Combination of 10-hydroxy-decanoic acid and ZnO nanoparticles abrogates lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling

Lead is a heavy metal contaminant that can cause significant alterations in renal structure and function, resulting in nephrotoxicity. The fatty acids of royal jelly exhibit immunoregulatory, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which have garnered significant interest. The most prevalent among them is 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDA). Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) demonstrate a renoprotective effect, likely due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of 10-HDA and ZnONPs, administered either as monotherapy or in combination, against lead-induced nephrotoxicity. Male rats were orally administered lead acetate (PbAc) for three months, followed by the administration of 10-HDA and/or ZnONPs for one month. Exposure to PbAc resulted in elevated renal lead concentration, as well as increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, and cystatin C. The condition resulted in damage to the renal parenchyma, characterised by degenerative glomeruli and tubules, and exhibited the highest lesion score. Nrf2 and HO-1 exhibited reduced expression and diminished antioxidant enzyme levels subsequent to PbAc poisoning. Additionally, there was an increase in the inflammatory and apoptotic signalling through the p-IKK/NF-κB axis. The administration of 10-HDA and ZnONPs significantly decreased renal lead levels and improved antioxidant capacity. Moreover, renal inflammatory markers (TNF-α, p-IKK, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) and proapoptotic indicators (Bax and Caspase-3) were significantly suppressed. The combined therapy demonstrated a synergistic effect (combination index < 1). In conclusion, the results indicated that 10-HDA and ZnONPs have the potential to be a supplement or even an effective treatment to alleviate the adverse effects of lead poisoning. This is potentially attributed to their potent ameliorative actions against oxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis.