Effect of Moringa oleifera and ivermectin nanoparticles on the immunopathological response during experimental...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Parasitology
• Nanomedicine

Background:

• Trichinella spiralis infection triggers M1 macrophage polarization, exacerbating pro-inflammatory responses.
• Macrophage polarization plays a critical role in the immunopathology of trichinosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of ivermectin nanoparticles (IVM-NP) and Moringa oleifera leaf extract nanoparticles (MOL-NP) on macrophage polarization during Trichinella spiralis infection.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of IVM-NP and MOL-NP, alone and in combination, for treating trichinosis.

Main Methods:

• Swiss albino mice infected with T. spiralis were treated with IVM-NP, MOL-NP, or a combination.
• Parasitological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analyses (RT-PCR for Arginase-1, TNF-α, IL-10) were performed.
• Assessed markers included NF-κB and iNOS to evaluate pro-inflammatory pathways.

Main Results:

• Both IVM-NP and MOL-NP treatments reduced pro-inflammatory markers (iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κB) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
• Combination therapy demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing parasite burden and intestinal pathology compared to monotherapy.
• Nanoparticle formulations modulated macrophage polarization, shifting from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory profiles.

Conclusions:

• IVM-NP and MOL-NP are effective in modulating macrophage polarization and mitigating the inflammatory response in trichinosis.
• Combined IVM-NP and MOL-NP therapy offers a promising strategy for managing trichinosis by reducing parasite load and alleviating intestinal damage.