Scolicidal and Apoptotic Activities of 5-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone as a Potent Agent against Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces

Cystic hydatid disease (CHD) is a zoonotic disease with different clinical stages caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. It is important to highlight as a public health problem in various regions of the world. In the current study, the efficacy and apoptotic activity of the liposomal system containing juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) were assessed against protoscoleces (PSCs) in vitro. To this aim, firstly, liposomal vesicles were prepared by the thin-film method. Their physico-chemical features were assessed using Zeta-Sizer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Subsequently, various concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mu g/mL) of juglone nanoliposomes at different exposure times (15, 30, 60, and 120 min) were used against PSCs. Results showed that juglone nanoliposomes at all tested concentrations induced scolicidal effect, however, 800 mu g/mL and 400 mu g/mL of juglone nanoliposomes could reach 100% mortality in 60 and 120 min, respectively. Additionally, we found that caspase-3 mRNA expression was higher in PSCs treated with juglone nanoliposomes compared to control groups (p < 0.001). Therefore, juglone nanoliposomes are suggested to have a more potent apoptotic effect on PSCs. Generally, optimized doses of juglone nanoliposomes could display significant scolicidal effects. Moreover, further in vivo studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of this nanoliposome.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the efficacy and apoptotic activity of liposomal system containing juglone against protoscoleces. Results showed that juglone nanoliposomes induced scolicidal effect at all tested concentrations, with the highest concentrations achieving 100% mortality within 60-120 minutes. Furthermore, higher caspase-3 mRNA expression was observed in PSCs treated with juglone nanoliposomes compared to control groups, suggesting a potent apoptotic effect.