| The objective of present study was in vitro and in vivo evaluation of hepatoprotective and antioxidant
activity of Quercetin nanoparticles (Q NPs) against toxicity induced by aflatoxin B1. The Q NPs were prepared
using precipitation method. Hepatocytes were prepared by the method of collagenase enzyme
perfusion via portal vein. The NPs were characterized in terms of size and morphology using dynamic
light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The level of parameters,
such as cell death, ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular
glutathione (GSH) content, in the aflatoxin B1-treated and non-treated hepatocytes were determined
and the mentioned markers were assessed in the presence of Q NPs. The prepared NPs showed particle
size of 52.70nm with polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.18. In contrast to free Q, the administration of Q
NPs more efficiently decreased the rate of ROS formation, lipid peroxidation and improved cell viability,
mitochondrial membrane potential and glutathione level and showed a significant hepatoprotective
efiect by reducing levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.
It is suggested that the Q NPs is a promising candidate for drug delivery, which enhances the hepatoprotective
effect of Q against the cytotoxic effects of aflatoxin B1. |