Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on circulating neutrophils in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis in rats.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of chemically prepared and Rhus coriaria (sumac) green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on circulating neutrophils and the histological structure of liver in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treated rats.

RESULTS

CCl4 rats showed biochemical changes and histopathological damage, together with increased neutrophil markers [myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone (H3cit)] as well as decreased neutrophils' phagocytic activity and miR-223 expression compared to control. ZnO-NPs treatment was significantly associated with biochemical and histopathological improvement, decreased neutrophil markers, and increased both phagocytic activity and miR-223 expression. In addition, green-synthesized ZnO-NPs were associated with greater histopathological improvement and a significant increase in miR-223 expression in comparison to chemically prepared ZnO-NPs.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that ZnO-NPs may have immunomodulatory effects on circulating neutrophils that have a biological impact on disease progression. In addition, green-synthesized ZnO-NPs may be more efficient than chemically synthesized ones at providing a greater modulatory effect on circulating neutrophils and better hepatoprotective effects.