Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NP) on Antioxidant Status of Methotrexate (MTX) Induced Toxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

The experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effect of zincoxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on antioxidant status of methotrexate intoxicated Wistar albino rats. Seventy-two rats of 180 to 200g weight were equally divided into six groups. MTX was used at the rate of 5mg/kg b.w intraperitoneally for three consecutive days to induce toxicity and ZnO NPs was used @ of 50mg/kg b.w through oral gavage for 45 days. Antioxidant status of rats was evaluated by estimating products of oxidative injury (MDA) and endogenous antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx) in the liver on 7th, 21st and 45th days of experiment. All the antioxidant enzymes markedly reduced in MTX positive control with increased levels of MDA. In ZnO NPs positive control, the enzymes were numerically higher than normal control with mild increase in MDA levels at later stages of experiment. The MTX and ZnO NPs treated rats showed improved antioxidant status and decreased MDA levels than MTX alone intoxicated rats. ZnONPs pretreated rats showed improved antioxidant profile than ZnO NPs concurrent treatment and were comparable with that of a proven herbal hepato-protectant „Silymarin‟. In conclusion, the experiment suggested that implementation of ZnO NP scan combat MTX toxicity.