Evaluation of the Efficacy of Carpesium Cernuum leaves nanoparticles on Apoptotic Pathway in MNU-induced Brain injury in Male Albino Rats Efficacy of Carpesium Cernuum leaves nanoparticles

Abstract

Background: N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) is an alkylating reagent that causes oxidative stress, inflammation and disruption of apoptotic signaling leading to cell injury. Carpesium cernuum possesses bioactive phytochemical constituents that may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aims, to investigate the protective effects of nano-formulated Carpesium cernuum leaf extract on 30 mg/Kg b.w. of MNU-induced brain injury in male albino rats affecting apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters and histological changes. Methodology: The objective of this experiment was to test the effectiveness of Nano-Carpesium cernuum leaf extract on regulating the apoptotic process in the brain tissues of male albino rats induced with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Forty male albino rats were arbitrarily assigned into four groups: n = 10/group) , one group being the control group, another MNU-induced group, and the last Nano-Carpesium cernuum leaf extract with MNU group. “At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected to determine the levels of BCL-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, CEA, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COX, COX-2, and the antioxidant enzyme SOD. Brain tissues were also examined grossly and histopathologically. Results: The results demonstrated that MNU exposure significantly decreased BCL-2 and SOD levels, while significantly increasing Caspase-8, CEA, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and COX-2, indicating activation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses”. Histopathological examination revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, spongiform changes, and liquefactive necrosis in brain tissue. In contrast, treatment with Nano-Carpesium cernuum Leaf Extract + MNU significantly improved apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers and markedly reduced histopathological brain damage. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the nano formulation of Carpesium cernuum leaf extract support the potential neuroprotective activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties against MNU-induced brain injury in male albino rats.