Therapeutic effects of bioconjugated Linalool-zinc oxide nanoparticles against Giardia lamblia infection through modulating serum electrolytes and inhibiting inflammation

Abstract

Nowadays, there has been a noticeable rise in the utilization of nanoparticles in a diverse array of fields, including medicine and industry. The current research seeks to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of bioconjugated Linalool-zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZOP) in the treatment of G. lamblia infection. The impact of Linalool-ZOP at dosages of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, both individually and in conjunction with metronidazole (MTZ, 7.5 mg/kg) on the number and viability of Giardia cysts, the serum level of electrolytes of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), as well as the NF-kB signaling-related genes ((Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-10, Nuclear Factor kappa B p65 (NF-kB p65), and Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)) were assessed. We found that the average diameter of Linalool-ZOP was determined to be 105 nm. Following a seven-day treatment of G. lamblia-infected mice with LinaloolZOP mainly in conjunction with MTZ, the number and viability of G. lamblia cysts was significantly decreased (P<0.001). Linalool-ZOP, particularly in combination with MTZ, notably modulated the serum levels of Na and K in the infected mice (P < 0.001). The Linalool-ZOP, particularly in conjunction with MTZ independently led to a notable drop in the TNF-a, IL-1, NF-kB p65, and TLR4 genes, as well as a marked increase in IL-10 gene expression (P< 0.001) with no toxicity on vital organs in mice. The present study revealed that the Linalool-ZOP, mainly in combination with MTZ, significantly alleviated Giardia infection in murine models by reducing inflammation and rectifying serum electrolyte imbalances. Should additional mechanisms be clarified and subsequent clinical trials involving human subjects produce positive outcomes, these compounds could be considered potential candidates for developing a new therapeutic approach for giardiasis. Furthermore, we advocate for the initiation of human clinical trials and a more comprehensive assessment of the toxicity of Linalool-ZOP in more intricate models.