Aorta modifications in oral gold nanoparticles administration in rats

Background. Nanotechnology developed multiple systems that may be involved in drug delivery to the target tissue, among them, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) being considered potent and safe. Aims. The study aims to investigate oxidative stress and the modifications of the aorta wall after administration of gold nanoparticles, as the single component or functionalized with Cornus mas L. extract. Methods. Adult female rats received solutions by gavage, as follows: group C (control), saline solution; group I (citrate), trisodium citrate dehydrate; group II (AuNPs), gold nanoparticles solution; and group III (AuNPsCM) solution of gold nanoparticles functionalized with Cornus mas L. extract. Oxidative stress parameters were investigated in the serum and aorta, biochemical parameters from blood, diameters and blood flow velocity were measured and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on ascending aorta ring sections. Results. LDL was significantly reduced; MDA decreased significantly in serum; in the aorta, endothelin 1 and TNF-α were significantly increased in AuNPs and AuNPsCM groups, iNOS increased and MDA decreased in all treated groups, compared to the control group. The aorta diameters significantly decreased, consequently the blood flow increased significantly in the treated groups, in comparison with the control group. TEM investigation showed intima and media alterations in groups that received citrate and AuNPs, and only intima modifications in the AuNPsCM group. Conclusions. The aorta wall presented oxidative stress and histological modifications in all treated rats.