Investigating the attenuating effects of metformin-loaded selenium nanoparticles coupled with Myrtus communis L. flower extract on CaOx deposition in male Sprague Dawley rat kidneys via regulating MAPK signaling pathway

Kidney stones are a foremost clinical concern in urology with CaOx crystals accounting for roughly 80% of these renal formations. This research endeavor seeks to ascertain the protective effects of Metformin-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles (M@Se NPs), combined with a 55% hydroethanolic flower extract from Myrtus communis L. (MCL) in countering the formation of kidney stones in Male Sprague Dawley rats. The particle's diameter was measured to be 39 nm and 13.8 nm from DLS and HR-TEM analysis. Rat groups administered with the MCL-M@Se NPs (1:1.5:1) exhibited reduced renal stone formation in urine and serum analysis compared to the negative control group. Histological evaluations of kidney samples using H&E, and MTS staining indicated a subdued presence of ECM deposition in contrast to other rat groups. Conclusively, the protective mechanism of MCL-M@Se NPs against CaOx stone damage can be confidently attributed to the obstruction of the MAPK signaling pathway. Keywords: CaOx crystals; ECM deposition; MAPK signaling pathway; Metformin; Myrtus communis L.; Se NPs.