Zinc citrate incorporation with whey protein nanoparticles alleviate the oxidative stress complication and modulate gene expression in the liver of rats

This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of whey protein nanoparticles (WP-NPs) coated Zinc citrate (Zn) against oxidative stress complications and disturbances in gene expression in rats treated with CCl4. WP-NPs were used to coat Zn at three levels and amino acids content was determined in WP-NPs and the fabrications. Seven groups of male albino rats included the control group, CCl4-treated group (0.5 ml/100 g b.w) and the groups treated with CCl4 plus WP-NPs, Zn and the three Zn-WP-NPs fabrications. Blood and liver samples were collected for different analysis. Particles sizes were 95, 142, 196 and 228 nm and zeta potential values were -95, -114, -85 and -79 for WP-NPs and the three Zn-WP-NPs fabrications, respectively. Twelve amino acids were found in WP-NPs and this number was decreased by increasing Zn content. WP-NPs, Zn and the Zn coated WP-NPs counteracted the disturbances in biochemical, parameters, gene expression and histological changes in CCl4-treated rats and Zn-WP-NPs was more effective at the low dose. It could be concluded that WP-NPs enhance the effect of Zn and can be used for coating Zn in the preparation of Zn supplementation to enhance its effect and counteract the side effect of excess Zn.