Investigation of Silymarin Encapsulated Liposomal Nanoparticles Against Copper Toxicity Associated Liver Dysfunction and Neurobehavioral Abnormalities in Wistar Rats

Abstract

The fields of nanomedicine and nano delivery systems, in which nanoscale materials are utilized as diagnostic instruments or to administer therapeutic medicines to precisely targeted areas, are new but rapidly developing fields. Through a thorough examination of nanoparticle production and use, nanomedicines and nano-based drug delivery systems improve the effectiveness of both new and existing treatments. Recent years have seen a surge in interest in the use of nanoparticulate structures including stimuli-sensitive polymers and liposomes for the treatment of liver disorders. Wilson disease is characterized by copper accumulation in both the liver and extrahepatic organs. The liver is particularly vulnerable to chronic copper poisoning because it is the first organ to absorb copper from the circulation. Copper's toxicity manifests in several ways, including liver cirrhosis, hemolytic anemia, renal tubule injury, damage to the brain and other systems. The available therapies aim to lower copper levels by various means. However, a potent therapeutic drug that can repair the damaged brain and liver tissue is desperately needed. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.), a member of the Carduus marianum family, has been used for decades to treat liver and gallbladder problems. Medical researchers have shown silymarin and silibinin to have hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties. The effectiveness of silymarin as a medication for the liver is diminished by its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. In order to get around these problems, the "thin film hydration method" was used for synthesizing liposome nanoparticles that are encapsulated with silymarin and may be used to combat copper toxicity. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was employed to coat the liposome nanoparticles to increase their stability and to induce the stealth effect. After the induction of copper toxicity in rats, various methods such as serological analysis and behavioral tests were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the different treatment plans. The silymarin liposome nanoparticles showed improved treatment as compared to silymarin. The combination therapy of the liposomes along with zinc proved to be a more effective treatment plan than zinc therapy.