Exposure to Zinc Oxide and Selenium Nanoparticles in Japanese Quail: Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Responses, and Histopathological Outcomes

This study investigated the effects of green‐synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO‐NPs) and selenium nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and histopathology in Japanese quail. The NPs were synthesized using extracts from Moringa oleifera (MrOl) and Agaricus bisporus (AaBi). One‐day‐old quails (six per group) were assigned to a control and each of 16 treatment groups receiving dietary supplementation with varying doses of ZnO‐NPs (20–80 mg/kg) and Se‐NPs (0.05–0.30 mg/kg) for 9 weeks. Biochemical, hematological, oxidative stress biomarkers, and gene expression (Nrf‐2, IL‐6) were analyzed, and histopathological examinations of the liver, kidney, and spleen were conducted. Results showed that optimal doses of MrOl‐synthesized NPs, particularly Se‐MrOl, significantly improved antioxidant status (reduced MDA, increased GSH), upregulated Nrf‐2, downregulated IL‐6, and enhanced lipid profiles (increased HDL) without causing significant histopathological damage. In contrast, higher doses, especially of AaBi‐synthesized NPs, induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mild tissue alterations. The study concludes that green‐synthesized ZnO and Se‐NPs, particularly from MrOl at optimized doses, can enhance antioxidant defenses and modulate immune responses in quail, highlighting their potential as effective nutritional supplements in poultry production.