Evaluation of Carvacrol Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots in Mitigating Hepatic Inflammation and Function Impairment in DMBA‐Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis

ABSTRACT The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and purging various substances from the body. Exposure to toxins like DMBA (7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) can harm the liver, leading to inflammation, impaired function, and the potential development of liver lesions or tumors. The present study explored the protective effect of CVC‐ZnO QDs (carvacrol‐zinc oxide quantum dots) on the liver by DMBA‐induced mammary carcinoma. Female Sprague Dawley rats were used, and mammary cancer was initiated by injecting DMBA near the mammary gland. Different concentrations of CVC‐ZnO QDs were administered orally to determine the most effective dosage. Various liver tissue factors were evaluated, including liver marker enzymes, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, detoxification enzyme activities and protein bound carbohydrates. Additionally, the inflammatory response of the liver tissue was investigated using immunohistochemistry and PCR. Results revealed that rats treated with CVC‐ZnO QDs showed a significant decrease in liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation levels, Phase I detoxification enzyme activities and protein bound carbohydrates. CVC‐ZnO QDs also increased Phase II detoxification enzyme activity, and antioxidant levels compared to rats treated solely with DMBA. Histopathological analysis confirmed that CVC‐ZnO QDs shielded the liver from DMBA‐induced damage. Furthermore, CVC‐ZnO QDs were found to reduce the expression of IL‐6, NF‐κB, and COX‐2 in DMBA‐induced rats. Overall, the study demonstrated that administering CVC‐ZnO QDs at a dose of 4 mg/kg b.w had a notable hepatoprotective effect against DMBA‐induced mammary cancer in rats.