# Ferrite chitosan curcumin nanoparticles alleviate nandrolone decanote induced liver toxicity in male albino rats

## TL;DR

This study shows that ferrite chitosan curcumin nanoparticles can reduce liver damage caused by anabolic steroid abuse in rats.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the development and application of NF-CH-CurNPs to mitigate ND-induced liver toxicity.

## Key findings

- NF-CH-CurNPs significantly improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress in ND-treated rats.
- The treatment showed better scavenging of free radicals compared to CurNPs alone.
- ND caused significant liver damage, inflammation, and DNA damage in male albino rats.

## Abstract

Sr2NiCoAl0.3Fe27.7O46 X-Type hexa-nano-ferrites were prepared using a co-precipitation route, coated with Chitosan, and synthesized into a ferrite chitosan curcumin nanoparticle system. This combination enhances curcumin’s therapeutic properties, chitosan’s bioavailability, and ferrite’s magnetic targeting potential, offering improved cellular uptake and diagnostic applications. Nandrolone decanote (ND), one of the class II anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs), quickly spreading as a class of medications used in both clinical and illegal settings. AAS can enhance tolerance to exercise, so they are taken illegally by bodybuilders and adolescents. However, the abuse of AASs can lead to serious and irreversible organ toxicity. This study designed to investigate the therapeutics effect of nano ferrite chitosan curcumin nanoparticles (NF-CH-CurNPs) against ND induced hepatic toxicity, proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in male rats. 48 adult male rats assigned to 6 groups [1st Gp, control; 2nd Gp, CurNPs; 3rd Gp, NF-CH-CurNPs; 4th Gp, ND; 5th Gp, ND + CurNPs; 6th Gp. ND + NF-CH-CurNPs]. Current results revealed, a significant elevation in the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total proteins, liver DNA damage, injury, malondialdehyde (MDA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and a significant depletion in albumin, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) after ND administration as compared to control and CurNPs groups. Treatment of ND with CurNPs or NF-CH-CurNPs significantly improved liver functions, structure, oxidative stress, DNA damage, PCNA, and TNFα expressions, with NF-CH-CurNPs showing potential for scavenging free radicals.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-21814-9.