Impact of quercetin on pulmonary toxicity induced by diesel exhaust nanoparticles in albino rat : Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Departments of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha

2 Departments of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha,

3 Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Diesel exhaust nanoparticles (DENPs) are one of the most prevalent environmental pollutants that adversely
affect human health. DENPs are involved in the occurrence of chronic lung diseases such as COPD, bronchial asthma, chronic
bronchitis and cancer.
Objective: Evaluation of DENPs damaging effects on the pulmonary tissue and assessment of the possible protective effects
of Quercetin (QRT) on the lung tissue via histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical assessment.
Materials and Methods: Forty-five albino male rats were divided into 3 groups: Group I (control rats), Group II (DENPs
group) received repeated doses of DENPs (180μg/rat) intratracheally every other day for 6 days, Group III (DENPs + QRT)
received quercetin orally (60 mg/kg B.Wt.) 1h before DENPs exposure. Examination of Lung tissues were conductedby
histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Assessment of certain oxidative stress markers were also conducted.
Results: Group II showedsignificant changes in the histological picture of the lung tissue with collapsed alveoli, thick
interalveolar septa and marked cellular infiltration. Collagen fibers were markedly increased by DENPs. Quercetin treatment
led to amelioration of the histological findings in the lung tissue with marked decrease in collagen fibers. QRT led to significant
decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity and increase in PCNA immunoreactivity.
Conclusion: Quercetin has protective effects against pulmonary toxicity induced by DENPs via its anti-inflammatory effects
and anti-oxidant properties.

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