Cardioprotective effects of plant-based silver nanoparticles: Describing a modern drug

Abstract

Regarding applicative, facile, green chemical research, a bio-inspired approach is being reported for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles by Rumex alpinus L as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent without using any toxic and harmful reagent. Our study examined the ability of Ag NPs to make the cardioprotective effects. The biosynthesized Ag NPs@Rumex alpinus L were characterized by advanced physicochemical techniques like ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) study. It has been established that Rumex alpinus L-stabilized silver nanoparticles have a spherical shape with a mean diameter from 12 to 55 nm. In the in medicinal part of this research, four groups of Wister rats were used: a control group; a group treated only with isoproterenol, to induce myocardial infarction; and two groups pretreated with silver nanoparticles containing Rumex alpinus (15 or 45 mg/kg, respectively) for 14 days and challenged with isoproterenol on the 13th and 14th days. Several parameters were measured including cardiac markers, electrocardiogram (ECG), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and other downstream antioxidant enzymes, as well as the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and other downstream apoptotic and inflammatory mediators. Silver nanoparticles containing Rumex alpinus may possess a protective effect against myocardial infarction through moderating myocardial infarction-induced myocardial oxidative stress (GSH, SOD, GPx, GST, and Keap1/Nrf2 pathway), inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB), apoptosis (caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl2, and Bax), and autophagy (PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway). Silver nanoparticles containing Rumex alpinus treatment activated the Keap1/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and ameliorated myocardial autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis. Silver nanoparticles containing Rumex alpinus treatment reduced the size of the infarct region, attenuated the levels of cardiac indicators, and diminished myocardial necrosis and immune cell infiltration.