Ameliorating Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Hematotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Male Albino Rats

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a drug with a wide spectrum of clinical uses. Zinc oxide is the most widely used nanoparticles. Nanoparticles could induce oxidative stress that eventually leads to cell toxicity, inflammation and hemolysis. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological changes induced by Zn-O nano-particles and/or Cyclophosphamide in male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty four adult male rats (Sprague Dawley) were grouped randomly into four groups of six rats each. Group I. Control group: Received 0.2 ml saline /day i.p. injection for 14 days (day by day), group II (CP group): Received CP 20 mg/kg/day body weight (b.w.) day by day for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection, Group III (nZnO group): Received nZnO (5 mg/kg)/day b.w., intraperitoneally for 14 days. Group IV (CP + ZnO NPs group): Received nZnO group: Received nZnO (5 mg/kg/day) b.w., intraperitoneally for 14 days, plus CP 20mg/kg/day body weight (b.w.) day by day for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection. At the end of the experimental period, rats were anesthetized using light ether. Blood samples were taken for hematological evaluation. Results: Red blood cells count, hemoglobin concentration, and white blood cells count were significantly decline in rats treated with CP in comparison to control group, while combination of nZnO with CP reduced changes in red bood cells and hemoglobin values. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes count were significantly decreased in CP-immunosuppressed group when compared with the control group. In CP-immunosuppressed animals treated with nZnO, these parameters were improved when compared with CP treated groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that CP induced changes in the hematological parameters. Treatment of rats with zinc oxide nano-particles and CP together ameliorated the toxicity induced by CP. These results may provide further visions into proper treatment of patients by improving side effects of chemotheraby. However further studies are necessary to establish optimal doses of nZnO and receive the best safety profile.