Nephroprotective Potential of Selenium and Quercetin Nanoparticles Against Acrylamide-Induced Renal Toxicity in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Acrylamide, a toxic compound formed during high-temperature cooking, is widely known for its neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects, while its nephrotoxic impact remains less defined. This study evaluates acrylamide-induced renal toxicity in male Albino Wistar rats and examines the therapeutic efficacy of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and quercetin nanoparticles (QNPs). Acrylamide exposure significantly impaired renal function, elevating serum creatinine (1.85 ± 0.22 mg/dL vs. 0.47 ± 0.08 in control) and urea (61.00 ± 4.58 mg/dL vs. 23.33 ± 6.02) while reducing albumin levels (2.25 ± 0.58 g/dL vs. 5.33 ± 0.25). Oxidative stress was evident through decreased GSH (3.25 ± 2.7 vs. 6.35 ± 2.01 mg/g tissue) and SOD (13.23 ± 4.01 vs. 28.66 ± 5.20 U/g tissue), alongside elevated MDA (36.10 ± 0.24 vs. 15.05 ± 0.28 nmol/g). Treatment with SeNPs and QNPs significantly ameliorated these alterations. SeNPs improved creatinine, urea, and albumin to 1.40 ± 0.04, 47.66 ± 3.51, and 3.26 ± 0.37, respectively, while QNPs showed greater normalization (1.30 ± 0.08; 35.20 ± 0.02; 3.40 ± 0.10). Oxidative markers also improved markedly, particularly in QNP-treated rats. Histopathological observations confirmed near-normal renal architecture following QNP treatment. These findings demonstrate the strong nephroprotective potential of SeNPs and especially QNPs, supporting their future application in mitigating acrylamide-induced renal damage and enhancing human kidney health.