Evaluation effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on antioxidant markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in male mice

Document Type : Original Research

Author
Ziba Mozaffari
Department of Biology, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
10.48311/mjms.2026.123373.82639
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on oxidative stress markers in male mice. Thirty adult NMRI male mice were divided into five groups: control, sham, and three treatment groups receiving intraperitoneal ZnO NPs at doses of 250, 500, and 700 mg/kg/day for seven days. Blood samples were collected to measure superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

The results showed a significant dose-dependent increase in SOD levels following ZnO NP exposure. GPX levels also changed significantly at doses of 250 and 700 mg/kg/day. MDA levels decreased insignificantly at 250 and 500 mg/kg/day but increased significantly at 700 mg/kg/day.

Overall, ZnO NPs appear to exert concentration-dependent effects on the oxidative system. Lower doses may have antioxidant effects, as indicated by reduced MDA and increased antioxidant enzyme activity, whereas higher doses may promote oxidative stress. These findings suggest that ZnO NPs can have both antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects depending on the exposure concentration.
Keywords
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)
oxidative stress
antioxidant activity
superoxide dismutase (SOD)
glutathione peroxidase (GPX)
malondialdehyde (MDA)
male mice
Subjects