Efficacy of Gold Nanoparticles against Nephrotoxicity Induced by Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Mice

Key words: 
• Gold nanoparticles /
• Schistosomiasis /
• Renal damage /
• Gene expression /
• Histopathology /
• Oxidative stress

Abstract: Objective In this study, the ameliorative effects of gold nanoparticles (gold NP) on the renal tissue damage in Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni)-infected mice was investigated.
Methods High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used for the characterization of NP. The gold NP at concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 μg/kg body weight were inoculated into S. mansoni-infected mice.
Results The parasite caused alterations in the histological architecture. Furthermore, it induced a significant reduction in the renal glutathione levels; however, the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were significantly elevated. The parasite also managed to downregulate KIM-1, NGAL, MCP-1, and TGF-βmRNA expression in infected animals. Notably, gold NP treatment in mice reduced the extent of histological impairment and renal oxidative damage. Gold NP were able to regulate gene expression impaired by S. Mansoni infection.
Conclusion The curative effect of gold NP against renal toxicity in S. mansoni-infected mice is associated with their role as free radical scavengers.