Boric acid-functionalized bentonite nanostructures attenuated paraquat-induced pulmonary injuries in rats

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This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects of boric acid-functionalized bentonite nanostructures (BABTs) in a rat model of paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary toxicity, a well-established model for herbicide-related lung fibrosis. BABTs (20-60 nm) were synthesized via a microwave-assisted technique, characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, confirming PQ-BABT complex formation. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomized into eight groups (n = 6/group): negative control (saline), positive control (single 100 mg/kg PQ oral dose), and experimental groups receiving BABTs or boric acid (BA) at 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day orally, 30 min post-PQ. After 14 days, lung malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histopathological changes (H&E, Masson's Trichrome) were assessed. BABTs at 50 mg/kg significantly decreased lung malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < 0.05) and significantly attenuated tissue injury (P < 0.05), suggesting an attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, while boric acid (BA) demonstrated no significant effect. BABTs mitigate PQ-induced lung injury through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms, enhanced by reducing PQ bioavailability. These findings position BABTs as a promising therapeutic candidate for PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis, warranting further clinical evaluation.