Manganese-Based Nanozyme Alleviates Acute Kidney Injury via Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Acute renal injury (AKI) has a high incidence rate and mortality, but current treatment methods are limited. As a kind of nanomaterial with enzyme-like activity, nanozyme has shown outstanding advantages in treating AKI according to recent reports. Herein, we assess the potential of manganese-based nanozymes (MnO₂-BSA NPs) with excellent biosafety in effectively alleviating AKI. Our findings in vitro and in vivo reveal that MnO₂-BSA NPs exert regulatory effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. These effects are mediated through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathways. Notably, it was observed that the cytoprotective effect of MnO₂-BSA NPs is abrogated upon inhibition of Nrf2 expression, highlighting the important role of this transcription factor in cellular protection. In summary, the study demonstrates the protective effect of MnO₂-BSA NPs in AKI and provides the molecular mechanisms involved, which can contribute to the advancement of potential therapeutic interventions for nanozyme-based treatments.