The mitigating ability of propolis on oxidative stress and pathological changes induced by copper oxide nanoparticles in rat spleen: A histopathological and biochemical study.

Abstract

Introduction: The widespread application of copper oxide nanoparticles (CON) is associated with a negative impact on human health. They have immunotoxic effects. Therefore, the spleen may be a target organ for nanoparticles toxicity, but little is known about the underlying mechanics.

Aim of the Work: This experiment aimed to assess the ability of propolis to protect against CON-induced pathological alterations in rat spleen, exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Materials and Methods: Fifty rats were split into three groups: control group, CON group [25mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injection for 7 days], and CON & propolis group [simultaneous administration of CON and propolis for 7 days]. The propolis dose was 50 mg/kg/day orally for 7 days. Spleen specimens were processed for histopathological examination, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The inflammasome pathway, oxidative stress, and the proinflammatory markers were assessed.

Results: The study revealed that the CON group showed pathological alterations in the spleen tissues. Many splenocytes showed cytoplasmic vacuoles and pyknotic nuclei. Increased nuclear factor-kappa B [NF-κB], nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 [NLRP3], and caspase-1 immuno-expression was detected. There was a notable enhancement in oxidative stress parameters with decreased levels of the antioxidant enzymes. Increased mRNA expression of NF-κB, NLRP3, caspase-1, interlukin-1β [IL-1β] and interlukin-18 [IL-18] were evident. In contrast, the CON & propolis group showed preserved spleen structure with non-significant changes in all mentioned parameters. Therefore, CON has a deleterious impact on rats' spleen by triggering oxidative stress/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Conclusion: Propolis exerted a potent protective role against CON-induced pathological alterations in rats' spleen, most likely through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.