Preparation and in vitro evaluation of hydrogels with magnetic nanoparticles and Albendazole Sulfoxide and study its effectiveness on protoscoleces of hydatid cyst

Abstract

The chemotherapeutic failure of albendazole (ABZ) against cystic echinococcosis (CE) is resulted by its low aqueous solubility, poor absorption and its erratic bioavailability. A hydrogel is a three-dimensional network of hydrophilic polymers that can swell in water and hold a large amount of water .Also β-cyclodextrin polymers are cyclic oligosaccharide used for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs due to its suitable cavity size and loading capacity.

Materials and Methodes: We evaluated the in vitro scolicidal and apoptotic effects of 100, 200, 400 and 800μg/mL of drugs by quantifying the expression of caspase‑3 mRNA. The enzymatic activity of caspase-3 was determined by fluorometric assay. To assess the efficacy of ABZ‑loaded β-CDPs against protoscoleces (PSCs), the mRNA expression of arginase (ARG) and thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) were quantified by Real-time PCR.

Results: Significant results were not obtained from scolicidal effects of albendazole sulfoxide and hydrogel with magnetic nanoparticles and albendazole sulfoxide in comparison to control groups. A statistically significant scolicidal activity of ABZ was observed only at a concentration of 800 μg/mL (100% PSCs mortality rate after 5 days of exposure), while the 200 and 400 μg/mL concentrations reached 100% PSCs mortality rate after 9 days of exposure. The 400 μg/mL ABZ-β-CDs had 100% PSCs mortality rate after 5 days of exposure. We found that ABZ-β-CDs induced higher caspase-3 activity and caspase-3 mRNA expression, suggesting a more potent apoptotic effect on the parasite. We also showed that ABZ-β-CDs can significantly down-regulate the EgArg and EgTPx respectively, indicating more potent interference against pathogenic process and impairment of growth of E. granulosus sensu stricto.