Prophylactic efficacy of silymarin upon renal dysfunction induced by copper oxide nanoparticle

Abstract

Background: Copper oxide nanopar ticles (CuO-NPs) are more and more used in biomed ical and environmental uses, so people are getting worried about possible organ toxicity when the exposure happens repeatedly. Renal tissue, seen as a main place where nanoparticles are collected and then removed, is basically the most fragile part. Objective: This study was done to check the kidney-damaging effects of CuO-NPs on renal dysfunction markers and oxidative stress readouts, and also to look at whether silymarin (SLM) can act as a shield in a rat setup. Methods: We used twenty-four adult male Wistar rats, they were split randomly into four groups of equal size (n=6): (1) Control (CON) distilled water only; (2) CuO-NPs oral gavage with copper oxide nanoparticles; (3) CuO-NPs + SLM oral co-administration of CuO-NPs together with silymarin; (4) SLM silymarin alone. After finishing the experimental period, the animals were euthanized and then serum samples as well as kidney homogenates were collected for biochemical assessment of renal function indicators, plus oxidative stress parameters. Results: The rats treated with CuO-NPs, showed clear harmful changes in every renal biomarker measured when compared with controls, which points to strong nephrotoxicity. When SLM was given alongside CuO-NPs, those bad biochemical shifts and oxidative stress alterations were notably reduced, bringing many values back closer to control like readings. The group that received SLM by itself did not show any meaningful difference from control levels. Conclusion: High-dose CuO-NPs cause noticeable renal functional impairment in rats, which is shown by disruption of key nephrotoxicity markers and oxidative balance. Meanwhile, Silymarin shows a real nephroprotective effect against CuO-NP-induced kidney damage, and it looks like it should be studied more, as a possible therapeutic or prophylactic option during nanoparticle exposure.