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Efficacy of biogenic selenium nanoparticles against Leishmania major: in vitro and in vivo studies
Nasibeh Beheshti1, Saied Soflaei, Mojtaba Shakibaie
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117, Iran.
Project:
This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo effectiveness of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs), biosynthesized by Bacillus sp. MSh-1, against Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER).
Procedure:
The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity effects of the biogenic Se NPs against both promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. In a separate in vivo experiment, we also determined the preventive and therapeutic effects of biogenic Se NPs in BALB/c mice following subcutaneous infected with L. major.
Results:
The MTT assays showed that the highest toxicity occurred after 72 h against both promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. The cytotoxicity of Se NPs was higher at all incubation times (24, 48, and 72 h) against the promastigote than the amastigote form (p<0.05). The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of the Se NPs were 1.62±0.6 and 4.4±0.6 μg ml(-1) against the promastigote and amastigote forms, respectively, after a 72-h incubation period. Apoptosis assays showed DNA fragmentation in promastigotes treated with Se NPs. In an animal challenge, prophylactic doses of biogenic Se NPs delayed the development of localized cutaneous lesions. Moreover, daily administration of Se NPs (5 or 10 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) in similarly infected BALB/c mice that had not received prophylactic doses of Se NPs also abolished the localized lesions after 14 days.
Conclusion:
Based on these in vitro and in vivo studies, biogenic Se NPs can be considered as a novel therapeutic agent for treatment of the localized lesions typical of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Insights
Biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) effectively treated Leishmania major infections in vitro and in vivo. These novel Se NPs show promise for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Parasitology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease causing skin lesions.
- Current treatments have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) against Leishmania major.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic potential of Se NPs.
Main Methods:
- Biosynthesis of Se NPs using Bacillus sp. MSh-1.
- Cytotoxicity assessed via MTT assay against L. major promastigotes and amastigotes.
- In vivo efficacy tested in BALB/c mice with L. major infection.
Main Results:
- Se NPs exhibited significant cytotoxicity against both forms of L. major, with higher efficacy against promastigotes.
- In vivo, Se NPs delayed lesion development and abolished lesions in infected mice.
- Apoptosis assays confirmed DNA fragmentation in treated promastigotes.
Conclusions:
- Biogenic Se NPs demonstrate potent anti-leishmanial activity.
- Se NPs represent a promising novel therapeutic agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
