Possible Effect of Ascorbic Acid against Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) has long been used in cosmetics and paints without knowing its possible side effects in human beings. This study was conducted to find whether ZnO-NPs toxicity can be reversed by the administration of ascorbic acid in mouse. Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups; control group, ascorbic acid (100mg/kg), ZnO-NPs (30mg/kg) and ascorbic acid + ZnO-NPs for 21 alternate days. After that mice were decapitated and liver was preserved for histopathological analysis. Ascorbic acid groups showed the normal liver structure while ZnO-NPs group exhibited inflammation and necrosis of hepatocytes. The combination of ascorbic acid+ZnO-NPs showed reduced inflammation and necrosis after 28 days of treatment. Ascorbic acid showed hepatoprotective effect against liver fibrosis by increasing the activity of anti-oxidant enzyme and lowering of pro-oxidant effects in mice. This study concluded hepatoprotective effect of ascorbic acid against ZnO-NPs induced liver damage in mice.