Effects of quercetin on ultrafine petrol exhaust nanoparticles induced DNA damage, oxidative stress and inflammation in different sections of rat brain

The major constituent of air pollution is petrol exhaust a complex mixture of particles, gases and chemicals. The aim of the current research was to evaluate whether ultrafine petrol exhaust nanoparticles (PENPs), the particle component of exhaust from petrol engines can induce neurotoxicity in rats. We administered rats with repeated doses of PENPs (90 μg/rat and 180 μg/rat for 6 days (every second day) intratracheally (i.t.). This was followed by the evaluation of several neurotoxicity parameters in various sections of rat brain. PENP exposure caused surge in levels of inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neurodegenerative disorder indicators like amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) levels in rat brain. Each section of the brain responded differently upon PENP exposure. Prior treatment with quercetin (60 mg/kg b.wt) inhibited elevation in the aforementioned parameters. Hence, PENP exposure was closely linked to neurotoxicity and the neuroprotective capacity of quercetin was also proved.