PEGylated Graphene Quantum Dot Improved Cardiac Function in Rats with Myocardial Infarction: Morphological, Oxidative Stress, and Toxicological Evidences

Abstract

Introduction. The biocompatibility and potential application of graphene-based nanomaterials in biomedicine have been documented. The effects of polyethylene glycol-graphene quantum dots (GQDs-PEG) on cardiac function in rats with myocardial infarction (MI) were examined. Methods. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two main groups, each consisting of sham-Veh., MI-Veh., and MI+GQDs-PEG at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg. MI was induced by the closure of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. After MI, GQDs-PEG were injected at different doses IP every other day for two weeks. In the end, hemodynamic and heart contractility indices were assessed. The levels of myocardial MDA (malondialdehyde), SOD (superoxide dismutase), GPX (glutathione peroxidase), and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) were measured by the ELISA method. The serum ALP, ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea levels were measured using the photometric method. The infarct size was assessed by TTC staining. Results. GQDs-PEG decreased the infarct size at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg and recovered the MI-induced reductions of +dp/dt max and -dp/dt max in the study groups. GQDs-PEG normalized systolic blood pressure and left ventricular systolic pressure reduction at the dose of 20 mg/kg in the MI group. Heart SOD, GPX, and TAC increased in the GQDs-PEG 10 and 20 groups. Almost no signs of toxic effects due to GQDs-PEG administration were observed on the liver and kidneys. Conclusions. The results provided clear evidence that GQDs-PEG improve cardiac performance and hemodynamic parameters in rats with MI by reducing oxidative stress. GQDs-PEG is proposed as a therapeutic target for the treatment of MI.

Effect of human heart valve-derived ECM and NP/PCL electrospun nanofibrous sheet on mice bone marrow mononuclear cells and cardiac repair

“…Subsequently, a 20 % sodium chloride solution was injected intravenously 3 times. After correcting the volume data by conductance measurement, the mice were sacrificed for tissue collection [ 16 , 17 ]. Statistical analyses were performed using PRISM ( GraphPad Software Inc) with the non-paired t -test.…”

The gut microbiome meets nanomaterials: exposure and interplay with graphene nanoparticles

“…In vivo and in vitro model studies indicate they are potential antioxidants. [149][150][151] In a previous study based on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice, GQDs showed a reduction of intestinal damage and colon inammation. The particles were not harmful to the host cells as well as bacteria.…”

Treatment for Myocardial Infarction: In Vivo Evaluation of Curcumin-Loaded PEGylated-GQD Nanoparticles

“…The previous study showed that PEG-GQDs have no curative effects at 5 mg kg 21 but are effective at 10 mg kg 21 on MI. 20 Therefore, in this study, curcumin was loaded on PEG-GQDs at 5 mg kg 21 (ineffective dose) and 10 mg kg 21 (effective dose) to produce Cur-PEG-GQDs. Each mg of PEG-GQDs loads 0.003 mg of curcumin, so Cur-PEG-GQDs at the dose of 10 mg kg 21 have twice the concentration of Cur.…”

“…19 The beneficial effects of polyethylene glycol-graphene quantum dots (PEG-GQDs) on MI injuries through oxidative stress reduction have been demonstrated. 20 Considering their physicochemical properties, small size, various functional groups (epoxy, hydroxyl, and carboxyl), and extensive surface, they are excellent candidates for drug loading and delivery to particular anatomical regions in the body. 21 It has been demonstrated that GQDs release loaded drugs in a controlled manner.…”