Ameliorative Potentials of N-Acetylcysteine and Vitamin C on Zinc-oxide Nanoparticles Induced Hepato-renal Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are prevalent in various companies and consumer products, raising concerns about their potential toxicity. Vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are known for their antioxidant properties, which may protect against cytotoxicity. However, limited information exists on their effects on ZnO-NPs-induced toxicity. This study investigates the ameliorative effects of N-acetylcysteine and vitamin C on hepato-renal toxicity of Zinc-oxide Nanoparticles in Male Wistar Rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (100-120g) were grouped namely; Control, ZnO-NPs, ZnO-NPs + NAC, ZnO-NPs + Vit. C, and ZnO-NPs + NAC + Vit. C. ZnO-NPs were administered orally at 200 mg/kg, with treatment groups receiving an additional 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C and NAC. After 28 days, blood samples were collected for analysis, including liver enzymes (AST, ALP, ALT), liver malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), urea, creatinine, and serum zinc levels. ZnO-NPs significantly increased liver creatinine, urea, AST, ALT, MDA, and serum zinc levels compared to the control group (P<0.05). NAC and Vitamin C, alone or combined, significantly reduced liver SOD levels (P<0.05). Co-treatment significantly decreased ALT, urea, and creatinine while significantly increasing liver SOD (P<0.05). NAC and Vitamin C co-treatment alleviated the toxic effects of ZnO-NPs-induced hepato–renal damage in male albino Wistar rats.