Use of Silver Nanoparticles as a Potential Protective Agent against Renal Damage Induced by Indomethacin

• Grant number: 25/04358-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Lizziane Kretli Winkelströter Eller
• Grantee: Giovana Vitória da Silva
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The search for new alternatives to prevent renal disease associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is of utmost importance, given the increasing use of these medications in the population, especially in the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation. The prolonged and improper use of NSAIDs can impair renal function, leading to severe complications such as acute and chronic renal failure. Therefore, investing in new therapeutic options is essential to preserve the quality of life of patients, reduce costs related to the treatment of renal diseases, and promote safer and more effective healthcare.Objective: To perform a morphofunctional analysis of the kidneys of rats treated with indomethacin and pre-treated with silver nanoparticles.Methodology: Thirty-six Rattus norvegicus (Wistar rats), aged 4-5 weeks (weighing between 180-220g), will be used. The animals will be randomly divided into 4 groups of 9 rats for each treatment. Bac-AgNP (silver nanoparticles synthesized from a cell-free supernatant) will be administered to rats for 28 days. Indomethacin (10¿mg/kg) will be administered orally (via gavage) for 5 consecutive days during the experimental period. The animals will be euthanized, and morphofunctional parameters of the kidneys will be analyzed through histopathological examination, as well as the measurement of plasmatic and urinary biochemical markers. The results will be statistically analyzed with a significance level of p<0.05.Expected Results: It is expected that silver nanoparticles will exert a nephroprotective effect and could thus contribute as an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent the side effects of anti-inflammatory medications. (AU)