Silica nanoparticles from melon seed husk improves atherogenic, hematologic and oxidative stress indices in male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to Ni, Al and Ni/Al mixtures

Introduction and aim. With the increased awareness from circular bioeconomy that focuses on ‘no waste’ generation mantra, various technologies have been developed to valorize these wastes into useful products, including melon seed husk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of silica nanoparticles from melon seed husk (SiNPs MSH) against Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture-induced hematotoxicity and lipotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Material and methods. Fifty-six male Sprague Dawley, 6 to 8 weeks and weighing 220 to 250 g, were randomly allocated to eight groups (n=7). Group 1 received deionized water only (control), groups 2, 3 and 4 (exposed groups) received the Ni/Al mixture, 0.2 mg/kg Ni and 1.0 mg/kg Al, while groups 5 to 8 received the Ni/Al mixture, Ni, and Al plus 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of SiNPs respectively for 90 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical investigation. Results. Ni, Al and Ni/Al groups showed significant (p<0.05) alteration (p <0.05) in the classic lipid profile, hematological and oxidative stress markers compared to the control. Co-administration with SiNPs did not show significant (p>0.05) difference in these parameters compared to the control. Conclusion. MSH SiNPs reversed Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture mediated hemotoxicity and elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione probably via metal chelation.