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.