Kigelia africana Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Attenuates Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/njbmb.v40i1.xxKeywords:
Cadmium; K.africana; Gold nanoparticles; Hepatotoxicity; AntioxidantAbstract
Cadmium (Cd) exposure induces liver damage by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. K. africana-synthesized gold nanoparticles (Ka-AuNPs) have the ability to inhibit the process. The research aimed to investigate the protective effects of K. africana synthesized gold nanoparticles (Ka-AuNPs) against hepatotoxicity in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5). Group I served as the control, group II received 10 mg/kg b.wt of Ka-AuNPs only, and groups III, IV, V, and VI were orally administered 20 mg/kg b.wt of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) for seven consecutive days. Groups IV, V, and VI received 10 mg/kg b.wt of silymarin and 5 and 10 mg/kg b.wt of Ka-AuNPs, respectively, over a period of 21 days. Subsequently, liver function markers: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), liver arginase, and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were assessed. Malondialdehyde, blood albumin level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities were determined, followed by histological examination of the hepatic tissue. Administration of CdCl₂ orally caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), liver arginase, and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in group III compared with the normal control. Similarly, malondialdehyde level increased significantly (p<0.05) in Cd-intoxicated rats compared with the normal control. Conversely, the administration of 10 mg/kg b.wt. of silymarin and Ka-AuNPs led to a significant (p<0.05) reduction in MDA levels, ALT, AST, hepatic arginase, and GGT activities in the treatment groups compared to the CdCl₂-exposed group. Additionally, increased blood albumin levels and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were observed in the treated groups relative to the untreated CdCl₂-exposed rats. Histological examination revealed moderate to normal hepatic architecture in the treated groups against CdCl₂-exposed rats without treatment. It may be inferred that K. africana-synthesized gold nanoparticles alleviated hepatic toxicity caused by cadmium exposure.
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