Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Role of miR-125b Expression in Possible Underlying Mechanisms

Background This study examined the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) and their possible underlying mechanisms. Methods 48 male rats were randomly divided into six ‎groups (n=8): the sham group that received intraperitoneal normal saline solution (Sham),‎ the HIRI group, the control groups pre-treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg ZnO-NPs for 3 ‎consecutive days without surgery (ZnO5) and (ZnO10), ‎the HIRI group pre-treated with 5 mg/kg ZnO-NPs‎ for 3 consecutive days before surgery (HIRI+ZnO5), ‎and the HIRI group pre-treated with 10 mg/kg ZnO-NPs‎ for 3 ‎consecutive days before surgery (HIRI+ZnO10)‎. One hour after reperfusion, serum and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, molecular and histopathological evaluation. Results Administration of ZnO-NPs caused significant improvement in the elevated serum concentrations of ALT, AST, TOS and MDA, improved liver histopathology, and increased TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB levels in liver tissue compared to HIRI group. In addition, administration of ZnO-NPs increased the expression of miR-125 in liver tissue compared than in the HIRI group. Conclusions The administration of ZnO-NPs improved the effect on HIRI by enhancing miR-125b expression and suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.