Comparison of the effects of zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the expression of hepcidin gene in rat liver

Objectives Nanoparticles have special properties, such as increased intestinal absorption, permeability, and so on. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have medical applications such as using in drug production. Studies of ZnO nanoparticles have shown the role of these particles in reducing or increasing the genes expression. Given the important role of hepcidin in the development of anemia and iron overload diseases, this study investigated the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the hepatic expression of the hepcidin gene to help find a way to treat these diseases. Methods In this experimental study, 24 male Westar rats were divided into three groups: control, ZnO treating group and ZnO nanoparticle treating group. Both ZnO and ZnO nanoparticles were injected with 50 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. At the end, serums were collected and iron, ferritin and IL-6 levels were measured. Expression of the hepcidin gene was done by Real Time PCR. Results ZnO and the ZnO nanoparticle significantly increased the expression of the hepcidin gene relative to the control group. The increase in expression of the hepcidin gene in ZnO nanoparticles was more significant than in the ZnO. Conclusion ZnO nanoparticles led to significant increase in expression of the hepcidin gene.