ABSTRACT
This study aims to explore the protective machinery of pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium (PMBS) against secondary neuronal damage triggered by mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (RTBI). After PMBS characterization in terms of particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and transmission electronic microscopy, the selected formula was used to investigate its potency against experimental RTBI. Five groups of rats were used; group 1 (control) and the other four groups were subjected to RTBI. Groups 2 was RTBI positive control, while 3, 4, and 5 received boswellic acid (BSA), selenium (SEL), and PMBS, respectively. The open-field behavioral test was used for behavioral assessment. Subsequently, brain tissues were utilized for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, Western blotting, and ELISA in addition to evaluating microRNA expression (miR-155 and miR-146a). The behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation triggered by RTBI were all improved by PMBS. Moreover, PMBS mitigated excessive glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and the dysregulation in miR-155 and miR-146a expression. Besides, connexin43 (Cx43) expression as well as klotho and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were upregulated with diminished neuronal cell death and apoptosis because of reduced Forkhead Box class O3a(Foxo3a) expression in the PMBS-treated group. The current study has provided evidence of the benefits produced by incorporating BSA and SEL in PEGylated polymeric micelles formula. PMBS is a promising therapy for RTBI. Its beneficial effects are attributed to the manipulation of many pathways, including the regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression, as well as the BDNF /Klotho/Foxo3a signaling pathway.
