Procyanidinere therapy of pulmonary fibrosis induced by CdSe nanorods with pulmonary instillation

Abstract

Background: The CdSe nanorod as a one-dimensional nanostructure has an excellent performance in photoelectric conversion, biological labeling and environmental protection. Thus, it is crucial to investigate its potential adverse health effects at an early stage. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were exposed to 15 mg/kg CdSe and 200 mg/kg procyanidine (OPC) for 30, 60 and 90 days. Lung tissues were collected on days 30, 60 and 90. Oxidation damages, histopathological analysis, transmission electron microscopy and hydroxyproline level were measured. Results: The lung tissue would be the main target organ after CdSe nanorods entering into biological bodies. Pulmonary instillation of CdSe nanorods could decrease vitality of T-SOD and T-AOC in lung tissues of a rat, increase MDA and hydroxyproline levels and lipid peroxidation products, induce mitochondrial cristae broken and vacuolization, cause inflammatory responses, and finally induce pulmonary fibrosis. The oral administration of procyanidinere could significantly increase the content of antioxidant enzymes, scavenge free radicals, reduce the lipid peroxidation and have protective effects on CdSe nanorods-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions: CdSe nanorods could induce an extensive inflammatory response, elevate ROS, induce pulmonary fibrosis and reveal time accumulation appearance. OPC has a protective effect on lung injury induced by CdSe nanorods, which might be related to anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.