Abstract

Curcumin (Cur) has been suggested as a complementary treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Its efficiency, however, is modest due to poor biocompatibility. This study examined the effects of curcumin loaded on polyethylene glycol-graphene quantum dots (Cur-PEG-GQDs) on hemodynamic and cardiac function in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). The study groups included control, MI, MI+Cur-3, MI+Cur-7, MI+Cur-15, MI+PEG-GQDs-5, MI+PEG-GQDs10, MI+Cur-PEG-GQDs-5, MI+Cur-PEG-GQDs-10. MI was established by left anterior descending artery ligation. Two weeks following intraperitoneal administration of vehicle, Cur, PEG-GQDs, and Cur-PEG-GQDs, blood pressure and heart contractility indices were measured. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, colorimetry, and clinical laboratory methods were used to measure the infarct size, the oxidant and antioxidant content, and the kidney and liver function parameters, respectively. In the MI animals, Cur-7, PEG-GQDs-10, Cur-PEG-GQDs-5, and CurPEG-GQDs-10 recovered SBP, DBP, LVSP, and ± dp/dt max disturbances and reduced myocardial infarct size, fibrosis, and LVEDP. Curcumin lowered antioxidant markers and Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. elevated one oxidant marker in the heart in a dose-dependent manner. Although Cur-PEGGQDs-5 and -10 reduced curcumin's oxidative stress effects, the SOD, GPX, and TAC levels were significantly lower in Cur-PEG-GQDs-5 and -10 groups compared to the MI group. MDA levels were lower in Cur-PEG-GQDs-5 and -10 groups compared to the Cur-3, -7, and -15 groups. GSH/GSSG ratio improved in the groups treated by Cur-7, PEG-GQDs-10, Cur-PEGGQDs-5, and Cur-PEG-GQDs-10. The findings indicated that Cur-PEG-GQDs mitigated MIinduced cardiac dysfunction. However, due to the increase in oxidative stress in the heart, nonclassic mechanisms may be involved in the beneficial effect of Cur-PEG-GQDs on MIinduced cardiac dysfunction