Nanostructured lipid carriers of ivermectin as a novel drug delivery system in hydatidosis

Abstract

BackgroundThe larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of hydatid disease in humans. This zoonotic parasitic infection remains a major health problem in certain areas of the world where is still endemic. In view of the ineffectiveness of some drug treatments, the surgical removal of cysts remains the preferred treatment option together with the administration of albendazole and mebendazole. However, severe side effects of these drugs have been reported which demands developing new scolicidal agents that confer suitable efficacy and fewer side effects during surgery.MethodsTo that purpose, in the present work we assessed the effectiveness of ivermectin (IVM), a macrocyclic lactone endectocide that has shown to be an effective nematocidal drug against other important parasitic infections. To overcome the limitations observed in some drug formulations and resistance, we used nano lipid carriers (NLCs) as a targeted and sustained drug delivery system for IVM. We evaluated the in vitro cestocidal and apoptotic effects of NLCs-loaded IVM versus IVM by quantifying the expression of caspase-3 mRNA.ResultsWe found that after 60 and 120 min of administration, 800 μg/ml and 400 μg/ml NLCs-loaded IVM induced 100% mortality, respectively. On the other hand, the 800 μg/ml of IVM induced 100% mortality rate 150 min after administration. Additionally, we found that NLCs-loaded IVM induced higher mRNA caspase-3 expression suggesting a more potent apoptotic effect on the parasite.ConclusionsThese data suggest that NLCs-loaded IVM may be a promising alternative to current treatments although in vivo studies are needed.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacies of the EGFR/MEK/ERK Signaling Inhibitors in the Treatment of Alveolar Echinococcosis

“…High levels of apoptosis have been suggested to be correlated with infertility of E. granulosus hydatid cysts ( 25 , 26 ). A few drugs, e.g., dexamethasone, albendazole sulfoxide, and nanolipid carrier-loaded ivermectin, were shown to induce apoptosis in E. granulosus ( 27 – 29 ). Inducing apoptosis in the parasite may therefore provide a novel therapeutic strategy against echinococcosis.…”

Nanobiotechnology for the Detection and Control of Waterborne Parasites

“…The effectiveness of ivermectin was investigated using nano structured lipid carriers in the treatment of hydatidosis, with some limitations and resistance associated with thedrug overcome by the carriers in in-vitro experimentation. It was observed that nanolipid carriers loaded ivermectin induced higher mRNAcaspase-3 expression which suggested a more potent apoptotic effect on the parasite [41]. In another related study, nucleoside-lipid-based nanocarriers were used to encapsulate methylene blue; a positively charged tricyclic phenothiazine molecule used in malaria treatment.…”

Nanotechnology enabled management approaches against the Covid-19 pandemic

“…Caly, et al hypothesise that this antiviral action is likely through inhibiting IMPα/β1-mediated nuclear import of viral proteins as shown for other RNA viruses. Lipid nanocarriers were reported to be ideal for the encapsulation and rapid delivery of ivermectin with enhanced activity at the target site when compared to free ivermectin [80].…”