Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Therapeutic Agent for Mitigating Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage in White Male Albino Rats

Abstract

High paracetamol doses can cause liver damage, but chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs), known for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, may offer potential therapeutic benefits. This study investigated the protective effects of ChNPs in mitigating paracetamol-induced liver damage in white male albino rats. Chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Sixty adult male white albino rats (200–250 g) were randomly assigned to six groups and treated orally for three months. Groups received distilled water (Group I), 15 mg/kg ChNPs (Group II), 500 mg/kg (Group III), or 1000 mg/kg (Group IV) paracetamol or combinations of 500 mg/kg (Group V) or 500 mg/kg (Group VI) paracetamol with 15 mg/kg ChNPs. Liver tissues were histologically examined, and DNA damage was assessed. The results showed that ChNPs (43–80 nm) exhibited smooth, spherical morphology with improved dispersion. Prolonged oral administration of paracetamol at both doses induced significant histopathological changes, including fibrosis, congestion, and inflammatory infiltration in liver tissues. Co-administration with ChNPs preserved liver architecture, reducing morphological abnormalities. The comet assay showed significant DNA strand breaks in paracetamol-treated rats, indicated by increased tail DNA% and tail length. Chitosan nanoparticles mitigated DNA damage, likely due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study’s findings revealed that ChNPs exhibited a protective effect against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity, mitigating both histopathological and genetic alterations. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic application of ChNPs in preventing drug-induced liver damage and support their broader use in nanomedicine.