Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal

Immuno-toxic effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and protective role of Moringa Olifera on thymus of male albino rats

Marwa Abdelsalam Abdallah, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.Follow
Alaa Fehaid, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Aml Abdelmonem Halawa, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Mmdouh Mohammed Abou Ealmagd, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Document Type

Original Article

Keywords

Zinc oxide Nanoparticles; thymus; Antioxidant markers; Cytokines; DNA damage; Moringa Olifera leaves

Abstract

Background and Aim The present study aims to evaluate the protective role of Moringa olifera (MO) extract against Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) induced immunotoxicity in male albino rats. Methods Forty-eight Male albino rats were divided into six groups. The 1st group (control) orally received distilled water. The 2nd group received 100 mg/kg of MO extract. The 3rd group was administered 200 mg/kg B.W ZnO NPs. The 4th group received 200 mg/kg B.W ZnO NPs in combination with 100 mg/kg of MO extract. The 5th group received 400 mg/kg B.W ZnO NPs. The 6th group received 400 mg/kg B.W ZnO NPs in combination with 100 mg/kg of MO extract for 28 days. Serum levels of antioxidant markers and pro-inflammatory mediators (Interleukin 1beta (IL-1β) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and activity of Caspase-1) were measured. Histopathological analysis was performed from thymic tissues. Moreover, DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. Results ZnO NPs exposure induced oxidative stress via elevation of MDA and NO with significant reduction in SOD and GST activities. In addition, ZnO NPs significantly elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines with induction of DNA damage represented by a significant elevation in all comet assay indices (% of comet, DNA in tail, tail length, tail moment and olive moment). Such alterations were confirmed by the histopathological analysis of thymic tissue. Moringa leaves extract ameliorated the adverse effects of ZnO NPs through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Cite This Article

Abdallah, Marwa Abdelsalam; Fehaid, Alaa; Halawa, Aml Abdelmonem; and Ealmagd, Mmdouh Mohammed Abou (2026) "Immuno-toxic effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and protective role of Moringa Olifera on thymus of male albino rats," Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal: Vol. 26: Iss. 3, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35943/2682-2512.1260