Selenium Nanoparticles with Prodigiosin Rescue Hippocampal Damage Associated with Epileptic Seizures Induced by Pentylenetetrazole in Rats

Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat) aqueous extract loaded on selenium nanoparticles protects against testis and brain injury induced by mercuric chloride in rats

BACKGROUND

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is poisonous to humans and animals and typically damages the nervous system and other organs. Mercuric chloride exposition disclosed to initiation of oxidative stress pathway can result in a defect in male fertility and testis tissue. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were characterized with a diameter range minimal than 100 nm, having the effective sets of the biological matter. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biosynthesized SeNPs, prepared by leek extract on Wistar rats' testicles and brain.

METHODS

Thirty-five Wistar male rats (120-150 g) were randomly split into five groups (n = 7), orally ingested with leek aqueous extract loaded on SeNPs, and then the animals were administered with mercury II chloride (HgCl2) to induce testis injury and damage the nervous system.

RESULTS

The used dose of mercuric chloride led to oxidative stress damage in the testis of the rats which was evidenced by a decrease in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and an increase in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and caspase-3. Also, HgCl2 decreased the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brains of rats. In addition, A decrease was observed in the levels of antioxidant markers, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), as well as an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and Bax in both testes and brains. Pre-treatment with leek extract loaded on SeNPs significantly ameliorated testosterone, LH, FSH, PCNA and caspase-3 levels in the testis and DA, 5-HT, NE and BDNF in brains. Although the contents of MDA, NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB and Bax decreased significantly in both. glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and Bcl-2 levels were significantly improved in both organs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that treatment with aqueous leek extract loaded on SeNPs may offer promising prospects for the advancement of anti-inflammation activity against testis injury and also have a very key role in neurobehavioral alterations as a result of mercury toxicity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nicorandil mitigates arsenic trioxide-induced lung injury via modulating vital signalling pathways SIRT1/PGC-1α/TFAM, JAK1/STAT3, and miRNA-132 expression

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nicorandil, a selective opener of potassium channels, used to treat angina, has drawn attention for its potential in mitigating lung injury, positioning it as a promising therapeutic approach to treat drug-induced lung toxicity. This study aimed to explore the protective role of nicorandil in arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced lung injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanistic pathways.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We assessed the effects of nicorandil (15 mg·kg-1, p.o.) in a rat model of pulmonary injury induced by ATO (5 mg·kg-1, i.p.). The assessment included oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokine levels, and other biomarkers, including sirtuin-1, sirtuin-3, STAT3, TFAM, and JAK in lung tissue. Histological examination using H&E staining and molecular investigations using western blotting and PCR techniques were conducted.

KEY RESULTS

In our model of lung injury, treatment with nicorandil ameliorated pathological changes as seen with H&E staining, reduced tissue levels of toxicity markers, and exerted significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. On a molecular level, treatment with nicorandil down-regulated JAK, STAT3, PPARγ, Nrf2, VEGF, p53, and micro-RNA 132 while up-regulating Sirt1, 3, TFAM, AMPK, and ERR-α in lung tissue.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The results presented here show nicorandil as a significant agent in attenuating lung injury induced by ATO in a rodent model. Nonetheless, further clinical studies are warranted to strengthen these findings.

Neuroprotective role of chlorogenic acid against hippocampal neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis following acute seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole

This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced acute epileptic seizures in mice. Epileptic animals received CGA (200 mg/kg) or sodium valproate (standard antiepileptic agent, 200 mg/kg) for four weeks. Results revealed that pre-administration of CGA significantly reversed the behavioral changes following pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection. Further, CGA pre-treatment caused significant increases in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, along with marked increases in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels. Additionally, the increased antioxidant enzymes activities, along with higher glutathione (GSH) contents and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expression, were indicative of a notable improvement in the cellular antioxidant defense in mice treated with CGA. These results were associated with lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Moreover, epileptic mice that received CGA showed significant declines in the content of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), besides downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Remarkably, CGA counteracted hippocampal apoptosis by lessening the levels of pro-apoptotic biomarkers [Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3] and increasing the anti-apoptogenic marker level of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The hippocampal histopathological findings corroborated the abovementioned changes. In sum, these findings suggest that CGA could mediate the neuroprotective effect against PTZ-induced epilepsy via modulation of neurotransmitters, oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. CGA, therefore, could be considered a valuable antiepileptic therapeutic supplement.

Effect of Selenium nanoparticles on Paraquat-induced-neuroinflammation and oligodendocyte modulation: Implication of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Paraquat (PQ), is an extensively used herbicide and is a well-established powerful neurotoxin. However, the mechanism underlying its neurotoxicity still needs further investigation.

AIM OF WORK

The study investigated the pathogenesis of PQ-induced neuroinflammation of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPC) and cerebellum and evaluated the potential effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeN) against such neurotoxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into three groups; Control group, PQ group: mice received PQ 10 mg/kg (i.p), and PQ + SeN group; mice received PQ in addition to oral SeN 0.1 mg/kg. All regimens were administered for 14 days. The mice's brains were processed for biochemical, molecular, histological, and immune-histochemical assessment.

RESULTS

SeN increased the SNPC and cerebellum antioxidants (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase 1) while decreasing malondialdehyde concentration. Also, SeN increased the anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 and decreased the pro-inflammatory IL-1β and -6 along with improving the angiogenic nitric oxide and reducing caspase-1. Further, western blots of phosphorylated Janus kinase (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3) proteins showed a significant decline. Those improving effects of SeN on SNPC, and cerebellum were supported by the significantly preserved dopaminergic and Purkinje neurons, the enhanced myelin fibers on Luxol fast blue staining, and the marked increase in Olig-2, Platelet-derived growth factor-alpha, and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSION

SeN could mitigate PQ-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.

Epilepsy Treatment and Diagnosis Enhanced by Current Nanomaterial Innovations: A Comprehensive Review

Epilepsy is a complex disease in the brain. Complete control of seizure has always been a challenge in epilepsy treatment. Currently, clinical management primarily involves pharmacological and surgical interventions, with the former being the preferred approach. However, antiepileptic drugs often exhibit low bioavailability due to inherent limitations such as poor water solubility and difficulty penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These issues significantly reduce the drugs' effectiveness and limit their clinical application in epilepsy treatment. Additionally, the diagnostic accuracy of current imaging techniques and electroencephalography (EEG) for epilepsy is suboptimal, often failing to precisely localize epileptogenic tissues. Accurate diagnosis is critical for the surgical management of epilepsy. Thus, there is a pressing need to enhance both the therapeutic outcomes of epilepsy medications and the diagnostic precision of the condition. In recent years, the advancement of nanotechnology in the biomedical sector has led to the development of nanomaterials as drug carriers. These materials are designed to improve drug bioavailability and targeting by leveraging their large specific surface area, facile surface modification, ability to cross the BBB, and high biocompatibility. Furthermore, nanomaterials have been utilized as contrast agents in imaging and as materials for EEG electrodes, enhancing the accuracy of epilepsy diagnoses. This review provides a comprehensive examination of current research on nanomaterials in the treatment and diagnosis of epilepsy, offering new strategies and directions for future investigation.

Comparison of neuroprotective effects of a topiramate-loaded biocomposite based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles with pure topiramate against methylphenidate-induced neurodegeneration

BACKGROUND

Methylphenidate (MPH) abuse has been criticized for its role in neurodegeneration. Also, a high risk of seizure was reported in the first month of MPH treatment. Topiramate, a broad-spectrum Antiepileptic Drug (AED), has been used as a neuroprotective agent in both aforementioned complications. Nanotechnology is introduced to increase desirable neurological treatment with minimum side effects. We aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective activity of topiramate loaded on nanoparticles.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cellular cytotoxicity of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSN). Male rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Rats received an intraperitoneal (i.p) MPH (10 mg/kg) injection and a daily oral dose of topiramate (TPM, 30 mg/kg), MSN with Zn core (10 and 30 mg/kg), and MSN with Cu core (10 and 30 mg/kg) for three weeks. On day 21, a seizure was induced by a single injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to evaluate the protective effects of TPM-loaded nanoparticles on seizure latency and duration following MPH-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, the hippocampal content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR) activities were assessed. Also, BAX and Bcl-2 as two main apoptotic markers were evaluated.

RESULTS

MPH neurotoxicity was observed as a raised duration and reduced latency in PTZ-induced seizure. However, TPM-loaded MSN with Zn species (NE) treatment reduced the duration and improved the latency time. Also, NE and, somewhat, TPM-loaded MSN with Cu species (NM) administration reduced inflammatory cytokines, MDA, and Bax levels and increased activities in the rat hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

TPM-loaded nanoparticles could be used as neuroprotective agents against MPH-induced neurodegeneration by improving seizure parameters and reducing inflammatory, oxidant, and apoptotic factors.

Selenium Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Biomedical Application

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are extremely popular objects in nanotechnology. "Green" synthesis has special advantages due to the growing necessity for environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and low-cost methods. This review considers the biosynthesis mechanism of bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants, including the role of various biological substances in the processes of reducing selenium compounds to SeNPs and their further packaging. Modern information and approaches to the possible biomedical use of selenium nanoparticles are presented: antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other properties, as well as the mechanisms of these processes, that have important potential therapeutic value.

Effects of Gryllus bimaculatus and Oxya chinensis sinuosa extracts on brain damage via blood-brain barrier control and apoptosis in mice with pentylenetetrazol-induced epilepsy

The demand for environmentally friendly foods with high nutritional value and low carbon emissions is increasing with the aging of the global population and the crisis of food resources. Edible insects are becoming increasingly well-known as such foods. This study evaluated the effects and mechanisms of Gryllus bimaculatus (Cricket) (Gb) and Oxya chinensis sinuosa (Grasshopper) (Ocs) extracts on epilepsy. A pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure mouse model was used for the study, and Gb and Ocs extracts were administered for 29 days on alternate days at concentrations of 8 g/kg and 16 g/kg. The integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain edema was measured using the perfusion of Evans blue dye and brain water content. Gb and Ocs extracts prevented BBB permeabilization and cerebral edema through increasing the expression of tight junction-associated proteins in the endothelial cells and reducing water content in PTZ-treated mice. Additionally, Gb and Ocs extracts protected neurons from oxidative stress and apoptosis in different brain areas. These protective effects were demonstrated through the restoration of the expression of neuronal nuclear protein and postsynaptic density protein-95, thus increasing the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, decreasing lipid peroxidation, and recovering apoptosis-associated proteins, such as Bax, cleaved PARP, and cleaved caspase-3, in epileptic mice. In addition, Gb and Ocs extracts rescued PTZ-induced hyperexcitable neurons to control mice level, as supported by the restored expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter 1, the metabotropic glutamate receptors-GRM2/3, and BDNF. This study suggested that Gb and Ocs extracts are novel medicinal candidates that can help ameliorate epilepsy by improving BBB health and preventing oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis.

Biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Epigallocatechin Gallate Protect against Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Acute Epileptic Seizures in Mice via Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Apoptotic Activities

Several negative outcomes are associated with current anti-epileptic medications. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a plant-derived compound called catechin and has many medicinal activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles are also showing their neuroprotective effect. The anti-epileptic effect of EGCG, alone or with SeNPs, is still debated. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential anti-seizure effect of biosynthesized SeNPs using EGCG (EGCG-SeNPs) against epileptic seizures and hippocampal damage, which is enhanced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection in mice. Mice were grouped as follows: control; PTZ-exposed group (epileptic model); EGCG + PTZ-treated group; sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) + PTZ-treated group; EGCG-SeNPs + PTZ-treated group; and valproic acid (VPA) + PTZ-treated group. EGCG-SeNPs administration showed anti-epileptic activity by increasing the latency time and reducing the seizure duration following the PTZ injection. Additionally, EGCG-SeNPs counteracted the PTZ-induced changes in oxidants and antioxidants. Moreover, EGCG-SeNPs inhibited the inflammatory response by suppressing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreasing the immunoreactivity of the glial fibrillary acidic protein and mRNA expression of glutamate receptor subunit zeta-1 (NMDAR; Grin1), showing their inhibitory effect on epilepsy-associated inflammation. Moreover, EGCG-SeNPs reduced PTZ-induced neuronal apoptosis, as indicated by a reduction in the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins and an elevation of the anti-apoptotic protein. Moreover, EGCG-SeNPs administration significantly modulated the PTZ-induced changes in monoamine levels and acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampal tissue. The obtained findings suggest the anti-seizure activity of EGCG-SeNPs via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, along with their neuromodulatory effect.

Ceftriaxone and selenium mitigate seizures and neuronal injury in pentylenetetrazole-kindled rats: Oxidative stress and inflammatory pathway

Epilepsy is one of the most serious worldwide neurological disorders that lead to the cognitive-psychosocial insults in recurrent seizures. About one third of the patients are drug-resistant, so innovative drugs are needed to manage seizures to improve the quality of life. Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic that increases the expression of glutamate transporters-1 and improves the neurobehavioral effects caused by increased glutamate level in the CNS. Selenium is well known antioxidant. The present study aimed to investigate ceftriaxone and selenium therapeutic effects against epilepsy in rats. Epilepsy was induced by PTZ given at a dose (50 mg/kg I.P) on alternative days for 13 days. Eighty rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: Group1-2; normal and vehicle control, Group 3; PTZ group, Group 4-8; kindled rats received selenium, ceftriaxone100, ceftriaxone200, selenium + ceftriaxone100 and selenium + ceftriaxone200 mg/kg/day respectively for a week. At the end of the study, behavioral tests were performed. Oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, neurotransmitters and GLT-1 were measured in brain tissue homogenate. Brain histopathological investigation was also done. PTZ-kindled rats exhibited increased Racine score, besides behavioral tests and histopathological changes, significant elevation in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, with decrease in serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels and GLT-1 expressions. Selenium and Ceftriaxone alone or combined treatment decreased Racine score with remarkable improvement in behavioral and histopathological changes. The antioxidant enzymes, neurotransmitters and GLT-1 expressions were increased, along with reduced TNF-α, IL-1 levels. Current study showed that selenium + ceftriaxone100 group represents a possible approach to improve epilepsy particularly through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Monosodium glutamate induces cortical oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory challenges in rats: the potential neuroprotective role of apigenin

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as a flavor, and a taste enhancer was reported to evoke marked neuronal impairments. This study investigated the neuroprotective ability of flavonoid apigenin against neural damage in MSG-administered rats. Adult male rats were allocated into four groups: control, apigenin (20 mg/kg b.wt, orally), MSG (4 g/kg b.wt, orally), and apigenin + MSG at the aforementioned doses for 30 days. Regarding the levels of neurotransmitters, our results revealed that apigenin augmented the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) markedly, and levels of brain monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) accompanied by lessening the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) as compared to MSG treatment. Moreover, apigenin counteracted the MSG-mediated oxidative stress by decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels together with elevating the glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, pretreatment with apigenin induced notable increases in the activities of cortical superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR). Furthermore, apigenin attenuated the cortical inflammatory stress as indicated by lower levels of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1 b (IL-1b), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO) as well as downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels. Histopathological screening validated the abovementioned results and revealed that apigenin restored the distorted cytoarchitecture of the brain cortex. Thus, the present findings collectively suggest that apigenin exerted significant protection against MSG-induced neurotoxicity by enhancing the cellular antioxidant response and attenuating inflammatory machineries in the rat brain cortex.

The Neuroprotective Effect Associated with Echinops spinosus in an Acute Seizure Model Induced by Pentylenetetrazole

Echinops spinosus (ES) is a medicinal plant with a wide range of pharmacological and biological effects. It is a medicinal herb having a variety of therapeutic characteristics, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial capabilities. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant characteristics of E. spinosa extract (ESE) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced acute seizures. Negative control rats, ESE treatment rats, PTZ acute seizure model rats, ESE + PTZ rats, and Diazepam + PTZ rats were used in the study. The rats were given a 7-day treatment. ESE pretreatment elevated the latency to seizure onset and lowered seizure duration after PTZ injection. By reducing Bax levels and enhancing antiapoptotic Bcl-2 production, ESE prevented the release of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase-2, as well as preventing hippocampal cell death after PTZ injection. ESE corrected the PTZ-induced imbalance in gamma-aminobutyric acid levels and increased the enzyme activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Echinops spinosus is a potent neuromodulatory, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic plant that could be employed as a natural anticonvulsant in the future.

Concerted regulation of OPG/RANKL/ NF‑κB/MMP-13 trajectories contribute to ameliorative capability of prodigiosin and/or low dose γ-radiation against adjuvant- induced arthritis in rats

BACKGROUND

Prodigiosin (PDG) is a microbial red dye with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, although its effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains uncertain. Also, multiple doses of low dose γ- radiation (LDR) have been observed to be as a successful intervention for RA. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ameliorative potential of PDG and/or LDR on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of PDG and/or LDR were examined in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In the AIA model, the arthritic indexes, paw swelling degrees, body weight gain, and histopathological assessment in AIA rats were assayed. The impact of PDG (200 µg/kg; p.o) and/or LDR (0.5 Gy) on the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-17A, and IL-10) as well as the regulation of osteoprotegrin (OPG)/ receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/ nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/MMP-13 pathways was determined. Methotrexate (MTX; 0.05 mg/kg; twice/week, i.p) was administered concurrently as a standard anti-arthritic drug.

RESULTS

PDG and/or LDR markedly diminished the arthritic indexes, paw edema, weigh loss in AIA rats, alleviated the pathological alterations in joints, reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-17A, and RANKL in serum and synovial tissues, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and OPG levels. Moreover, PDG and/or LDR down-regulated the expression of RANKL, NF-κBp65, MMP13, caspase-3, and decreased the RANKL/OPG ratio, whereas OPG and collagen II were enhanced in synovial tissues.

CONCLUSION

PDG and/or LDR exhibited obvious anti-RA activity on AIA.

Effect of Blueberry Extract on Liver in Aged Rats

Aging and age-related disorders are prominent issues. Aging is associated with a gradual impairment of physiology at the genetic, cellular, tissue, and whole organism level that directly influences the development of chronic diseases and organ failure. Blueberries, on the other hand, are well known for their high content of bioactive compounds and have demonstrated positive impacts on metabolic factors that influence health and general well-being. This study is aimed at evaluating the ameliorating the effects of blueberry on the liver of aged rats by monitoring changes in metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress, and inflammatory disruption. The aged group of rats was orally administered with blueberry extract (200 mg/kg) for a period of 4 weeks. The results revealed that aging was associated with an increase in body weight, liver weight, and metabolic parameters like serum insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and liver function markers accompanied with a decrease in vitamin D levels. Furthermore, the results showed a significant diminish in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content with an elevation in lipid peroxidation, inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) as well as fibrotic markers (TGF-β1) in the liver of aged rats. Compared to the young rats (control group), blueberry effectively reversed age-mediated disruption of the aforementioned parameters. Hence, blueberries can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of age-related liver dysfunction and disease.

Proanthocyanidins alleviate pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptic seizures in mice via the antioxidant activity

The role of oxidative stress in the initiation and progress of epilepsy is well established. Proanthocyanidins (PACs), a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, have been reported to possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological and therapeutic properties against oxidative stress. However, the protective effects of proanthocyanidins against epilepsy have not been clarified. In the present study, we used the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy mouse model to explore whether proanthocyanidins could help to reduce oxidative stress and protect against epilepsy. Mice were allocated into four groups (n = 14 per each group): control, PTZ (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), PACs + PTZ (200 mg/kg, p.o.) and sodium valproate (VPA) + PTZ (200 mg/kg, p.o.). PTZ injection caused oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue as represented by the elevated lipid peroxidation and NO synthesis and increased expression of iNOS. Furthermore, depleted levels of anti-oxidants, GSH, GR, GPx, SOD, and CAT also indicate that oxidative stress was induced in mice exposed to PTZ. Additionally, a state of neuroinflammation was recorded following the developed seizures. Moreover, neuronal apoptosis was recorded following the development of epileptic convulsions as confirmed by the elevated Bax and caspase-3 and the decreased Bcl2 protein. Moreover, AChE activity, DA, NE, 5-HT, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and gene expression of Nrf2 have decreased in the hippocampal tissue of PTZ exposed mice. However, pre-treatment of mice with PACs protected against the generation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation in the PTZ exposed mice brain as the biomarkers for all these conditions was bought to control levels. In addition, the gene expression of Nrf2 was significantly upregulated following PACs treatment. These results suggest that PACs can ameliorate oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in PTZ induced seizures in mice.