Silica nanoparticles from melon seed husk improves atherogenic, hematologic and oxidative stress indices in male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to Ni, Al and Ni/Al mixtures

Chidinma P. Anyachor
ID
Awolayeofori Dokubo
Doris N. Ajibo
ID
Baridoo Donatus Dooka
ID
Theresa C. Ugwu
Danladi C. Husaini
ID
Orish E. Orisakwe
ID
Email src
African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Belize, Belmopan, Belize
Advanced Research Centre, European University of Lefke, Lefke, Northern Cyprus, Mersin, Turkey
Received: 13 December 2024 / Accepted: 8 January 2025 / Published: 30 June 2025

Abstract

Introduction and aim. With the increased awareness from circular bioeconomy that focuses on ‘no waste’ generation mantra, various technologies have been developed to valorize these wastes into useful products, including melon seed husk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of silica nanoparticles from melon seed husk (SiNPs MSH) against Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture-induced hematotoxicity and lipotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats.


Material and methods. Fifty-six male Sprague Dawley, 6 to 8 weeks and weighing 220 to 250 g, were randomly allocated to eight groups (n=7). Group 1 received deionized water only (control), groups 2, 3 and 4 (exposed groups) received the Ni/Al mixture, 0.2 mg/kg Ni and 1.0 mg/kg Al, while groups 5 to 8 received the Ni/Al mixture, Ni, and Al plus 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of SiNPs respectively for 90 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical investigation.


Results. Ni, Al and Ni/Al groups showed significant (p<0.05) alteration (p <0.05) in the classic lipid profile, hematological and oxidative stress markers compared to the control. Co-administration with SiNPs did not show significant (p>0.05) difference in these parameters compared to the control.


Conclusion. MSH SiNPs reversed Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture mediated hemotoxicity and elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione probably via metal chelation.

 

Cite

Anyachor CP, Dokubo A, Ajibo DN, Dooka BD, Ugwu TC, Husaini DC, Orisakwe OE. Silica nanoparticles from melon seed husk improves atherogenic, hematologic and oxidative stress indices in male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to Ni, Al and Ni/Al mixtures. Eur J Clin Exp Med. 2025;23(2):351–361. doi: 10.15584/ejcem.2025.2.11.

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