Modulatory Effects of ICN-K04 against B (a) P Induced Haematological Alterations, Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Sprague Dawley Rats

Benzo (a) pyrene [B(a)P], a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, induces systemic toxicity primarily through oxidative stress. This study investigated the protective effects of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), chitosan nanoparticles, isolongifolene, and isolongifolene-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ICN-K04) against B (a) P-induced alterations in haematological parameters, antioxidant status, and mitochondrial enzyme activities in Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were divided into six experimental groups: control, B (a) P, B (a) P + 5-FU, chitosan nanoparticles, isolongifolene, and ICN-K04. Haematological parameters, antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione, vitamins A, C, and E, and mitochondrial enzymes were evaluated using standard biochemical methods. B (a) P exposure significantly reduced hematological indices, antioxidant defenses, and mitochondrial enzyme activities compared with controls. Treatment with 5-FU, isolongifolene, and ICN-K04 improved several altered parameters, with ICN-K04 generally demonstrating values closer to those of the control group. Isolongifolene and ICN-K04 significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced mitochondrial enzyme activities compared with B (a) P-treated animals. Overall, these findings suggest that isolongifolene and its chitosan nanoparticle formulation, particularly ICN-K04, may offer protective effects against B (a) P-induced hematological alterations, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. ICN-K04 demonstrated promising potential as a protective formulation.