Evaluation of the Protoscolicidal Effects of Albendazole and Albendazole Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

BACKGROUND: Protoscolex plays an important role in the development of hydatid cyst. Albendazole is one of the most effectual protoscolicidal agents for averting the reappearance of this disease, nonetheless, its low solubility and its low intestinal absorption necessitates the presence of a drug carrier to enhance its efficacy. In this study, the effect of albendazole and its nano-form on protoscolices in cultured media and in vivo was evaluated. METHODS: Microemulsion method was used to prepare the Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing albendazole. Infected livers were collected from the Slaughterhouse of Ahvaz, Khuzestan in 2017. The protoscolices were stored in RPMI 1640 for one week, and their survival under the influence of albendazole and nano-albendazole on days 3 and 7 at concentrations of 250 and 500μg / ml was investigated. The live protoscolices exposed on day 3 at a concentration of 250 μg/ml were injected to mice for evaluation of pathogenicity. Three months later, after autopsy of the mice, the pathogenicity was evaluated. RESULTS: Protoscolicidal efficacy was highest in both concentrations on day 7 for albendazole and on day 5 for nano-albendazole. Following the autopsy of the mice, cyst growth was reported in all mice, and only two mice from the albandazole loaded SLNs group did not have any cyst. CONCLUSION: Albendazole loaded SLNs showed a higher protoscolicidal property than the free form of this drug; therefore, the use of nano-formulation of this drug is recommended to prevent the onset of this disease.