Anthelmintic effect of biofabricated silver nanoparticles using Ziziphus jujuba leaf extract on nutritional status of Haemonchus contortus

In vitro assessment of the anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on egg and adult stages of Fasciola hepatica: evidence on oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA damage

OBJECTIVES

Fasciolosis is of significant economic and public health importance worldwide. The lack of a successful vaccine and emerging resistance in flukes to the drug of choice, triclabendazole, has initiated the search for alternative approaches. In recent years, metallic nanoparticles have been extensively investigated for their anthelmintic effects. This study investigates the in vitro anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles against Fasciola hepatica.

METHODS

The in vitro study was based on egg hatchability test (EHA), adult motility inhibition tests, DNA damage, ROS levels, as well as several biomarkers of oxidative stress, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). For this purpose, different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) (1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm) were used to evaluate the anthelmintic effect on different life stages, including egg and adults of Fasciola hepatica, over 24 h.

RESULTS

In vitro treatment of F. hepatica worms with both CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs could significantly increase ROS production and oxidative stress induction (decreased SOD, GST and GSH and increased MDA) compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, it seems that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs may be effective in the control and treatment of F. hepatica infection. Further research is needed to investigate their potential for in vivo use in the treatment of parasitic infections.

Role of Silver Nanoparticles for the Control of Anthelmintic Resistance in Small and Large Ruminants

Helminths are considered a significant threat to the livestock industry, as they cause substantial economic losses in small and large ruminant farming. Their morbidity and mortality rates are also increasing day by day as they have zoonotic importance. Anthelmintic drugs have been used for controlling these parasites; unfortunately, due to the development of resistance of these drugs in helminths (parasites), especially in three major classes like benzimidazoles, nicotinic agonists, and macrocyclic lactones, their use is becoming very low. Although new anthelmintics are being developed, the process is time-consuming and costly. As a result, nanoparticles are being explored as an alternative to anthelmintics. Nanoparticles enhance drug effectiveness, drug delivery, and target specificity and have no resistance against parasites. Different types of nanoparticles are used, such as organic (chitosan) and inorganic (gold, silver, zinc oxide, iron oxide, and nickel oxide). One of them, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), has unique properties in various fields, especially parasitology. AgNPs are synthesized from three primary methods: physical, chemical, and biological. Their primary mechanism of action is causing stress through the production of ROS that destroys cells, organs, proteins, and DNA parasites. The present review is about AgNPs, their mode of action, and their role in controlling anthelmintic resistance against small and large ruminants.

Comparative assessment of green and chemically synthesized glutathione capped silver nanoparticles for antioxidant, mosquito larvicidal and eco-toxicological activities

A comparative assessment of AgNPs synthesized through three different routes viz. clove bud extract mediated AgNPs, sodium borohydride AgNPs and Glutathione (GSH) capped AgNPs for antioxidant and mosquito larvicidal activities was the major focus of the present study. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Characterization studies revealed the synthesis of stable, crystalline AgNPs measuring 28 nm, 7 nm and 36 nm for green, chemical and GSH-capped AgNPs respectively. FTIR analysis exhibited the surface functional moieties that were responsible for reduction, capping and stabilizing AgNPs. Antioxidant activity was found to be 74.11%, 46.62% and 58.78% for clove, borohydride and GSH-capped AgNPs respectively. Mosquito larvicidal bioactivity of AgNPs against Aedes aegypti IIIrd instar larvae depicted clove AgNPs being most effective (LC₅₀-4.9 ppm, LC₉₀-30.2 ppm) followed by GSH-capped (LC₅₀-20.13 ppm, LC₉₀-46.63 ppm) and borohydride AgNPs (LC₅₀-13.43 ppm, LC₉₀-160.19 ppm) after 24 h. Toxicity screening against aquatic model Daphnia magna revealed Clove mediated and GSH-capped AgNPs to be safer as compared to the borohydride AgNPs. It may be envisaged that green and capped AgNPs may be further explored for diverse biomedical and therapeutic applications.

Nanoparticles as Alternatives for the Control of Haemonchus contortus: A Systematic Approach to Unveil New Anti-haemonchiasis Agents

Haemonchus contortus is an infectious gastrointestinal nematode parasite of small ruminants. This study addresses the in vitro/in vivo anti-haemonchiasis potential, toxicological effects, and mechanism of action of nanoparticles. Online databases were used to search and retrieve the published literature (2000 to 2021). A total of 18 articles were selected and reviewed, out of which, 13 (72.2%) studies reported in vitro, 9 (50.0%) in vivo, and 4 (22.2%) both in vitro/in vivo efficacy of different nanoparticles. Mostly, organic nanoparticles (77.7%) were used including polymeric (85.7%) and lipid nanoparticles (14.3%). The highest efficacy, in vitro, of 100% resulted from using encapsulated bromelain against eggs, larvae, and adult worm mortality at 4, 2, and 1 mg/ml, respectively. While in vivo, encapsulated Eucalyptus staigeriana oil reduced worm burden by 83.75% and encapsulated Cymbopogon citratus nano-emulsion by 83.1%. Encapsulated bromelain, encapsulated Eucalyptus staigeriana oil, and encapsulated Cymbopogon citratus nano-emulsion were safe and non-toxic in vivo. Encapsulated bromelain damaged the cuticle, caused paralysis, and death. Nanoparticles could be a potential source for developing novel anthelmintic drugs to overcome the emerging issue of anthelmintic resistance in H. contortus. Studies on molecular effects, toxicological consequences, and different pharmacological targets of nanoparticles are required in future research.

Toxicities of the copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles on Marshallagia marshalli (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae): evidence on oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers, DNA damage and egg hatchability

This study investigated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) against Marshallagia marshalli. The in vitro study was based on an egg hatch assay, adult and larvae motility inhibition assays, DNA damage, intensity protein profile along with several oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), protein carbonylation (PCO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and nitric oxide (NO) content. Different concentrations of CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs (1, 4, 8, 12 and 16 ppm) were used to assess anthelmintic effects on three stages of M. marshalli life cycle - that is, eggs, larvae and adult parasites for 24 h. The results indicated that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs played a significant role as anthelminthics, and the effect was dependent on time and concentration. The concentrations of 12 and 16 ppm of CuO-NPs and 16 ppm of ZnO-NPs resulted in the induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress (decreased SOD, GSH-Px and CAT, and increased MDA, PCO and NO), increased DNA damage, inhibition of adult and larval motility, egg hatch and low intensity of protein bands following sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, compared to control. It was concluded that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs could be utilized as novel and potential agents for the control and treatment of M. marshalli infection, and they have the pharmacological potential to be studied in vivo for further utilization in treating parasitic infections.

Biomedical Evaluation of Lansium parasiticum Extract-Protected Silver Nanoparticles Against Haemonchus contortus, a Parasitic Worm

Here we show the novel anti-helminthic potential of Lansium parasiticum aqueous extract-protected silver nanoparticles (LAgNPs) against albendazole-resistant gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchus contortus. LAgNPs showed LD₅₀ values of 65.6 ± 32.8 nM (12 h), 139.6 ± 39.9 nM (12 h), and 64.3 ± 8.5 nM (24 h) against adult male, female, and L3 larvae, respectively. LAgNPs was also quite effective in inhibiting egg hatching, with an IC₅₀ value of 144.4 ± 3.1 nM at 48 h of exposure. Exposure to LAgNPs generated oxidative stress and mediated physical damage in the worms' tissue. A sharp increase in reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide synthase levels was prominent due to LAgNPs' exposure. In response to oxidative stress, a sharp increase of stress-responsive enzymes' activity, like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, along with the concentration of glutathione, was observed in worm tissue, which indicated a LAgNP-responsive alteration of metabolism. The results give rise to the opportunity for the development of alternative treatment for drug-resistant parasitic worms.

Assessment of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers and DNA damage in Teladorsagia circumcincta following exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles

Drug resistance to helminth parasites is one of the most serious problems to threaten the livestock industry. The problem also poses a major threat to public health. Therefore, novel and safe agents should urgently be investigated to control parasitic infections. The current study was conducted to evaluate the possible antiparasitic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal nematodes, Teladorsagia circumcincta. The worms were incubated with various concentrations of ZnO-NPs: 1, 4, 8, 12 and 16 ppm for 24 hours. Mobility and mortality of the parasites were recorded at four-hour intervals. At the endpoint, several biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, as well as lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, total antioxidant status, nitric oxide contents and DNA damage, were measured in the homogenized samples. ZnO-NPs showed significant anthelminthic effects, depending on time and concentration. Furthermore, the nanoparticle induced severe oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage. ZnO-NPs could be considered as a novel and potent anthelminthic agent.

Anthelmintic activity of plants against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats: a review

The gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) stand out as an important cause of disease in small ruminant, especially on goat farm. Widespread resistance to synthetic anthelminthics has stimulated the research for alternative strategies of parasite control, including the use of medicinal plants. The present work summarizes the in vitro and in vivo studies of plants with activity against GIN of goats, focusing on the description of chemical constituents related to this effect. This review retrieved 56 scientific articles from 2008 to 2018 describing more than 100 different plant species. The most frequently investigated family was Fabaceae (30.7%). Most in vitro studies on the activity of plant extracts and fractions were carried out with of free-living stages nematodes. In vivo studies were conducted mainly with the use of plants in animal feed and generally showed lower effectiveness compared to in vitro assays. The main plant secondary metabolites associated with anthelmintic effect are condensed tannins, saponin and flavonoids. However, the studies with compounds isolated from plants and elucidation of their mechanisms of action are scarce. Herbal medicines are thought to be promising sources for the development of effective anthelmintic agents.

Assessment of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers and DNA damage in Haemonchus contortus, following exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles

Drug resistance in helminth parasites has incurred several difficulties to livestock industry and ranked among the top public health concerns. Therefore, seeking for new agents to control parasites is an urgent strategy. In the recent years, metallic nanoparticles have been considerably evaluated for anthelmintic effects. The current research was conducted to assess possible anthelmintic impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on a prevalent gastrointestinal nematode, H. contortus. Moreover, several biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage were measured. Various concentrations of the nanoparticle were prepared and incubated with the worms for 24 hours. The parasite mobility, mortality rate, antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, Catalase and GSH-Px), lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant status as well as nitric oxide (NO) contents and DNA damage were determined. ZnO-NPs exerted significant wormicidal effects via induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage. Conclusively, ZnO-NPs can be utilized as a novel and potential agent to control and treatment of helminth parasitic infections.