicicty

In the food and fertilizer industries, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are frequently utilized. Our study conducted to assess the genotoxicity, biochemical alterations and histopathological parameters of ZnO NPs with a particle size of 30 ± 5 nm were orally administered to rats once daily at doses of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 mg/kg for ten week. The experiment involved the use of 30 Sprague–Dawley male rats exposed to various concentrations of ZnO-NPs. After the adaptation period, six groups were created out of the thirty rats (Five rats per group). Rats in Group 1 (G1), known as the control group, were fed a standard synthetic meal and had unlimited access to drinking water ad libitum, while those in the other five groups received oral gavage treatments with various doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles over a 10-week period. The results indicated that ZnO-NPs induces a lowering in body weight beginning in the sixth week while increasing serum AST, ALT, creatinine, and uric acid activity. However, the addition of different concentrations of ZnO NPs compared to the control caused insignificantly decreased on the plasma glucose level in all treated animals. Numerous chromosomal aberrations, including fragments, chromosome rings, chromatid breaks, end-to-end association, and centric fusion, were observed through cytogenetic investigation. When compared to the control group, hepatic vacuolation, large sinusoidal dilatation, degenerative alterations, and cellular congestion were observed in the liver of the male rats treated with 400 and 600 mg/kg of ZnO-NPs. According to the findings of in vivo genotoxicity experiments, rats' bone marrow cells, liver, and kidney can exhibit genotoxicity and cytotoxicity after exposed to ZnO NPs with particle sizes of 30 nm for ten weeks. The findings of this study could raise more concerns regarding the potential damage to human health associated with the widespread use of ZnO NPs.

Model Study for Interaction of Sublethal Doses of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with Environmentally Beneficial Bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus megaterium.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), due to their antibacterial effects, are commonly used in various branches of the economy and can affect rhizobacteria that promote plant growth. We describe the effect of ZnO NPs on two model bacteria strains, B. thuringiensis and B. megaterium, that play an important role in the environment. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value determined after 48 h of incubation with ZnO NPs was more than 1.6 mg/mL for both strains tested, while the MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) was above 1.8 mg/mL. We tested the effect of ZnO NPs at concentrations below the MIC (0.8 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL (equal to 50%, 25% and 12,5% MIC, respectively) in order to identify the mechanisms activated by Bacillus species in the presence of these nanoparticles. ZnO NPs in sublethal concentrations inhibited planktonic cell growth, stimulated endospore formation and reduced decolorization of Evans blue. The addition of ZnO NPs caused oxidative stress, measured using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), and reduced the activity of catalase. It was confirmed that zinc oxide nanoparticles in sublethal concentrations change metabolic processes in Bacillus bacteria that are important for their effects on the environment. B. thuringiensis after treatment with ZnO NPs decreased indole acetic acid (IAA) production and increased biofilm formation, whereas B. megaterium decreased IAA production but, inversely, increased biofilm formation. Comparison of different Bacillus species in a single experiment made it possible to better understand the mechanisms of toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles and the individual reactions of closely related bacterial species.

Effect of soil texture and zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth and accumulation of cadmium by wheat: a life cycle study

Cadmium (Cd) is getting worldwide attention due to its continuous accumulation in agricultural soils which is due to anthropogenic activities and finally Cd enters in food chain mainly through edible plants. Cadmium free food production on contaminated soils is great challenge which requires some innovative measures for crop production on such soils. The current study evaluated the efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) (0, 150 and 300 mg/kg) on the growth of wheat in texturally different soils including clay loam (CL), sandy clay loam (SCL), and sandy loam (SL) which were contaminated with were contaminated with 25 mg/kg of Cd before crop growth. Results depicted that doses of ZnONPs and soil textures significantly affected the biological yields, Zn and Cd uptake in wheat plants. The application of 300 mg/kg ZnONPs caused maximum increase in dry weights of shoot (66.6%), roots (58.5%), husk (137.8%) and grains (137.8%) in CL soil. The AB-DTPA extractable Zn was increased while Cd was decreased with doses of NPs depending upon soil textures. The maximum decrease in AB-DTPA extractable Cd was recorded in 300 mg/kg of ZnONPs treatment which was 58.7% in CL, 33.2% in SCL and 12.1% in SL soil as compared to respective controls. Minimum Cd concentrations in roots, shoots, husk and grain were found in 300 mg/kg ZnONPs amended CL soil which was 58%, 76.7%, 58%, and 82.6%, respectively. The minimum bioaccumulation factor (0.14), translocation index (2.46) and health risk index (0.05) was found in CL soil with the highest dose of NPs. The results concluded that use of ZnONPs significantly decreased Cd concentration while increased Zn concentrations in plants depending upon doses of NPs and soil textures.

Effects of short-term soil exposure of different doses of ZnO nanoparticles on the soil environment and the growth and nitrogen fixation of alfalfa

The extensive application of nanomaterials has increased their levels in soil environments. Therefore, clarifying the process of environmental migration is important for environmental safety and human health. In this study, alfalfa was used to determine the effects of different doses of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth of alfalfa and the soil environment. Results showed that the alfalfa biomass was inversely proportional to the exposure concentration of ZnO NPs. The Zn concentration in the alfalfa tissue and the exposure dose presented a significant positive correlation. A high concentration of ZnO NPs decreased the nitrogen-fixing area of root nodules while the number of bacteroids and root nodules, which in turn affected the nitrogen-fixing ability of alfalfa. At the same time, it caused different degrees of damage to the root nodules and root tip cells of alfalfa. A high dose of ZnO NPs decreased the relative abundance and diversity of the soil microorganisms. Therefore, short-term and high-dose exposure of ZnO NPs causes multiple toxicities in plants and soil environments.

Recovery profile of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria inhibited by ZnO nanoparticles.

The potential effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on biological treatment processes have become significant due to their increasing industrial applications. The purpose of this research was to investigate the self-recovery ability of anammox bacteria following acute ZnO NPs toxicity. In this context, a 2-liter lab-scale anammox reactor was operated for 550 days to enrich the biomass required to the batch exposure tests. Anammox culture was firstly exposed to four different doses of ZnO NPs (50, 75, 100 and 200 mg/L) for 24 h. Then, the ZnO NPs were removed and self-recovery performance of the anammox bacteria was assessed by evaluating the nitrogen removal capacities for 72 h. Besides the nitrogen removal performance, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production was also detected to deeply understand the response of the enriched anammox culture against ZnO NPs exposure. The results revealed that sudden and high load of ZnO NPs (100 and 200 mg/L) resulted in persistent impairment to the nitrogen removal performance of the enriched anammox culture. However, relatively lower doses (50 and 75 mg/L) caused deceleration of the nitrogen removal performance during the recovery period. In addition, EPS content in the reactor decreased along with escalating load of ZnO NPs.

Fe2+ Alleviated the Toxicity of ZnO Nanoparticles to Pseudomonas tolaasii Y-11 by Changing Nanoparticles Behavior in Solution.

The negative effect of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the biological removal of nitrate (NO3−) has received extensive attention, but the underlying mechanism is controversial. Additionally, there is no research on Fe2+ used to alleviate the cytotoxicity of NPs. In this paper, the effects of different doses of ZnO-NPs on the growth and NO3− removal of Pseudomonas tolaasii Y-11 were studied with or without Fe2+. The results showed that ZnO-NPs had a dose-dependent inhibition on the growth and NO3− removal of Pseudomonas tolaasii Y-11 and achieved cytotoxic effects through both the NPs themselves and the released Zn2+. The addition of Fe2+ changed the behavior of ZnO-NPs in an aqueous solution (inhibiting the release of toxic Zn2+ and promoting the aggregation of ZnO-NPs), thereby alleviating the poisonous effect of ZnO-NPs on the growth and nitrogen removal of P. tolaasii Y-11. This study provides a theoretical method for exploring the mitigation of the acute toxicity of ZnO-NPs to denitrifying microorganisms.

Foliar Nourishment with Different Zinc-Containing Forms Effectively Sustains Carrot Performance in Zinc-Deficient Soil

Among the essential micronutrients, zinc (Zn) affects vital functions in crop plants. The influences of foliar nourishing with certain Zn-containing forms on the growth, productivity, and physiology of carrot plants (cv. Fire wedge F1) and their nutritional contents when grown in Zn-deficient soil were examined in both 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 field trials. Two doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs(1) = 20 and ZnO-NPs(2) = 40 mg L−1), zinc–EDTA (Zn–EDTA(1) = 1 and Zn–EDTA(2) = 2 g L−1), or bulk zinc oxide (ZnO-B(1) = 200 and ZnO-B(2) = 400 mg L−1) were applied three times. The data outputted indicated, in general, that ZnO-NPs(2) were the best treatment that conferred more acceptable plant growth (measured as shoot length and fresh and dry weights), physiology (measured as cell membrane stability index, SPAD readings, and nutrient uptake), and nutritional homeostasis (e.g., P, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu contents). All these positive attributes were reflected in the highest yield, which was measured as fresh weight, dry matter, length, diameter, volume, and total yield of carrot roots. However, there were some exceptions, including the highest membrane stability index in both seasons, the highest Cu uptake and Mn content in the first season, and root fresh weight in both seasons obtained with ZnO-NPs(1). Moreover, the maximum P uptake and root dry matter were obtained with ZnO-B(1) and the highest content of root P was obtained by ZnO-B(2). Based on the above data, foliar nourishing with ZnO-NPs(2) can be recommended for the sustainability of carrot cultivation in Zn-deficient soils.

Evaluation of acute oral toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles in rats

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are widely used in the food and fertilizer industries. During our previous study, the bean fertilized by two doses (20 and 40 ppm) of ZnO-NPs with a particle size of 20 nm was investigated on rats. Therefore, this experiment was designed to evaluate effect of ZnO-NPs that were administrated orally to rats once a day at the doses 20 and 40 ppm. Hematological and biochemical parameters were quantified in addition to investigation of the deleterious effect on liver and kidney histopathological. In-vitro cytotoxicity of ZnO-NPs on the Vero cell line was also studied. Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Normal control (G1) was administered deionized water (1ml/rat). Groups G2 and G3 received 1ml/rat suspensions of 20 and 40 ppm ZnO-NPs, respectively. Hematology showed that the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was lower in G2 and G3. White blood cell count was decreased in G2. G3 had an elevated hematocrit. In G2 and G3, plasma glucose decreased while uric acid and alkaline phosphatase activity increased. Plasma creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and creatine kinase were all elevated in G3, while albumin levels were decreased. Treatment with ZnO-NPs for 72 h resulted in no toxicity in Vero cells when compared to normal ZnO. Biochemical data were confirmed by histopathology. In conclusion, both doses of ZnO-NPs had minimal effects on the hematological parameters. While 40 ppm ZnO-NPs should be applied carefully due to their negative effects on liver and kidney functions.

Antibacterial and anticancer activity of ZnO with different morphologies: a comparative study.

ZnO nanoparticles (NPS) with different morphologies were synthesized, and the antibacterial and anticancer activity was studied, herein. The physicochemical characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-visible. To study the antibacterial and anticancer capability of ZnO NPS, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria and HeLa cancer cells were exposed at different doses of ZnO NPS (7-250µg/mL). TEM analysis confirmed the obtention of spherical, hexagonal and rod ZnO NPS with an average diameter of 20 ± 4nm, 1.17 ± 0.3µm and 1.11 ± 1.2µm, respectively. XRD diffractograms showed the characteristic pattern of crystalline ZnO in wurtzite phase. FTIR and UV-vis spectra showed slight differences of the main absorption peaks, revealing that different ZnO NPS morphologies may cause shifts in spectra. Biological essays showed that the number of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria as well as HeLa cells decreases linearly by increasing the nanoparticle concentration. However, the best anticancer and antibacterial activity was shown by spherical ZnO NPS at 100µg/mL. The better capability of spherical ZnO NPS than hexagonal and rod ZnO NPS is related with its small particle size. The present results suggest that the spherical ZnO NPS has a great potential as an antibacterial and anticancer agent.

Protective role of zinc oxide nanoparticles in kidney injury induced by cisplatin in rats

Cisplatin used as chemotherapy for various cancers may leads to accumulation of platinum within the kidney and disturb its function. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are of low toxicity nanomaterials and have many medical fields so this study aims to indicate ZnO-NPs effect in kidney injury induced by cisplatin. Adult male rats were pre-injected with one dose of ZnO-NPs (5 mg/kg IP) and after 2 h from injection, the rats were injected with also only one dose of cisplatin (6 mg/kg IP) and two additional groups were served as controls treated with either ZnO-NPs or cisplatin only, respectively, and normal control was involved and euthanization occurred after 7 and 12 days. Cisplatin-induced nephropathy increased kidney function parameters; serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and microalbuminuria. Conversely, these parameters were down regulated after ZnO-NPs treatment. ZnO-NPs reversed the decrease of renal superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase and the increase of renal malondialdehyde induced by cisplatin. In addition, the annexin V demonstrated that the proportion of viable cells was significantly elevated and the proportion of apoptotic and necrotic cells significantly reduced. Also, the level of renal transforming growth factor beta 1 decreased in group pre-treated with ZnO-NPs. The Nuclear factor-E2-related factor, heme oxygenase-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression genes were up regulated while Bcl-2-associated X protein expression was down regulated in kidney tissue via ZnO-NPs. Histopathological and immunohistochemical observations were context with these findings. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs treatment revealed renoprotective effect against cisplatin drug, probably via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties.

The Impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle on LH, FSH, and Testosterone Hormones in Mature Male NMRI Rats

Nanoparticles are widely applied in all aspects of modern life because of their unique features such as small size and high surface area. Several types of research have been carried out to discover the feasible detrimental impacts of Nano-particles on human reproduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles in mature male rats through examining LH, FSH, and testosterone sex hormones. Therefore, 30 Naked Mole-Rat Initiative (NMRI) rats were divided into 5 groups. Different doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (250, 500 and 700 mg.kg-1) were intra peritoneally injected to animals only once. Then, the serum level of luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and testosterone hormones were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method after 21 days. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. The results indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles doses caused a significant increase in FSH and testosterone level of blood (Respectively) in 250 and 700mg.kg-1 in comparison with the control group. Moreover, this research illustrated that zinc oxide nanoparticle can cause a dose-related increase in Testosterone and FSH hormones levels while causing no significant change in LH hormone level.

Oxidative stress mediated hepatotoxicity induced by ZNP and modulatory role of fruit extract on male Wistar rat

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNP) are being used in various fields viz cosmetics industry as UV protectants, in the food packaging industry due to their anti-bacterial properties, in agriculture as micronutrients, etc. Increased applications of ZNPs in our day to day life, leading to the contamination of the surrounding environment posing a direct or indirect health risk. Various reports suggest that fruits and vegetables are a rich source of phytochemicals having antioxidant properties which help in neutralizing ROS generated on metal toxicity of the body. The present study focuses to study the ameliorative effect of apple (Pyrus malus) extract (E) on ZNP induced toxicity. Therefore, animals were grouped, six in each, exposed to various doses of ZNP (50 and 250 mg/kg), ZNP (50 and 250 mg/kg)+E. The studied parameters was: food intake, water intake, antioxidants assay, zinc accumulation, and histological alterations and was compared to control. Investigation revealed that ZNP induces toxicity as revealed by the alteration in the studied parameter, whereas those exposed to ZNP along with Pyrus malus fruit extract try to reduce the toxicity induced by nanoparticles but at low doses only. This ameliorative effect of fruit extract might be due to the presence of antioxidants scavenging the free radicals generated by ZNPs suggesting that antioxidant-rich fruit may have a protective role and have the potential to reduce the nanoparticles mediated oxidative stress.