Ginkgo Biloba Alleviates Silver Nanoparticles Induced Cardiotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats; Role of 8-Ohdg and Microrna-21 Expression

Abstract

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most commercialized nanoparticles worldwide. However, they have negative effects on the majority of organs including the heart.  Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is one of the most widely sold phytomedicine.

Objectives: to evaluate the potential protective effect of ginkgo biloba on AgNPs induced cardiotoxicity in adult male albino rats.

Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided equally into 6 groups; two control groups and four experimental groups (GBE treated group, AgNPs treated group, GBE & AgNPs treated group and follow up group).  At the end of the study, rats were subjected to biochemical analysis; plasma nitrite, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), plasma microRNA-21, heart 8-OHdG and TNF-α as well as histopathological examination by H&E stain.

Results: Our results clarified that AgNPs induced significant increases in plasma nitrite, serum cTnI, plasma microRNA-21 expression as well as heart levels of 8-OHdG and TNF-α as compared to control group.  AgNPs induced pale eosinophilic cytoplasm with small dark nuclei and marked cardiac muscle fibers affection with wide intercellular spaces and disorganized cardiomyocytes. GBE ameliorated all these hazardous effects.  The follow up group showed some toxic effects.

Conclusion: GBE has a protective effect on AgNPs induced cardiotoxicity by antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms with improvement of molecular mechanisms through affection of microRNA-21expression. Histological improvement of cardiac tissue also strengthened the defensive effects of GBE.