Gold nanoparticles reduce ischemic brain injury in rats by activating autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis.

Ischemic stroke, the main type of stroke, is the leading cause of human death and disability worldwide. This study aims to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Au-NPs was prepared by trisodium citrate reduction method. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO) was used to mimic cerebral ischemia. Behavioral tests, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, Hematoxylin & Eosin staining, Nissl staining and TUNEL staining, were performed to evaluate cerebral injury following tMCAO. Brain tissues were collected and analyzed for ERK activation, autophagy, and apoptosis. The particle size of the prepared Au-NPs was about 15 nm, and the distribution was regular and uniform. Au-NPs treatment improved neurological outcomes and reduced infarct volume. Furthermore, Au-NPs treatmentalleviated tMCAO induced apoptosis in rats and increased autophagy. In addition, Au-NPs treatment activated the ERK and ERK inhibitor PD98059 reversed the neuroprotective effects of Au-NPs on ischemic stroke injury.