Ibrahim Ahmed Mustafa Ahmed Atya
Lecturer
Effect of Malva parviflora-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Lead-Induced Liver Toxicity in Mice via Regulating Cell Death and Oxidative Stress
ChemistrySelect • 2025
Publication Information
Authors
Heba A. Sahyon, Abdel Ghany F. Shoair, Mohamed Essam, Farouk S. Elgendy, Abdel-Gawad S. Shalkami, Amir El-Basiony, Reem Saaleh Alsereihi, Ahmad A. Momen, M. M. Farag, Mariam M. Motawea, Ibrahim A. Mostafa
Keywords
Not Available
Journal
ChemistrySelect
Publisher
Chemistry Europe
Volume
10
Issue
47
Pages
e03228
publication.type
International
Paper Link
Open Link
Supplementary Materials
Not Available
Abstract
Malva parviflora (MP), a readily available wild plant, exhibits inherent antioxidants and hepatoprotective properties. Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) can reduce phytochemicals to the nanoscale, aiding their entry into cell membranes. This study explores the efficacy of MP leaf extract and its chitosan nano-formulation (MP@ChNPs) as a cost-effective supplement to reduce Pb-induced liver toxicity in mice. MP@ChNPs revealed a particle size of 460 nm and a zeta potential of 18.0 mV, indicating good stability and distribution. In vitro tests revealed the superiority of MP@ChNPs in antioxidant activities over MP extract. The Pb-intoxicated mice were orally treated with MP-extract and MP@ChNPs for three weeks. Pb-intoxicated mice exhibited marked hepatic damage, elevated liver enzymes, and oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde; decreased SOD and catalase), as well as dysregulation of cell death pathways (increased apoptosis and autophagy). MP@ChNPs treatment was more effective in restoring antioxidant enzyme expression, reducing oxidative damage, suppressing apoptosis (upregulating Bcl-2), and modulating autophagy (downregulating Beclin-1) compared to MP extract. Histological analysis confirmed the superior hepatoprotective efficacy of MP@ChNPs, preserving near-normal liver architecture. These findings suggest that a low-dose nano-formulation of MP holds significant promise as an inexpensive strategy to mitigate Pb-induced hepatotoxicity, particularly benefiting resource-limited communities in polluted areas.
