Protective Role of Chichorium intybus Extract Against Renal Toxicity Induced by Magnetite Silver Nanoparticles in Male Rats

Magnetite silver nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄/AgNPs) symbolize a new candidate in several industrial and biological products for their activities, simple preparation and low synthesis costs. Many studies recommended the usage of Fe3O4/AgNPs to overcome lacking biocompatibility of AgNPs inside the body. However, Fe₃O₄/AgNPs also has toxic effects on kidney tissues. In this study, AgNPs was synthesized on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) as a core-shell hetero-structure and used to induce renal injury. The microstructure, morphology and magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄/AgNPs were characterized using different analysis as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of chicory (Chichorium intybus) fruit extract against kidney injury induced by Fe₃O₄/AgNPs administration in rats. The study was carried out on 40 male adult Sprague Dawley rats (12 weeks old, 140-145 g). Rats were randomly classified into four groups. Group-1 included control rats; group-2 contained the administered chicory extract rats; group-3 was the rats injected withFe₃O₄/AgNPs; and group-4-in which rats administered with Fe₃O₄/AgNPs then treated by chicory extract. The obtained results showed that kidney function tests as urea and creatinine increased by about 1.5 folds in rats injected with Fe₃O₄/AgNPs (G3). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in kidney tissue duplicated and serum potassium levels increased by about 1.2 folds, while serum sodium and calcium ions slightly decreased in G3. On the other hand, reduced glutathione declined in G3 to nearly one-half normal values in G1. Superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes decreased to about 0.7 folds in G3. Chicory extract administration in G4 improved all these parameters to nearly their normal values. In conclusion, the obtained results in the current study indicated the protective effects of chicory extract against kidney injury and oxidative stress induced by Fe₃O₄/AgNPs.