Enhancing the efficacy of fluconazole against Leishmania major: Formulation and evaluation of FLZ-nanoemulsions for topical delivery - 21/08/24
Abstract |
Background |
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions. Present treatment options for CL such as Fluconazole (FLZ) face limitations, including low solubility and bioavailability. This study aimed to address these challenges by investigating the use of nano-emulsions (NEs) to enhance the efficacy of FLZ against Leishmania major(L.major).
Materials and methods |
FLZ-NEs were formulated with oleic acid, Tween-20, and ethanol using low-energy emulsification at various surfactant/co-surfactant ratios. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the samples. This analysis encompassed stability, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, refractive index, and droplet size. We then studied the anti-parasitic properties of these optimized FLZ-NEs both in vitro and in vivo.
Results |
The selected nano-emulsion (NE) formulation (2 % oleic acid, 20 % Tween 20, 10 % ethyl alcohol) showcased desirable properties like small droplet size (10.51 ± 0.24 nm), low dispersity (0.19 ± 0.03), and zeta potential value (- 0.41 ± 0.17 mV), key for stability and targeted drug delivery. This optimal formulation translated into remarkable efficacy. In vitro, FLZ-NEs demonstrated a threefold increase in their ability to combat promastigotes and a remarkable thirtyfold increase in their ability to combat amastigotes. Additionally, they demonstrated a ninefold advantage in their ability to specifically target parasites within infected macrophages, thereby attacking the infection site. These promising in vitro results translated into improved outcomes in vivo. Compared to other chemicals studied, FLZ-NE-treated mice showed decreased disease severity, weight growth, and quicker ulcer healing. It was further supported by histopathological research, which showed reduced tissue damage linked to Leishmania infection.
Conclusion |
These findings show the potential of nanotechnology-based drug delivery in improving anti-leishmanial treatment.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Highlights |
• | FLZ-NE was prepared using low energy methods. |
• | FLZ-NE showed a 3-fold increase in combating Leishmania promastigotes and a staggering 30-fold boost against Leishmania amastigotes. |
• | Notably, FLZ-NE has shown promising results in lesion healing in an in vivo environment. |
Keywords : Nano-emulsion, Fluconazole, Leishmania major (L. major), Drug delivery, in vitro, in vivo
Plan
Vol 178
Article 117109- septembre 2024 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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