Naringenin attenuates hepato-nephrotoxicity induced by aluminum nanoparticles through the mitigation of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Background

Aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) are produced by the biodegradation of naturally occurring aluminium metal which can induce physiological toxicities. Naringenin (NAR) is a natural flavonoid possessing therapeutic properties, particularly encountering the toxicity associated with heavy metals.

Methods

This study assessed the effects of NAR on Al-NPs-induced hepato-renal toxicity on mice exposed to Al-NPs (6 mg/kg b.w. per day) followed by administration of NAR (10 mg/kg b.w. per day).

Results

Al-NPs led to disturbances in the liver and kidney function enzymes and alterations in lipid profiles which were efficiently restored toward normal levels by treatment with NAR. NAR exhibited its protective action by regulating nitric oxide levels and reducing oxidative stress markers such as protein product oxidation, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation. NAR restored the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, as well as concentrations of both reduced and oxidized glutathione.

Conclusions

Histological analysis presents the protective effects of NAR against Al-NP-induced hepato-renal changes. Furthermore, NAR downregulated the expression of caspase-3 showing mitigation of apoptotic damage in the liver and kidneys of mice exposed to Al-NPs. This study highlights the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of NAR, which counteracted hepato-renal toxicities.