Anti-Leishmanial Effects of a Novel Biocompatible Non-Invasive Nanofibers Containing Royal Jelly and Propolis against Iranian Strain of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER): an In-Vitro Study

Mohsen Mahmoudi; Bita Mehravi; Mohammad Shabani; Ramtin Hadighi; Alireza  Badirzadeh; Ahmad Dehdast; Ghazale Chizari-Fard; Vahid  Pirhajati-Mahabadi; Sekineh Akbari; Fatemeh Tabatabaie; Mehdi Mohebali

doi:10.18502/jad.v17i4.15294

Mohsen Mahmoudi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Bita Mehravi Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Shabani Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ramtin Hadighi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Alireza Badirzadeh Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ahmad Dehdast Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ghazale Chizari-Fard Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Vahid Pirhajati-Mahabadi Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sekineh Akbari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Fatemeh Tabatabaie Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Mohebali Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jad.v17i4.15294

Keywords: Leishmania major; Nanofiber; Propolis; Royal jelly; In-vitro

Abstract

Background: Current medications especially the pentavalent antimonial compounds have been used as the first line treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), but they have limitations due to serious side effects such as drug resistance, cardio and nephrotoxicity, and high costs. Hence, the demand to find more usable drugs is evident. Synthesis and development of natural, effective, biocompatible, and harmless compounds against Leishmania major is the principal priority of this study.

Methods: By electrospinning method, a new type of nanofiber were synthesized from royal jelly and propolis with different ratios. Nanofibers were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Contact angle, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀), Half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) and the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) for different concentrations of nanofibers were determined using quantitative calorimetric methods. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and flow cytometry were performed as complementary tests.

Results: The results showed that the proposed formulas provide a new achievement that, despite the significant killing activity on L. major, has negligible cytotoxicity on the host cells. Royal jelly nanofibers have significantly shown the best 72 hours results (IC₅₀= 35 μg/ml and EC₅₀=16.4 μg/ml) and the least cytotoxicity.

Conclusion: This study presents a great challenge to introduce a new low-cost treatment method for CL, accelerate wound healing, and reduce scarring with minimal side effects and biocompatible materials. Royal jelly and propolis nanofibers significantly inhibit the growth of L. major in-vitro.