Green Synthetized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Extract Reduce Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epilepsy and Associated Cortical Damage in Rats

We aimed to investigate the potential anticonvulsant effect of green synthetized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Syzygium aromaticum extract (SAE) (SAE-SeNPs) against epileptic seizures and cortical damage induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection in rats and its mechanism. A total of 84 rats were divided into six groups; control, PTZ-exposed group, SAE + PTZ-treated group, sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) + PTZ-treated group, SAE-SeNPs + PTZ-treated group, and diazepam + PTZ-treated group. SAE-SeNPs significantly increase (p < 0.05) the latency time to seizures and reduce both the seizure duration and death rate, which were enhanced by the PTZ injection. SAE-SeNPs counteracted the PTZ-induced changes in the oxidants and antioxidants. Furthermore, SAE-SeNPs significantly restored (p < 0.05) the pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) to their normal levels and suppressed the activity of the glial fibrillary acidic protein showing their inhibitory effect on the epilepsy-associated inflammation. In addition, SAE-SeNPs significantly reduced (p < 0.05) PTZ-induced cortical cell apoptosis, as revealed by a reduction in the pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3 levels, and an elevation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 level. Moreover, SAE-SeNPs significantly modulate (p < 0.05) the PTZ-induced changes in the neurotransmitter norepinephrine level and acetylcholinesterase enzymatic activity. These data concluded the anticonvulsant activity of SAE-SeNPs via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, along with their ability to modulate neurotransmitters.

Automated summary

The study aimed to explore the potential anticonvulsant effect of green synthetized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Syzygium aromaticum extract (SAE) (SAE-SeNPs) on epileptic seizures and cortical damage induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection in rats, as well as its mechanism. SAE-SeNPs demonstrated a significant increase in seizure latency time, reduction in seizure duration and death rate, counteracted PTZ-induced changes in oxidants and antioxidants, restored pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and suppressed glial fibrillary acidic protein activity. Furthermore, SAE-SeNPs reduced PTZ-induced cortical cell apoptosis and modulated neurotransmitter levels. The study concludes that SAE-SeNPs exhibit anticonvulsant activity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, and modulation of neurotransmitters.