Protein Biomarker Modulation and Wound Healing Efficacy of Mentha piperita-Based Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The stability of <i>Mentha piperita</i>-silver nanoparticles (MPAgNPs), their hydrodynamic size, and expression of potential biomarkers in diabetic rat wounds, pre- and post-healing, were studied <i>in vivo</i>. State-of-the-art analytical techniques were used to characterize them. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical core metallic sizes of 50 nm. Dynamic light scattering determines the MPAgNPs hydrodynamic size of 127 nm. The zeta potential value of -15.4 mV confirmed the NP's stability. Medioresinol, Rosmarinic Acid, Caffeic acid, Salvianolic acid, and methyl syringate were the bioactive compounds identified in M. piperita by Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis shows anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and defense proteins differential expression. Antioxidant assays show increased levels of superoxide dismutase (0.06 U/mL) and glutathione peroxidase (32.5 U/mL), with decreased malondialdehyde. Quantitative Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed enhanced expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), Thrombin, and Glutathione S-transferase P. At the same time, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin (IL-6) show reduced expression 16-D after MPAgNPs treatment. It served as a novel therapy for treating cutaneous wounds by modulating mechanisms involved in the inflammatory, proliferative, and tissue-remodeling phases.