<i>Viburnum opulus</i>fruit extract-capped gold nanoparticles attenuated oxidative stress and acute inflammation in carrageenan-induced paw edema model
Cristina Bidian, Gabriela Adriana Filip, Luminița David, Bianca Moldovan, Ioana Bâldea, Diana Olteanu, Mara Filip, Pompei Bolfă, Monica Potara, Alina Toader, Simona Clichici
Abstract
This study designed, characterized, and investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of gold nanoparticles coated with Viburnum opulus extract (AuNP-VO) compared to those of Viburnum opulus fruit extract (VO) and indomethacin, on experimental inflammation in Wistar rats. The structure and properties of the synthesized AuNPs-VO were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements. Their biological effects on paw inflammation were assessed at 2, 24, and 48 h after the administration of plantar carageenan by quantifying oxidative stress and inflammation and by histopathological analysis. TEM micrographs confirmed the spherical shape, homogeneous distribution, and nano-size of 65 nm. AuNP-VO and VO showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on plantar inflammation with different dynamics of action. AuNP-VO exerted antioxidant effects, especially, at 48 h and diminished the plantar inflammation in the early stages (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10) and late stages (IL-1β, p < 0.01) whereas VO reduced the inflammatory response, predominantly in the early stages (p < 0.01; p < 0.001), and maintained reduced IL-1β values (p < 0.001) and a lower histopathological inflammatory score at 48 h. In conclusion, AuNP-VO and VO extract can be used as valuable agents for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation.