HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICALLY SYNTHESIZED ZINC OXIDE AND SILVER NANOPARTICLES AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN RATTUS NORVEGICUS

Abstract

Background: Experimental models have widely employed the use of Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as a hepatotoxic agent in experimental models for the investigation of liver injury and evaluate its potential  therapeutic interventions for its treatment. Nanoparticles, particularly zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, have received increasing attention for their biomedical applications.

Objectives: This study employed the use of biologically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles and evaluated them for their hepatoprotective effects on liver injury induced by CCl₄.

Method: Experimental group was subjected to CCl₄ treatment alone or in combination with the synthesized ZnO for 14 days.

Main outcome measure: This treatment was followed by biochemical analysis, gross anatomical examination, and histopathological evaluation of liver tissue.

Results: Rats treated with CCl₄ alone showed marked liver injury, reduced body weight, and altered feeding behavior. In contrast, rats subjected to CCl₄ in combination with nanoparticles showed improved biochemical parameters, body weight was sustained, and reduced signs of histological damage were recorded.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that ZnO nanoparticles exhibit protective effects against chemically induced liver injury. Further studies with larger sample sizes and mechanistic investigations are required to confirm their therapeutic potential and explore possible applications in nanomedicine.