Scolicidal Effects of Nanoparticles Against Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices in vitro

Therapeutic Options in Hydatid Hepatic Cyst Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of Three Surgical Approaches

Hydatid disease is endemic in certain geographical areas where animal breeding is common, frequently challenging the medical services in these regions. Hydatid cysts most often affect the liver, with damage to other organs accounting for around one-third of the total cases. The alternative to interventional or pharmacological approaches is surgical treatment, available in variants such as laparoscopy, laparoscopy with special instruments for hydatid disease, or open surgery. This article aims to analyze the outcomes of these three types of surgical approaches, considering preoperative indications, operative techniques and efficiency, and immediate and long-term postoperative results. A total of 149 patients from two different surgical units were analyzed over a period of seven years. It was observed that males were more affected by this pathology (53.02%), with the majority of patients coming from rural areas (62.42%). The distribution by surgical procedure type showed that 50.34% were operated on using open surgery, 33.56% by means of a laparoscopic approach with the usual instruments, and 16.11% by means of a laparoscopic approach with special instruments. The laparoscopic procedure with special instruments presented a lower rate of conversion to open surgery compared to the usual laparoscopic approach (p = 0.014). The analysis of the average operative duration revealed statistically significant differences between the three types of surgical techniques (p < 0.05), noting that interventions with specialized instruments had the shortest duration, while open surgery had the longest operative time (72.5 ± 27.23 min vs. 154 ± 52.04 min). In terms of intraoperative complications, they were documented in 8.34% of cases for the group operated on with special instruments, in 12.24% of cases for the standard laparoscopy group, and in 16% of cases for the open surgery group. Maximal cystectomy was the preferred method for resolving these cysts using minimally invasive surgery (p < 0.001), while Lagrot pericystectomy was preferred in the open approach (p < 0.001). The most frequent postoperative complication was biliary fistula (24.16%), encountered in varying percentages across each technique but without significant statistical difference (p > 0.05). Open surgery was associated with a longer length of hospitalization compared to minimally invasive procedures (p < 0.05), a higher number of late postoperative complications (p = 0.002), and a significantly higher number of recurrences (p < 0.001) compared to the other two techniques. The present study highlights the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery for hydatid cysts as a safe alternative with fewer complications and superior results compared to open surgery. Additionally, it provides a comparative analysis of these surgical approaches (special instruments, standard laparoscopy, and open surgery) to hydatid disease for the first time. Under the circumstances where pharmacological treatment is recommended as a supportive measure before and after procedures, and using medication alone as the primary treatment option shows only modest efficacy, there is a necessity to consider invasive treatment methods. Percutaneous procedures represent the least invasive form of treatment, yielding results comparable to surgery in terms of efficacy. However, their effectiveness is influenced by factors such as the cyst's stage of development, its location, and the challenges in achieving complete intra-procedural isolation. Laparoscopy, particularly when using specialized instruments tailored to the tactical and technical demands of managing hydatid disease, serves to address the limitations of percutaneous methods. Open surgery's role is increasingly restricted, primarily serving as a fallback option in laparoscopic procedures or in cases complicated by hydatid disease. In conclusion, despite the rising popularity of percutaneous methods, surgery remains a viable therapeutic option for treating hydatid disease. Minimally invasive surgical interventions are increasingly versatile and yield comparable outcomes, further solidifying the role of surgery in its management.

In vitro and ex vivo protoscolicidal effect of poly(amidoamine) nanoemulsion against Echinococcus granulosus

Hydatidosis causes a serious health hazard to humans and animals leading to significant economic and veterinary and public health concern worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo protoscolicidal effects of synthesized poly(amidoamine), PAMAM, nanoemulsion. In this study, PAMAM was characterized through dynamic light scattering technique to investigate the particle size and zeta potential of nanoemulsified polymer. For the in vitro and ex vivo assays, we used eosin dye exclusion test and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the effects of the prepared and characterized PAMAM nanoemulsion against protoscoleces from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato G6 (GenBank: OQ443068.1) isolated from livers of naturally infected camels. Various concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg/mL) of PAMAM nanoemulsion at different exposure times (5, 10, 20 and 30 min) were tested against protoscolices. Our findings showed that PAMAM nanoemulsion had considerable concentration- and time-dependent protoscolicidal effect at both in vitro and ex vivo experiments. Regarding in vitro assay, PAMAM nanoemulsion had a potent protoscolicidal effect when compared with the control group with a highest protoscolicidal activity observed at the concentration of 2 mg/mL at all exposure times, such that 100% of protoscolices were killed after 20 min of exposure. Also, the mortality of protoscolices was 100% after 30 min of exposure to 1 and 1.5 mg/mL of PAMAM nanoemulsion, in vitro. Concerning ex vivo assay PAMAM nanoemulsion recorded the highest mortality rates at the concentration of 2 mg/mL (55, 99.4 and 100% at 10, 20, 30 min, respectively). Ultrastructure examination of examined protoscolices after 20 min of exposure to PAMAM nanoemulsion showed a complete loss of rostellar hooks, disruption of suckers with disorganization of hooks with partial or complete loss of them, and damage of protoscolices tegument with loss of their integrity in the form of holes and contraction of the soma region were observed in 1.5 and 2 mg/mL of PAMAM, in vitro and ex vivo, showing more damage in the in vitro conditions. It can be concluded that PAMAM nanoemulsion is a promising protoscolicidal agent offering a high protoscolicidal effect at a short exposure time. Further in vivo studies and preclinical animal trials are required to evaluate its efficacy and clinical applications against hydatid cysts.

Biomedical behaviors of CuO/γ-alumina/chitosan nanocomposites: Scolicidal and apoptotic effects on hydatid cysts protoscolices

Hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus granulosus are a serious health problem that requires effective treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the scolicidal and apoptotic effects of copper oxide (CuO) and gamma alumina (γ-Al2O3) with or without chitosan (Chit), using Rosmarinus officinalis extract and chemical methods on protoscolices (PSCs) in vitro. The nanomaterials (NMs) were characterized by FTIR, EDS, DLS, XRD, FESEM, PDI, and zeta potential (ZP). Scolicidal and apoptotic effects of NMs were tested against PSCs at different concentrations and exposure times. The CuO NPs showed the highest scolicidal effect (33.26 %) among all NMs at 1.6 mg/mL and 60 min, followed by phytosynthesized CuO/γ-Al2O3 NC (23.41 %). The chitosan-modified CuO/γ-Al2O3 NC and the chemically synthesized CuO/γ-Al2O3 NC had less effect. The CuO NPs and the phytosynthesized CuO/γ-Al2O3 NC also significantly increased the expression of the caspase-3 gene in the PSCs at 0.4 mg/mL, indicating the induction of apoptosis. In conclusion, this study suggests that the phytosynthesized CuO/γ-Al2O3 NC and the CuO NPs could be potential candidates for treating echinococcosis by killing the PSCs through apoptosis. Further studies are needed to verify the in vivo efficacy and toxicity of these NMs and to optimize their delivery and targeting systems.

Laparoscopic Management of Multiple Liver, Omental, Mesenteric, Peritoneal, and Round Ligament Hydatid Cysts-A Rare Report of a Case and a Systematic Literature Review

Hydatid cyst disease is a parasitic ailment with an endemic nature, predominantly affecting geographical areas with a tradition in animal husbandry. The most common localization of hydatid disease is in the liver (60%), followed by the lungs, with other organ localizations comprising less than 10%. The surgical approach to this condition can be carried out through open surgery or laparoscopy. The coexistence of hepatic and intraperitoneal hydatidosis often leads to the preference for open surgery. We performed a literature review aiming to retrieve data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features, preoperative management, and surgical approach concerning these unusual localizations of hydatid disease. It was observed that the mesenteric localization frequently presented with acute abdominal pain (p = 0.038) and that the open approach was preferred in 85.71% of cases. Furthermore, an interdependence was identified between the localization of the cysts and the type of surgical approach (p = 0.001), with mesenteric localizations being approached through laparotomy and excision (p = 0.037), while omental localizations, due to the easier approach, benefited from laparoscopy with excision in 14.29% of cases. Overall, the laparoscopic approach was less frequently used, but its utilization resulted in a lower number of complications and faster recovery. Additionally, we present a rare case of hepatic and intra-abdominal hydatidosis, resolved exclusively through a laparoscopic approach, including a review of the literature for these uncommon localizations of hydatid disease. A 45-year-old patient diagnosed with multiple hydatid cysts, both hepatic and intraperitoneal, underwent surgical intervention with exploratory laparoscopy. Laparoscopic excision of peritoneal, epiploic, mesenteric cysts, and round ligament, along with laparoscopic inactivation, evacuation, and pericystectomy of hepatic hydatid cysts, was performed. The patient's recovery was uneventful, and she was reevaluated at 3 and 9 months without signs of recurrence. The association of hepatic hydatid cysts with multiple intra-abdominal localizations is not commonly encountered. The treatment of choice is surgical and is predominantly conducted through open surgery. The presented case is unique due to the exclusive laparoscopic approach in the management of mixed hepatic and intra-abdominal hydatidosis.

Scolicidal and apoptotic effects of phyto- and chemically synthesized silver/boehmite nanocomposites on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces

Cystic hydatid disease (CHD) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), silver boehmite nanocomposite (Ag/Bhm NC), and silver boehmite nanocomposite modified with chitosan (Ag/Bhm/Chit NC) using Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) extract and chemical method, and to evaluate their scolicidal and apoptotic effects on protoscoleces (PSCs) in vitro. The nanomaterials (NMs) were characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDS, DLS, PDI, and zeta potential (ZP). The NMs were tested against PSCs at different concentrations (0.2-1.6 mg/mL) and exposure times (10-60 min). The size of Ag NPs, phytosynthesized Ag/Bhm NC, Ag/Bhm/Chit NC, and chemically synthesized Ag/Bhm NC were 25.55, 43, 72.3, and 60.8 nm, respectively. Ag NPs and phytosynthesized Ag/Bhm NC showed the highest scolicidal effect, with 65.34 % and 51.60 % mortality rate at 1.6 mg/mL and 60 min, respectively. Caspase-3 mRNA expression was higher in PSCs treated with Ag NPs and Ag/Bhm NC than in control groups (P < 0.05). Phytosynthesized Ag/Bhm NC had stronger scolicidal and apoptotic effect than chemically synthesized Ag/Bhm NC. Ag/Bhm/Chit NC had a weaker scolicidal effect but higher gene expression than Ag/Bhm NC. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of phytosynthesized Ag NPs and Ag/Bhm NC as effective scolicidal and apoptotic agents against PSCs of hydatid cysts, which may be useful for the treatment of this disease.

Nanomaterials as a Potential Target for Infectious Parasitic Agents

Despite the technological advancement in the era of personalized medicine and therapeutics development, infectious parasitic causative agents remain one of the most challenging areas of research and development. The disadvantages of conventional parasitic prevention and control are the emergence of multiple drug resistance as well as the non-specific targeting of intracellular parasites, which results in high dose concentration needs and subsequently intolerable cytotoxicity. Nanotechnology has attracted extensive interest to reduce medication therapy adverse effects including poor bioavailability and drug selectivity. Numerous nanomaterials-based delivery systems have previously been shown in animal models to be effective in the treatment of various parasitic infections. This review discusses a variety of nanomaterials-based antiparasitic procedures and techniques as well as the processes that allow them to be targeted to different parasitic infections. This review focuses on the key prerequisites for creating novel nanotechnology-based carriers as a potential option in parasite management, specifically in the context of human-related pathogenic parasitic agents.

Challenges and Prospective of Enhancing Hydatid Cyst Chemotherapy by Nanotechnology and the Future of Nanobiosensors for Diagnosis

Hydatid cysts have been widely recognized for decades as a common medical problem that affects millions of people. A revolution in medical treatment may be on the prospect of nanotechnology enhancing chemotherapy against hydatid cysts. An overview of nanotechnology's impact on chemotherapeutics is presented in the current review. It discusses some of the challenges as well as some of the opportunities. The application of nanotechnology to enhance chemotherapy against hydatid cysts is what this review will explore. Nanotechnology is a critical component of delivering therapeutic agents with greater precision and efficiency and targeting hydatid cysts with better efficacy, and minimizing interference with surrounding tissue. However, there are biodistribution challenges, toxicity, and resistance problems associated with nanotherapeutics. Additionally, nanobiosensors are being investigated to enable the early diagnosis of hydatid cysts. A nanobiosensor can detect hydatid cysts by catching them early, non-invasively, rapidly, and accurately. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests can be enhanced with nanobiosensors because they take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials. By providing more precise and customized treatment options for hydatid cysts, nanotechnology may improve therapeutic options and strategies for diagnosing the disease. In conclusion, treatment with nanotechnology to treat hydatid cysts is potentially effective but presents many obstacles. Furthermore, nanobiosensors are being integrated into diagnostic techniques, as well as helping to diagnose patients earlier and more accurately.

Propofol Induces the Expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in Echinococcus granulosus via the JNK and p38 Pathway In Vitro

The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nrf2 signaling pathways in Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs) cultured in vitro were divided into different groups: a control group, PSCs were pretreated with various concentrations of propofol followed by exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and PSCs were pretreated with MAPK inhibitors, then co-treated with propofol and incubated in the presence of H₂O₂. PSCs activity was observed under an inverted microscope and survival rate was calculated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorescence microscopy, western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, Bcl-2, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the PSCs among different groups. Pretreatment of PSCs with 0-1 mM propofol for 8 h prevented PSCs death after exposure to 0.5 mM H₂O₂. PSCs were pretreated with PD98059, SB202190, or SP600125 for 2 h, co-treated with propofol for an additional 8 h, and then exposed to 0.5 mM H₂O₂ for 6 h. On day 6, the PSCs viability was 42% and 39% in the p38 and JNK inhibitor groups, respectively. Additionally, pretreatment with propofol significantly attenuated the generation of ROS following H₂O₂ treatment. Propofol increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 compared with that of the control group. Pretreatment PSCs with SP600125 or SB202190, co-incubation with propofol and H₂O₂, can reduce the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that propofol induces an upregulated expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 by activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. This study highlights the cross role of metabolic regulation of ROS signaling and targeting signalling pathways that may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of E. granulosus disease.

Evaluation of scolicidal potential of salicylate coated zinc nanoparticles against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by larval stages of the Echinococcus genus (metastasis). In this study, salicylate-coated Zinc oxide nanoparticles (SA-ZnO-NPs) were fabricated and characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD analytical techniques. After that, different doses of SA-ZnO-NPs, SA and ZnO-NPs were taken to assess scolicidal potency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs were also used to evaluate the morphological deformities of treated protoscoleces. Furthermore, Caspase-3&7 inductions were examined in protoscoleces cysts treated with all formulations. Based on SEM and DLS analyses, the size of SA-ZnO-NPs was between 30 and 40 nm, with a spherical shape. The FTIR spectrum verified the presence of SA functional groups on the ZnO coating. At 20 min, SA-ZnO-NPs at 2000 μg/ml exhibited the greatest activity on protoscolices with 100% mortality, followed by ZnO-NPs at 1500 μg/ml at 10 min and SA alone at 2000 μg/ml at 30 min. The activation of Caspase-3&7 apoptotic enzyme was determined for 2000 μg/ml of SA-ZnO-NPs, ZnO-NPs and SA to be 16.4, 31.4, and 35.7%, respectively. The SEM image revealed apoptogenic alterations and the induction of tegument surface wrinkles, as well as abnormalities in rostellum protoscolices. According to the current study, SA-ZnO-NPs have a high mortality rate against hydatid cyst protoscolices. As a result, further studies on the qualitative assessment of these nanoformulations in vivo and preclinical animal trials seem to be required. Furthermore, the adoption of nano-drugs potentially offers alternative therapeutic approaches to combat hydatid cysts.

Cytotoxic, Scolicidal, and Insecticidal Activities of Lavandula stoechas Essential Oil

Essential oils (EOs) have recently attracted more interest due to their insecticidal activities, low harmfulness, and rapid degradation in the environment. Therefore, Lavandula steochas (L. steochas) essential oil was assessed for its chemical constituents, in vitro cytotoxicity, and scolicidal, acaricidal, and insecticidal activities. Using spectrometry and gas chromatography, the components of L. steochas EOs were detected. Additionally, different oil concentrations were tested for their anticancer activities when applied to human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293 cells) and the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The oil’s scolicidal activity against protoscolices of hydatid cysts was evaluated at various concentrations and exposure times. The oil’s adulticidal, larvicidal, and repelling effects on R. annulatus ticks were also investigated at various concentrations, ranging from 0.625 to 10%. Likewise, the larvicidal and pupicidal activities of L. steochas against Musca domestica were estimated at different concentrations. The analyses of L. steochas oil identified camphor as the predominant compound (58.38%). L. steochas oil showed significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells. All of the tested oil concentrations demonstrated significant scolicidal activities against the protoscoleces of hydatid cysts. L. steochas EO (essential oil) showed 100% adulticidal activity against R. annulatus at a 10% concentration with an LC50 of 2.34%, whereas the larvicidal activity was 86.67% and the LC50 was 9.11%. On the other hand, the oil showed no repellent activity against this tick’s larva. Furthermore, L. steochas EO achieved 100% larvicidal and pupicidal effects against M. domestica at a 10% concentration with LC50 values of 1.79% and 1.51%, respectively. In conclusion, the current work suggests that L. steochas EO could serve as a potential source of scolicidal, acaricidal, insecticidal, and anticancer agents.

Metallic Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in the Fight Against Leishmaniasis

Abstract:

Leishmaniasis is a cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus. According to the World Health Organization, Leishmaniasis causes approximately 20–40 thousand deaths annually, and Brazil, India, and some countries in Africa are the most affected by this neglected disease. In addition to parasite’s ability to evade the host’s immune system, the incidence of vectors, the genetics of different hosts, and the large number of deaths are mainly due to failures in conventional treatments that have high toxicity, low effectiveness, and prolonged therapeutic regimens. Thus, the development of new alternative therapeutics with more effective and safer actions has become one of the main challenges for researchers studying leishmaniasis. Among the many research and tested options, metallic nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, have been shown to be one of the most promising therapeutic tool because they are easily prepared and chemically modified, have a broad spectrum of action, low toxicity, and can generate reactive oxygen species and other immune responses that favor their use against different species of Leishmania. This review explores the progress of the use of metallic nanoparticles as a new tool in the treatment of leishmaniasis, as well as discusses the gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed to consolidate a safe, effective, and definitive therapeutic intervention against these infections.

In vivo and in vitro anti-hydatidosis effect of garlic: a systematic review

Background:

Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The aim of the current systematic review study was to clarify the effect of garlic on hydatid cyst in vivo and in vitro.

Method:

We performed our analyses up to Feb 20, 2021, in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. We systematically searched five English databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid and Cochrane) and four Persian databases (Scientific Information Database [SID], Iran Medex, Iran Doc, and Magiran) with appropriate syntax. The data was extracted from the relevant articles and analyzed.

Results:

From 160 studies obtained by initial search, nine studies were selected for further analysis. Among 6 in vitro study, 3 (50%) used methanolic extract, 2 (34%) hydroalcoholic and chloroformic extract, and 1 (16%) chloroformic extract. Two (67%) studies used BALB/c mice, and one study (33%) used Swiss albino mice. The method of treatment of mice in all studies was oral. The results showed that garlic has mild to potent effect on hydatidosis and this effect was more considerable in vitro than in vivo.

Conclusion:

Based on the results of various studies, it can be concluded that Allium sativum extract can be used as a suitable alternative to drugs such as Albendazole or can be used as complementary treatment to reduce the dose of the current drugs.

Status and prospect of novel treatment options toward alveolar and cystic echinococcosis

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the two most important global parasitic infectious diseases caused by species of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Although numerous trials have been performed in search of novel therapeutic options to curb the neglected zoonosis, no other nonsurgical options are currently available to replace the licensed anti echinococcal drugs albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ). A safer and more effective treatment plan for echinococcosis is therefore urgently needed to compensate for this therapeutic shortfall. Here, we present a review of the literature for state-of-the-art valuable anti-parasitic compounds and novel strategies that have proved effective against CE and AE, which includes details about the pharmaceutical type, practical approach, experimental plan, model application and protoscolecidal effects in vivo and in vitro. The content includes the current application of traditional clinical chemicals, the preparation of new compounds with various drug loadings, repurposing findings, combined programs, the prospects for Chinese herbal medicines, non-drug administrations and the exploration of target inhibitors based on open-source information for parasitic genes. Next the conventional experimental projects and pharmacodynamic evaluation methods are systematically summarized and evaluated. The demands to optimize the construction of the echinococcosis model and improve the dynamic monitoring method in vivo are also discussed given the shortcomings of in vivo models and monitoring methods.

Evaluation of the scolicidal activities of eugenol essential oil and its nanoemulsion against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts

BACKGROUND

Cystic echinococcosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus remains a serious helminthic zoonosis affecting humans and animals in many endemic developing countries. Surgical intervention is the best management choice, although it is associated with high recurrence rates and serious complications. Also, the commonly used chemotherapeutics exhibited serious side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the protoscolicidal effects of eugenol (Eug) essential oil and its nanoemulsion (Eug-NE) against protoscoleces (PCs) of hydatid cysts in vitro.

METHODS

Eug-NE was prepared and characterized. Their cytotoxicity on macrophages was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. E. granulosus PCs were treated with various concentrations of Eug and Eug-NE at different exposure times. The viability of protoscoleces was evaluated by the eosin exclusion test, and the changes in the morphology of protoscoleces were assessed. Albendazole (ABZ) was used as a positive control.

RESULTS

The cellular cytotoxicity of Eug and Eug-NE on macrophage cells, in minimum and maximum concentrations (0.2 and 1 μl/mL), were nearly negligible ranging from 4.7% to 8.3% and 3.7% to 7.2%, respectively. The results showed highly significant activity of Eug-NE and Eug against hydatid PCs compared to ABZ (P < 0.05). Eug and Eug-NE have similar protoscolicidal effects at all used concentrations. Their highest scolicidal activity (100% mortality rate) was recorded at 1 μl/ml after 30 min incubation (LC50 = 0.298-LC90 = 0.521 and LC50 = 0.309-LC90 = 0.646, respectively). Both formulations showed time- and dose-dependent effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested the potent scolicidal activities of Eug and Eug-NE as promising alternative scolicidal agents. Future studies are recommended to explore the mechanism of action and treatment response in vivo and clinical settings.

Antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles

Nanomaterials represent a wide alternative for the treatment of several diseases that affect both human and animal health. The use of these materials mainly involves trying to solve the problem of resistance that pathogenic organisms acquire to conventional drugs. A well-studied example that represents a potential component for biomedical applications is the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Its antimicrobial function is related, especially the ability to generate/induce ROS that affects the homeostasis of the pathogen in question. Protozoa and helminths that harm human health and the economic performance of animals have already been exposed to this type of nanoparticle. Thus, through this review, our goal is to discuss the state-of-the-art effect of ZnO NPs on these parasites.

High Potency of Organic and Inorganic Nanoparticles to Treat Cystic Echinococcosis: An Evidence-Based Review

Since there is no potential, effective vaccine available, treatment is the only controlling option against hydatid cyst or cystic echinococcosis (CE). This study was designed to systematically review the in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo effects of nanoparticles against hydatid cyst. The study was carried out based on the 06- PRISMA guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Facility (SyRF) database. The search was performed in five English databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar without time limitation for publications around the world about the protoscolicdal effects of all the organic and inorganic nanoparticles without date limitation in order to identify all the published articles (in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo). The searched words and terms were: “nanoparticles”, “hydatid cyst”, “protoscoleces”, “cystic echinococcosis”, “metal nanoparticles”, “organic nanoparticles”, “inorganic nanoparticles, “in vitro”, ex vivo”, “in vivo”. Out of 925 papers, 29 papers including 15 in vitro (51.7%), 6 in vivo (20.7%), ex vivo 2 (6.9%), and 6 in vitro/in vivo (20.7%) up to 2020 met the inclusion criteria for discussion in this systematic review. The results demonstrated the most widely used nanoparticles in the studies were metal nanoparticles such as selenium, silver, gold, zinc, copper, iron nanoparticles (n = 8, 28.6%), and metal oxide nanoparticles such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, zirconium dioxide, and silicon dioxide (n = 8, 28.6%), followed by polymeric nanoparticles such as chitosan and chitosan-based nanoparticles (n = 7, 25.0%). The results of this review showed the high efficacy of a wide range of organic and inorganic NPs against CE, indicating that nanoparticles could be considered as an alternative and complementary resource for CE treatment. The results demonstrated that the most widely used nanoparticles for hydatid cyst treatment were metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles, followed by polymeric nanoparticles. We found that the most compatible drugs with nanoparticles were albendazole, followed by praziquantel and flubendazole, indicating a deeper understanding about the synergistic effects of nanoparticles and the present anti-parasitic drugs for treating hydatid cysts. The important point about using these nanoparticles is their toxicity; therefore, cytotoxicity as well as acute and chronic toxicities of these nanoparticles should be considered in particular. As a limitation, in the present study, although most of the studies have been performed in vitro, more studies are needed to confirm the effect of these nanoparticles as well as their exact mechanisms in the hydatid cyst treatment, especially in animal models and clinical settings.

In vitro scolicidal activity of synthesised silver nanoparticles from aqueous plant extract against Echinococcus granulosus

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Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesised using plant extract derived from Piper nigrum, Ziziphus Spina-Christi and Eucalyptus globulus.

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The scolicidal activity of synthesised silver nanoparticles against Echinococcus granulosus has been investigated.

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The Eucalyptus globulus extract exhibits outstanding activity comparing to Piper nigrum and Ziziphus Spina-Christi plant extracts.

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Silver nanoparticles exhibited reasonably results compared to that obtained from treatment with 10 μg/mL of Albendazole.

At present, biosynthesis of AgNPs is a very effective method to produce less toxic nanoparticles. The vision of this research is to use three different plant extracts derived from leaves of Piper nigrum, Ziziphus Spina-Christi and Eucalyptus globulus for rapid biosynthesis of AgNPs. This is in addition to investigating the scolicidal activity against Echinococcus granulosus. The methods of UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were employed to characterise the nanoparticles. UV spectra disclosed a maximum absorption at 437 nm for the biosynthesised AgNPs using EUCGLO extract. The XRD patterns revealed the (fcc) structure of the AgNPs with slightly shifted characteristic peaks at 2θ degree of 37.3˚ and 43.4˚, respectively. The scolicidal activity against E. granulosus revealed that the AgNPs, which were synthesised using Eucalyptus globulus, have powered scolicidal of 47.8 % after 45 min. which is comparable to the treatment by Albendazole.

Scolicidal effects of Cassia fistula and Urtica dioica extracts on protoscoleces of hydatid cysts

Echinococcosis is among the most underestimated parasitic diseases that have universal distribution. The primary treatment is surgery. Hence, the development of new and more effective scolicidal agents with lower side effects is crucial. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Urtica dioica and Cassia fistula extracts as a scolicidal herbal drug in vitro. Suspension of protoscoleces was obtained from the infected livers of sheep in Khorramabad, Iran. Hydro-alcoholic solution was extracted from the leaves and stems of Urtica dioica and the fruit of Cassia fistula. Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were treated with the essential oils at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL for 10, 20, 30, and 60 min and their viability was evaluated by the eosin staining test. The extract of Urtica dioica at a concentration of 100 mg/mL killed 90.51% of protoscoleces after 60 min. Cassia fistula also killed 67.74% of protoscoleces after 60 min. This study obtained satisfactory results. Urtica dioica and Cassia fistula extracts are promising protoscolicides and can be used in the treatment of hydatid cysts and pre-surgically to prevent secondary infections.