Grape seed extract protects rat offspring hippocampus from the silicon dioxide nanoparticles' neurotoxicity

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂-NPs) can be found in many products, such as composites, paints, ceramics, consumer products, and food additives. We recently demonstrated that via breastfeeding, SiO₂-NPs transfer to the offspring's brain, interfering negatively with hippocampus development. In this work, we evaluated the protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE) against the adverse effects of SiO₂-NPs. After delivery, animals were administered 25 mg/kg SiO₂-NPs with/without GSE (300 mg/kg) for 20 days (from 2nd to 21st days post-delivery) by gavage. SiO₂-NPs increased malondialdehyde concentration and decreased antioxidant activity in the offspring's hippocampi. The mean number of dark neurons (DNs) was significantly higher in the hippocampi of the SiO₂-NPs group, whereas the mean number of DCX + cells was significantly lower than in the control group. The offspring in the SiO₂-NPs groups had a weak cognitive performance in adulthood. Interestingly, these adverse effects of SiO₂-NPs were alleviated in the GSE-treated groups. Therefore, GSE can attenuate the damaging effects of maternal exposure to SiO₂-NPs during lactation.