Oxidative stress and inflammatory response are main processes in pathological damage caused by exposure to respiratory silica dust (RSD). However, the role of nanoformulated diosgenin (DG)n and emodin (ED)n or combined (DG+ED)n nanoparticles (NP) in silica-induced oxidative stress and inflammation are remained unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of (DG)n, (ED)n, and (DG+ED)n on the oxidative stress and immune alterations in rats caused by acute RSD exposure. Forty eight adult Wistar rats weighing 200–250g were used. The rats were randomly divided into eight groups: unmedicated control, plain (DG+ED), (DG+ED)n, RSD exposure, RSD and (DG+ED), RSD and (DG)n, RSD and (ED)n, and RSD and (DG+ED)n. Blood samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were measured colorimetrically. No statistically significantly difference was found when comparing the unmedicated control, plain (DG+ED), (DG+ED)n groups. RSD significantly increased lipid peroxidation levels, but (DG+ED)n reduced MDA levels. RSD did significantly reduce the GSH, SOD, and CAT levels, but (DG+ED)n enhanced these levels by blocking the RSD effect in animal. Also, RSD significantly increased the inflammatory cytokines levels, and (DG+ED)n attenuated all cytokines levels and remained under the effect of RSD. The RSD can induce oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. The IV administration of combined NP (DG+ED)n could be used to protect against the oxidative stress and immune alteration caused by acute RSD intoxication.
Sanvidhan G. Suke (Sun,) studied this question.