Assessment of renal toxicity induced by sub-chronic zinc nanoparticle administration

Abstract

Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) are increasingly utilized in biomedical, agricultural, and  industrial applications due to their favorable physicochemical properties like melting  point, density, boiling point, viscosity, and solubility. However, their potential for  inducing organ-specific toxicity warrants comprehensive evaluation. This study  aimed to assess the renal toxicity following sub-chronic exposure to ZnNPs in rats.  Thirty-five albino rats were grouped into control (G1) and treated (G2) groups, with  the treated group receiving zinc oxide nanoparticles at the NOAEL dose (31.25 mg/ kg body weight/day) for 90 days. Renal biomarkers, including blood urea nitrogen  (BUN), creatinine, and total protein, were evaluated at 30, 60, and 90 days post treatment (DPT). Significant increases (p<0.05) in creatinine, BUN, and total protein  levels were observed in the treatment group compared to controls at all time points.  Histopathological examination of kidney tissues revealed interstitial hemorrhage,  necrosis of tubular epithelium, leukocytic infiltration, and detachment of tubular  epithelial cells in treated rats, while control animals showed no lesions. These findings  indicate that sub-chronic administration of ZnNPs induces progressive renal damage,  likely mediated by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The study underscores  the need for regulatory evaluation and risk assessment of ZnNP exposure to ensure their  safe application in consumer and therapeutic products.