AMELIORATIVE ROLE OF MORINGA OLEIFERA-BASED NANOPARTICLES ON MICROPLASTICS-INDUCED HEPATO-RENAL DAMAGE IN MALE WISTAR RATS
Abstract
The pervasive infiltration of microplastics (MPs) into biological systems has raised global concerns due to their potential to induce systemic toxicity, especially in vital organs. This study evaluated the ameliorative potential of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. The physicochemical properties of PET MPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirming the structural integrity and stability of the microplastics. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight experimental groups and exposed to various combinations of PET MPs and green AgNPs. To assess hepatic and renal toxicity, serum biomarkers including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and cystatin C were analyzed. Molecular analysis via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeted genes related to oxidative stress and apoptosis, elucidating the mechanistic pathways of toxicity and protection. Reproductive toxicity was evaluated through sperm morphology assays, while genomic instability was assessed via micronucleus assay. Additionally, histological examinations of liver, kidney, and testes tissues provided morphological insights into organ-level alterations. Results revealed that PET MPs induced significant biochemical, molecular, and histological alterations, evidenced by elevated liver and kidney function markers, distorted gene expression profiles, increased sperm abnormalities, and genotoxic effects. Conversely, co-administration of green-synthesized AgNPs demonstrated a protective effect, normalizing biochemical parameters, restoring gene expression balance, and ameliorating tissue damage.
This study underscores the toxicological risk posed by microplastics and highlights the promising ameliorative role of green nanoparticles, potentially paving the way for eco-friendly nanomedicine interventions in environmental toxicology.
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