Background This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of piperine and piperine-loaded titanium dioxide nanoparticles on oxidative and biochemical parameters, antioxidant levels, and cytogenetic parameters in the brain. Methods forty rats were randomly divided into four equal groups for 35 days as follow: the control group was administered DW/IP; the G1 group received 40 mg/kg B.W. of piperine orally; The G2 group was given TiO 2 NPs (50 mg/kg B.W.)/i.p. received; and the G3 group received 75 mg/kg B.W. /I. P. of PIP-TiO2NPs. Results A significant decrease in serum TAO-C and significantly elevation in Ros level were observed in the TiO 2 NPs-treated group (G2) compared with G1 and G3. In contrast, the piperine-treated group (G1) showed reduced ROS level. Serum neurotransmitter concentrations were significantly lower in group G2 compared to the control, G1, and G3 groups, while they were significantly higher in group G1. A marked increase in cyclooxygenase gene expression was also observed in group G2 compared to the other experimental groups. Histopathological examination revealed a generally preserved brain structure, with mild to moderate alterations in some treated groups. Group G2 showed mild vascular congestion, hyperplasia, and slight disturbance of the molecular cell layer of the cerebral cortex. In contrast, group G3 showed moderate hippocampal vacuolation with a reduced glial cell density. Conclusions Administration of piperine in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles may partially attenuate oxidative and molecular alterations associated with TiO 2 NP-induced neurotoxicity in rats, as suggested by the current findings. Although biochemical and histological improvements were observed, further studies involving brain neurotransmitter analysis and inflammatory cytokine assessment are required to better elucidate the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms.
Nawfal et al. (Tue,) studied this question.