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Liposome-Encapsulated Melatonin Mitigates Amoxicillin-Induced Neurotoxicity in a Zebrafish
Ranjith Balakrishnan1, Rajasekaran Subbarayan1,2, Rupendra Shrestha3
1Centre for Advanced Biotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Research, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India.
Liposome-encapsulated melatonin (L-Mel) effectively mitigates amoxicillin (Amx)-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. L-Mel treatment reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and improved zebrafish behavior and neural function, indicating significant neuroprotection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Amoxicillin (Amx), a common antibiotic, is associated with adverse neurological effects.
- Melatonin (Mel) and its liposomal form (L-Mel) may counteract these effects due to interactions with GABA receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurotoxic effects of Amx in zebrafish.
- To evaluate liposome-encapsulated melatonin (L-Mel) as a potential therapeutic intervention against Amx-induced neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish were used to assess Amx neurotoxicity and L-Mel efficacy.
- Neurochemical analyses included reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzymes, and cytokine levels.
- Behavioral tests, gene/protein expression analysis, and histopathological evaluations were performed.
Main Results:
- L-Mel demonstrated reduced toxicity in zebrafish larvae.
- L-Mel treatment significantly lowered oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and improved zebrafish behavior.
- Neural tissue analysis showed restored GABA/glutamate balance and increased neuroprotective factors (BDNF, CREBBP).
- Histopathology confirmed L-Mel attenuated Amx-induced neuronal damage.
Conclusions:
- Liposome-encapsulated melatonin (L-Mel) shows significant neuroprotective effects against amoxicillin-induced neurotoxicity.
- L-Mel represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing antibiotic-associated neurological side effects.
