Selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles: Emerging strategies for hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation reduction

Abstract

Liver failure, primarily driven by oxidative stress and inflammation, remains a significant clinical challenge. Conventional hepatoprotective strategies often fail to provide effective long-term protection, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the hepatoprotective potential of selenium (SeNPs), silver (AgNPs), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), emphasizing their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. SeNPs enhance antioxidant defenses by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulating key enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). AgNPs exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine expression, reducing lipid peroxidation, and preserving hepatic architecture. AuNPs demonstrate biocompatibility, fibrosis prevention, and immune modulation through NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling. Despite their therapeutic promise, concerns regarding nanoparticle biocompatibility, stability, and potential toxicity remain key challenges for clinical translation. This review aims to explore the role of (SeNPs), (AgNPs), and (AuNPs) in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation in liver diseases, explore their mechanisms of hepatoprotection, assess the challenges associated with their biomedical applications, and provide insights into future directions for their clinical development. Addressing these gaps will be crucial in optimizing nanoparticle-based hepatoprotective therapies for safer and more effective liver disease management. • Liver Failure & Nanotechnology: Liver failure, often linked to drug-induced liver injury (DILI), involves inflammation and oxidative stress, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. • Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs): Exhibit strong antioxidant properties, upregulate superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and mitigate oxidative stress and acute liver damage. • Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs): Function as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, reducing liver toxicity markers and aiding tissue repair. • Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs): Modulate immune responses, act as antioxidants, and show potential in reducing inflammation-related liver injury. • Challenges & Future Directions: Stability, biocompatibility, large-scale production, oxidation, surface degradation, and dose regulation remain key obstacles. Further research on biokinetics is essential for clinical translation.