Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences | 2021
Green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles using Lavandula angustifolia Vera. Extract by microwave method and its prophylactic effects on Toxoplasma gondii infection
Abstract
Abstract Background Today, a suitable vaccine has not yet been discovered to prevent Toxoplasma gondii infection. Therefore, prophylaxis can be suggested as the preferred approach to prevent toxoplasmosis. This study aims to evaluate the prophylactic effects of synthesized zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using Lavandula angustifolia Vera., by microwave method on chronic toxoplasmosis in mice. Methods BALB/c Mice orally administrated with ZnNPs the doses of 32.5, 75, 150\xa0mg/kg/day for two weeks. On the 15th day, the mice were intraperitoneally infected with the Tehran strain of T. gondii (25 tissue cysts). The mean diameter and the numbers of brain tissue cysts, as well as the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthesize (iNOs), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mice of each experimental group were evaluated. Results The synthesized ZnNPs represent a spherical form with a size ranging from 30 to 80\xa0nm. The results revealed that oral administration of Zn NPs at the doses of 32.5 (p\xa0 Conclusion The obtained findings of the current investigation exhibit the significant prophylactic effects of ZnNPs against chronic toxoplasmosis in mice; so that oral administration of ZnNPs the doses 32.5, 75, 150\xa0mg/kg reduced the parasite load and even completely controlled the infection in mice. The results show that the ZnNPs had strengthened the innate immune system which could be the reason for its strong prophylactic effects. However, further in vivo and clinical investigations are required to confirm these results as well as other possible mechanisms that can trigger these pharmacological properties.