Synthesis, characterization and protective effect of green tea-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles against ochratoxin A induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in albino rats

The present study describes the synthesis, characterization and antiochratoxin efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was produced by solid state fermentation on wheat grains using Aspergillus ochraceus and estimated by HPLC. ZnONPs were produced using leaf extract of Camellia sinensis and characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Different doses were given to albino rats by dividing them into different groups i.e., group A (basal feed), group B (50 ppb OTA), group C (50 ppb OTA and 25 ppb ZnONPs) and group D (25 ppb ZnONPs). Blood was collected for biochemical analysis and tissues of liver and kidney were taken for histopathological examination. UV-visible spectroscopy showed prominent peak of green synthesized nanoparticles having maximum absorption of 350 nm and size range from 30 to 40 nm using SEM. The synthesized ZnO nanostructure was confirmed by XRD image and different functional groups responsible for green synthesis were confirmed by FTIR analysis. OTA significantly decreased the weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of rats. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney indicated that OTA has severe effects including degeneration, increase sinusoidal spaces, infiltration of lymphocytes, vascular congestion and necrosis. Biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST and creatinine were significantly raised whereas albumin and total protein were decreased by OTA feeding. These changes were ameliorated by green synthesized ZnONPs. This study concluded that OTA severely affect liver and kidney of rats and green tea mediated ZnONPs plays a hepatoprotective and nephroprotective role to reduce the lethal effects of OTA in albino rats.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the synthesis, characterization, and hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of green tea mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles against OTA-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in albino rats. The ZnONPs showed a significant reduction in the negative effects caused by OTA, including improvements in body weight gain, liver and kidney tissue pathology. The findings suggest that ZnONPs synthesized using green tea may have potential therapeutic applications in protecting against OTA-related health issues in rats.