Neuroprotective properties of plant extract green-formulated silver nanoparticles on the contusive model of spinal cord injury in rats

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are highly sought-after metal nanoparticles globally due to their distinctive electronic and optical characteristics, as well as their biological properties. These attributes stem from the synchronized movements of conduction electrons, referred to as surface plasmon resonance. Currently, numerous bio-medical characteristics of biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles have been thoroughly documented, including their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, there have been no reports regarding the neuroprotective efficacy of these nanoparticles against cytotoxic agents. It appears that the defensive capabilities of the NPs formulated by green methods have been disregarded thus far. We recently did research to assess the neuroprotective effects of a combination of Tribulus terrestris and green-mediated silver nanoparticles on a contusive spinal cord injury model in animals. The silver nanoparticles underwent comprehensive characterization through UV–Vis, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and TEM analyses. In the in vivo phase of the research, a total of forty rats were categorized into three groups: untreated, normal, and silver nanoparticles (50 µg/kg) groups. The post-injury lesions were analyzed using H&E staining. To evaluate the restoration of neural conduction, somatosensory evoked potential testing was conducted. The presence of astrogliosis was determined by evaluating the expression of GFAP. The rats' behavioral outcomes were assessed using the BBB score every week. The utilization of silver nanoparticles demonstrated neuroprotective properties and resulted in enhancements in spinal cord injury. The results of the sensory assessments indicated a notable rise in the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scales, along with a marked decline in delayed reactions, among the subjects who received treatment with silver nanoparticles. The most substantial decrease in GFAP levels was noted in the group that was administered silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, there was a substantial decrease in the size of the cavity regions, while the quantity of ventral motor neurons experienced a significant rise within the silver nanoparticles group. The electromyography (EMG) results demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in the hindlimbs of the subjects who received treatment with silver nanoparticles (50 µg/kg).