Immunohistochemical, histopathological, and biochemical studies of the NF-ҡB P65 marker in rat ovaries experimentally intoxicated by cadmium and the protective effect of the purslane plant extract

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Apr;28(14):17613-17626. doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-12209-6. Epub 2021 Jan 5.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the existence of the inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa light chain B lymphocyte protein (NF-ҡB P65) in the tissue as a response to cadmium (CdCl2) toxicity. Next is to describe the disappearance of the NF-ҡB P65 in response to the purslane plant treatment to explore its anti-inflammatory effect, also describing the histopathological and biochemical changes that occurred from CdCl2 toxicity and the purslane plant tissue protections. There are four experimental groups, 32 rats (n = 8) intraperitoneally injected with CdCl2 and orally administered with purslane plant extract (according to groups) for 30 days: group one (control), group two (purslane extract 2 g/kg bw), group three (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw), group four (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw + purslane plant extract 2 g/kg bw). The biochemical findings showed that ovaries and brain tissue homogenates in group three showed malondialdehyde increase and reduction in catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and acetylcholine esterase. A reduction in serum LH, FSH, and estradiol were also recorded. These parameters became normal in group four. The histopathological findings exhibited that group three showed ovarian and cerebral hemorrhage and lung pneumonia. Tissues of group four were protected and no pathological lesions were detected. The immunohistochemical results showed that the inflammatory marker NF-ҡB P65 in group three was strongly detected in the spleen and moderately detected in the ovaries, brain, and lung but negatively detected in the tissues of group four. In conclusion, CdCl2 induced ovarian toxicity and the NF-ҡB P65 existence was increased. Purslane plant protected rats from CdCl2 toxicity and decrease NF-ҡB P65.

Keywords: Biochemistry; Cadmium; Histopathology; Immunohistochemistry; Ovaries; Purslane.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants
  • Cadmium
  • Cadmium Chloride
  • Female
  • Ovary
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Portulaca*
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Cadmium
  • Cadmium Chloride