Anthelmintic Effect of Biocompatible Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Gigantocotyle explanatum, a Neglected Parasite of Indian Water Buffalo

Abstract

Helminth parasites of veterinary importance cause huge revenue losses to agrarian economy worldwide. With the emergence of drug resistance against the current formulations, there is a need to focus on the alternative approaches in order to control this menace. In the present study, biocompatible zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were used to see their in vitro effect on the biliary amphistomes, Gigantocotyle explanatum, infecting Bubalus bubalis because these nanoparticles are involved in generation of free radicals that induce oxidative stress, resulting in disruption of cellular machinery. The ZnO NPs were synthesized by using egg albumin as a biotemplate and subsequently characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction and Spectrophotometrical, which showed that ZnO NPs were highly purified wurtzite type polycrystals, with a mean size of 16.7 nm. When the parasites were treated with lower concentrations (0.004% and 0.008%) of the ZnO NPs, the worms mounted a protective response by stimulating the antioxidant system but the treatment of G. explanatum with 0.012% ZnO NPs produced significant inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p< 0.05) and glutathione S- transferase (GST) (p<0.01), while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker, was significantly (p< 0.01) elevated. SEM and histopathology revealed pronounced tegumental damage showing the disruption of surface papillae and the annulations, particularly in the posterior region near acetabulum. The under expression of a number of polypeptides, loss of worm motility in a time dependent manner, further reflect strong anthelmintic potential of ZnO NPs. It can be concluded that the anthelmintic effect might be due to the production of reactive oxygen species that target a variety of macromolecules such as nucleic acid, protein and lipids which are involved in different cellular processes.

Anthelmintic effects of zinc oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles against Toxocara vitulorum

“…In previous years, several kinds of nanoparticles have been proposed as anti-parasite agent [1,16,24]. With respect to increase in resistance to existing anthelmintic, there is an urgent need to investigate novel strategies for control of parasites.…”

“…Stock solution of the both nanoparticles were prepared by suspending of them at a concentration of 10 mg/ml using sonicator probe (Branson Sonifier, USA) at 30 W for 10 min, while the working solutions of 0.004, 0.008 and 0.012% (w/v) were prepared with Ringer solution [1].…”

“…Helminth infections are widespread throughout the world, ranging from tropical, subtropical to temperate climates, affecting both humans as well as livestock animals and cause huge economic losses worldwide [1]. Millions of people from all over the world suffer from diseases such as schistosomiasis, ascariasis and ancylostomiasis, particularly in countries with low public hygiene quality.…”

“…Until now, several widespread incidences of the parasite infestation have been reported from various regions of the world [3][4][5][6]. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the only fruitful choice is chemotherapy to cure and control parasitic disease, but there are several reports of emergence of anthelmintic resistance in parasites [1]. Furthermore, residual of these agents, in domestic animal products (such as milk and meat) can cause critical problems in humans.…”

“…In the recent years, metal oxide nanoparticles have been proposed as antibacterial [12], antiviral [13], antifungal [14], antiprotozoal [15,16] and anthelmintic [1] agents and several studies have been performed in these fields. ZnO is one of the five zinc compounds that are currently listed as generally recognized as safe by the United State Food and Drug Administration [17].…”