Nematocidal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using chicken egg albumin in lung and spleen of Parascaris equorum experimentally infected rats

Abstract

Abstract Weight loss, weakness, coughing, nasal discharge, and neurological problems result from Parascaris equorum infection. However, severe infestations can cause intestinal impaction, colic, unthriftiness, peritonitis, and small intestine rupture, resulting in death. Parasite resistance to conventional drugs is mainly caused by decreased drug absorption and increased metabolism. Nanoparticle-based drugs can be viable alternatives. The study studied the pharmacological effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles( ZnO NPs) on P. equorum , infected rats’ lungs and spleens. Thirty-six male rats were separated into two groups of 18 rats each: infected and uninfected. The two groups were divided into three subgroups that received orally distilled water, 30 mg/kg ZnO NPs, or 60 mg/kg for 10 days. Depending on dosage, ZnO NPs (30, 60 mg/kg) drastically reduced larvae in the lung and spleen. ZnO nanoparticles reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and improved the antioxidant system in sick rats’ spleens and lungs. The infected lung and spleen showed fewer histological changes after ZnO NPs (30, 60 mg/kg) therapy. Compared to rats infected but untreated, ZnO NPs at 30 and 60 mg/kg reduced nuclear factor-kappa B levels in immunohistochemistry. ZnO NPs do not harm animal cells and are harmless to non-infected rats. They can treat P. equorum infection due to their anthelmintic, antioxidant, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.