Protective effects of cerium oxide and yttrium oxide nanoparticles on reduction of oxidative stress induced by sub-acute exposure to diazinon in the rat pancreas

Abstract Diazinon is a kind of organophosphorus (OP) compound that is broadly used against different species of insects and pests. Oxidative stress can occur at very early stages of diazinon exposure and the pancreas is one of the main target organs for toxicity by diazinon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) and yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y 2 O 3 NPs) against the pancreatic damage from sub-acute exposure of diazinon. Diazinon at a dose of 70 mg/kg/day was given through gavage to rats once a day. Along with diazinon, trace amounts of CeO 2 NPs and Y 2 O 3 NPs (35 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg per day, respectively) were administered by intraperitoneal injection once a day for 2 weeks. Animals weight and blood glucose were measured during the treatment, and oxidative stress biomarkers, diabetes physiology, function and viability of cells were investigated at the end of the treatment in serum and pancreas tissues. Apoptosis of islets was examined by the flow cytometry. The high blood glucose level and significant weight loss resulting from diazinon were modified as a result of the application of the NPs. A significant recovery in oxidative stress markers, pro-insulin, insulin, C-peptide, adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio, caspase-3 and -9 activities and apoptosis–necrosis in the islets was observed. In conclusion, administration of CeO 2 NPs or Y 2 O 3 NPs only or their combination with suitable and defined dose will help to overcome the consequences from oxidant agents.