The Impact of Hybrid Bionanomaterials Based on Gold Nanoparticles on Liver Injury in an Experimental Model of Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatopathy

The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a hybrid material based on gold nanoparticles and natural extracts on an experimental model of thioacetamide-induced (TAA) liver injury in rats. The nanomaterials were synthesized using a green method, with <i>Cornus sanguinea</i> L. extract as a reducing and capping agent (NPCS), and were then mixed with <i>Vaccinium myrtillus</i> L. (VL) extract in order to achieve a final mixture with enhanced properties (NPCS-VL). NPCSs were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which demonstrated the formation of spherical, stable gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 20 nm. NPCS-VL's hepatoprotective effects were evaluated through an analysis of oxidative stress, inflammation, hepatic cytolysis, histology assays, and TEM in comparison to silymarin on an animal model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced toxic hepatitis. TAA administration determined hepatotoxicity, as it triggered redox imbalance, increased proinflammatory cytokine levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) activity, and induced morphological and ultrastructural changes characteristic of liver fibrosis. In rats treated with NPCS-VL, all these pathological processes were attenuated, suggesting a potential antifibrotic effect of this hybrid bionanomaterial.