Exposure to Zinc Oxide and Selenium Nanoparticles in Japanese Quail: Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Responses, and Histopathological Outcomes.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) and selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and histopathology in Japanese quail. The NPs were synthesized using extracts from Moringa oleifera (MrOl) and Agaricus bisporus (AaBi). One-day-old quails (six per group) were assigned to a control and each of 16 treatment groups receiving dietary supplementation with varying doses of ZnO-NPs (20-80 mg/kg) and Se-NPs (0.05-0.30 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. Biochemical, hematological, oxidative stress biomarkers, and gene expression (Nrf-2, IL-6) were analyzed, and histopathological examinations of the liver, kidney, and spleen were conducted. Results showed that optimal doses of MrOl-synthesized NPs, particularly Se-MrOl, significantly improved antioxidant status (reduced MDA, increased GSH), upregulated Nrf-2, downregulated IL-6, and enhanced lipid profiles (increased HDL) without causing significant histopathological damage. In contrast, higher doses, especially of AaBi-synthesized NPs, induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mild tissue alterations. The study concludes that green-synthesized ZnO and Se-NPs, particularly from MrOl at optimized doses, can enhance antioxidant defenses and modulate immune responses in quail, highlighting their potential as effective nutritional supplements in poultry production.