The effect of geraniol on nickel-induced embryotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in rats

Nickel (Ni), commonly-used heavy metals in industrial activities, can lead to embryo and organ toxicity, especially cardiovascular damage. Geraniol (GER) has various beneficial effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial, and neuroprotective activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of GER on Ni-induced embryotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in rats. 40 mother Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control, GER 250, Ni, Ni + GER 100, and Ni + GER 250. On the 20 day of pregnancy, the animals were sacrificed and fetuses along with blood and tissue samples were collocated for morphological, serological, biochemical, and histopathologic analysis. Morphological assessments revealed GER's capacity to mitigate the incomplete ossification of fetal skeletons, indicating a potential safeguarding against the impact of Ni-induced embryotoxicity. Serological and biochemical analyses further affirm GER's role, with noteworthy reductions in cardiac injury markers, such as CRP, CKMB, CPK, LDH, and troponin, in response to GER administration, thereby suggesting its cardioprotective potential. Moreover, treatment with GER 250 could significantly reduce the level of MDA and increase the level of TAC compared to the Ni group. Histopathological examinations corroborated these findings, underscoring GER's ability to counteract cardiac injury and diminish structural damage in affected tissue. These multidimensional analyses indicate the protective prowess of GER against Ni-induced embryotoxic and cardiotoxic effects, shedding light on its potential therapeutic significance in combating adverse impacts stemming from Ni exposure.