Discussion

Objective:Protoscolex plays an important role in the development and recurrence of hydatid cyst.  Albendazole is one of the most effectual protoscolicidal agents for prophylaxis and relapse 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 vitro and In vivo was evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Microemulsion method was used to prepare the Solid lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) containing albendazole. The protoscolices extracted from hydatid cysts were maintained in RPMI 1640 for one week, and their survival under the influence of albendazole and albendazole loaded SLNs on days 3 and 7 at concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/ml was examined. The live protoscolices exposed on day 3 at a concentration of 250 ml were injected to mice for evaluation of pathogenicity. Three months later, after the autopsy of the mice, the pathogenicity was assessed.

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 for studying the growth of protoscolex injected into these animals, cyst growth was reported in all mice, and only two mice from the albandazole loaded SLNs group did not have any cyst.

Conclusion: Albandazole 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.