Assessment of the neuroprotective effect of selenium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against silver nanoparticles-induced toxicity in rats

• Published in: Neurotoxicology (Park Forest South) 2023-03, Vol.95, p.232-243
• Main Authors: Shalaby, Omnia E., Ahmed, Yasmine H., Mekkawy, Aya M., Mahmoud, Mohamed Y., Khalil, Heba M.A., Elbargeesy, G.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antioxidants - metabolism; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Chitosan - pharmacology; GFAP and Oxidative stress; Histopathology; Metal Nanoparticles - toxicity; Nanoparticles; Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology; Neurotoxicity; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 - metabolism; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Selenium - pharmacology; Silver - toxicity
• ISSN: 0161-813X; 1872-9711
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.02.009

With the recent growth in the applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), worries about their harmful effects are increasing. Selenium plays a vital role in the antioxidant defense system as well as free radical scavenging activity. This study aims to inspect the neuroprotective effect of selenium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS-SeNPs) against the adverse impact of Ag-NPs on brain tissue in adult rats. Rats were divided into four groups: group I (control) was administered distilled water (0.5 mL/kg), group II was administered Ag-NPs (100 mg/kg), group III was administered Ag-NPs (100 mg/kg) and CS- SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg) and group IV received only CS- SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage. After 60 days, rats were subjected to behavioral assessment and then euthanized. Brain tissues were obtained for estimation of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy Guanosine (8-OHdG), and Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Like Protein 2 (Nrf2). Also, histological examination of the brain and immunohistochemical detection of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were investigated exposure to Ag-NPs induced marked neurotoxicity in the brain tissue of rats that was manifested by decreased levels of TAC and Nrf2 with increased levels of MDA and 8-OHdG. Also, various pathological lesions with an increase in the number of GFAP immunoreactive cells were detected. While brain tissue of rats received Ag-NPs plus CS-SeNPs group (III) revealed significantly fewer pathological changes. Co-administration of CS-SeNPs significantly ameliorates most of the Ag-NPs-induced brain damage. [Display omitted] •Silver nanoparticles induced behavioral abnormalities and oxidative stress in rats.•Silver nanoparticles altered the histological structure of the brain.•Positive expression of GFAP was noticed in the brain tissue of silver nanoparticles-exposed rats.•Selenium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles provided antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.