Histopathologic and biochemical study of zinc oxide nanoparticles effect on renal tissue in rats

Zinc oxide nanoparticles that are used for industrial and domestic purposes can cause a widespread environmental contamination. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on renal tissue in terms of bioaccumulation of nanoparticles, histopathology, serum biochemical index, and oxidative damage.

This experimental study was conducted on 80 male Wistar rats that were divided into eight groups, including one control group, one sham group (receiving saline), and six groups administered zinc oxide nanoparticles at doses of 4, 8, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 28 days twice a week. The measurement of blood urine nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and creatinine was accomplished using an autoanalyzer. Furthermore, histopathological examinations were performed after tissue processing. The digestion of the renal tissue by nitric-perchloric acid provided suitable solutions for the determination of zinc oxide nanoparticles by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Findings: According to the results, the histopathological lesions in the renal tissue at the dose of 200 mg/kg included glomerular proliferation and fibrosis. The groups treated with zinc oxide nanoparticles showed a higher increase in the serum levels of BUN and creatinine, compared with the control group, which indicated renal toxicity. Furthermore, a significantly higher level of zinc oxide nanoparticles was observed in the renal tissue of the groups receiving higher doses than those of the other groups (P<0.05).

Discussion & The findings of the current study revealed that zinc oxide nanoparticles exerted a destructive effect on the kidney. Moreover, it was found that these nanoparticles had a toxic effect on the renal tissue at a high concentration