Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Leishmania major is one of the main causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in many world regions, including Iran. Common treatments for this disease include pentavalent antimonial compounds, amphotericin B, and paromomycin-based formulations. However, these treatments face challenges such as drug resistance, high toxicity, and high costs. Consequently, there is a growing need for alternative therapeutic approaches.
Objectives: The present study evaluates the inhibitory effect of nano-chitosan loaded with Allium ursinum (A. ursinum) extract against L. major under in vitro conditions.
Methods: Initially, chitosan/extract nanoparticles (NChi/Ex) were synthesized by loading A. ursinum extract onto chitosan, and their physicochemical properties were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Subsequently, Leishmania major parasites were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium, and the effect of NChi/Ex on the parasites was assessed using the MTT assay.
Results: The results showed that the average size of the synthesized nanoparticles was 145.3 nm, with a polydispersity index (PI) of 0.277, indicating a relatively uniform particle distribution. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the successful loading of A. ursinum extract onto chitosan, as characteristic peaks corresponding to the functional groups of both components were observed. The NChi/Ex nanoparticles exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect, with the highest inhibition occurring at a concentration of 50 µg/ml after 48 hours, achieving 100% inhibition of Leishmania major.
Conclusion: The results demonstrated that NChi/Ex exhibited greater efficacy than chitosan or A. ursinum extract alone. This study underscores the potential of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with A. ursinum extract as a promising therapeutic strategy against Leishmania major, with potential applications in laboratory research and possibly in animal models.

Abstract Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most significant parasitic diseases in Iran and other endemic regions. Existing standard treatments face challenges, including drug toxicity, difficulty in administration, and parasite resistance.
Objectives: In this study, nano chitosan based on dendrimers (NChi), which has antibacterial and antiparasitic effects, was used to target Leishmania major in vitro.
Methods: NChi was synthesized first. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to confirm the synthesis and measure the size, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the nanostructure's morphology. After assessing the cytotoxicity of the NChi on the macrophage cell line, the antileishmanial effects of NChi were evaluated after 24 and 48 hours. Finally, the data were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA test in SPSS software.
Results: The results demonstrated that NChi, with a size of 128.5 nm, is suitable for drug delivery. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanostructure by indicating the attachment of chitosan to the dendrimer. The MTT assay on macrophage cells showed no cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanocomposite at the applied concentration. Moreover, after 48 hours, the NChi exhibited significant antileishmanial activity, achieving 100% growth inhibition at a concentration of 40 µg/ml.
Conclusion: This study highlights NChi as a more effective alternative to conventional chitosan for leishmaniasis due to its optimal size, stability, and potent anti-promastigote activity, positioning it as a promising substitute for chemical drugs like glucantime.