Hepatoprotective activity of bio-fabricated carbon quantum dots-decorated zinc oxide against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in male rats.

Abstract

Background: Cirrhosis is considered as a severe liver disease that causes partial liver damage as well as total liver destruction; It remains a significant health concern. Sugar cane juice is a particularly beneficial beverage, and its waste products are crucial for treating numerous illnesses. As compared to traditional treatments, zinc-doped carbon quantum dots (Zn/CQDs) are easy-to-prepare, economically invested, high nutritive value and environmentally safe substance.

Materials & methods: This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of zinc-doped carbon quantum dots (Zn/CQDs) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury in male Wistar albino rats. Zn/CQDs were synthesized using a microwave-assisted method and characterized using FTIR and XRD techniques. Meanwhile, a liver Cirrhosis model induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was utilized to determine the inhibitory effects of sugar cane juice mixed with Zn/CQDs against liver Cirrhosis. Biochemical parameters, including AST, ALT, and uric acid, were measured to assess liver function. Histopathological analysis was performed to examine liver tissue damage.

Results: In this study, Zn/CQDs were extended from 1.62 to 5.45 nm. The results demonstrated that Zn/CQDs exhibited significant hepatoprotective effects by reducing liver enzyme levels and mitigating histopathological changes. However, the study also highlighted the need for further optimization of the used vehicle delivery method, such as sugarcane juice, which is showed a marginal impact on liver function. Sugar cane juice with Zn/CQDs decreased aspartate amino transferase levels (AST) and improved the uric acid concentration. It means a protection from the toxins effect by controlling the liver enzyme levels; but also, elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicate ongoing liver injury. Overall, this study provides future insights into the potential of sugar cane juice with Zn/CQDs as a high nutritive value additive to drinks and food; it is investigated for plants waste as a novel green therapeutic strategy for liver diseases. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and to optimize their formulation for clinical applications.

Conclusion: Overall, this study provides promising insights into the potential of Zn/CQDs as a novel green therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.