Abstract
Toxoplasmosis constitutes a global infection caused by oblige intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Although often asymptomatic, infection can result in more severe, potentially life threatening symptoms particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The present study evaluated the anti-Toxoplasma effects in experimental animals of silver nanoparticles synthesized in combination with extracts of natural plants (Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi) as an alternative method to standard sulfadiazine drug therapy. Liver functions estimated by and AST and ALT were significantly increased in T. gondii-infected mice compared with the control group as well as hepatic nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and caused significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione activities in the liver homogenates. Nanoparticles pretreatment prevented liver damage as determined by enzyme activity inhibition, in addition to significant inhibition of hepatic NO levels and significant elevation in liver SOD and CAT activities. Moreover, nanoparticle treatment significantly decreased hepatic LPO and NO concentrations and proinflammatory cytokines but significantly boosted the antioxidant enzyme activity of liver homogenate. In addition, histological examinations showed distinct alterations in the infected compared with untreated control groups. Conversely, nanoparticles pretreatment showed improvement in the histological features indicated by slight infiltration and fibrosis, minimal pleomorphism and less hepatocyte and degeneration. Furthermore, nanoparticles treatment induced a reduction in immunoreactivity to TGF-β and NF-κB in hepatic tissues. Therefore, the present study provides new insights into various natural plants that are used traditionally for the treatment of toxoplasmosis and other parasitic infections, which may be useful as alternative treatment option for T. gondii infections.
Highlights
Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle and Manceaux, 1909 is protozoan parasite belonging to the family Sarcocystidae Poche, 1913, and constitutes one of the world’s furthermost common bloodsuckers [1]
Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of the formed AgNPs using the Zetasizer showed non-homogeneous AgNPs with a mean particle size of 200 nm that could be observed as the appearance of a single peak (Figure 1)
Proinflammatory cytokines mRNA expression The present study showed that a significant up-regulation in gene expression of iNOS mRNA and IL-1β mRNA that induced by T. gondii compared with the control group
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle and Manceaux, 1909 is protozoan parasite belonging to the family Sarcocystidae Poche, 1913, and constitutes one of the world’s furthermost common bloodsuckers [1]. Current treatment choices for patients with toxoplasmosis are restricted [9] These comprise the usage of antibiotics and anti-malarial drugs, which often source to side effects, as well as rashes and bone marrow suppression [10,11]. Toxoplasmosis characterizes a large global burden that is further improved by the shortcomings of the current therapeutic options [12] These elements emphasize the urgent need for better anti-Toxoplasma drugs and/or new approaches in the treatment of toxoplasmosis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
