Investigation of astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles in mitigating the EAE mice model of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

AIMS: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. Current therapies lack the disease-modifying potential and precision. Astaxanthin is a naturally derived marine compound with potent biological properties and has been reported to mitigate the effects of multiple sclerosis. Herein, we aimed to develop astaxanthin-loaded gold nanoparticles to enhance precision in delivery to the brain by the efficient carrier properties of the gold nanoparticles. METHODS: In this study, we employed an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of multiple sclerosis and treated for 3 weeks with free astaxanthin (6 mg/kg) and astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles (0.6 mg/kg), a 10-fold lower dose of the drug. The outcomes were evaluated by biochemical, pathological, histological, and hematological parameters. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that astaxanthin-loaded gold nanoparticles significantly improved the disease outcomes. Our findings suggest that astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles improved oxidative-stress indicators and motor deficits and imparted significant cellular protection in the disease condition. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study highlights the potential of astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles to improve neurological outcomes in the EAE mice model. Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the protective sheath of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage affects the nerve cells’ communication with each other and results in muscular and cognitive deficits. Although the treatment techniques available today can help decelerate the disease process and lower neuroinflammation, they are not very effective in offering long-term treatment for the condition. Astaxanthin is extracted primarily from marine sources like algae and seafood. It has protective properties for brain cells. However, its efficacy is hindered because it does not have water solubility and has poor absorption properties. To address these limitations, we developed astaxanthin-loaded gold nanoparticles. We assessed the efficacy of astaxanthin nanoparticles in mice, which have been modeled with a pathology like multiple sclerosis. The mice that received the astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold particles performed better with movement and memory than the mice that did not receive any treatment. Interestingly, these results were obtained by using a 10-fold smaller dose of astaxanthin-loaded hollow gold nanoparticles in comparison to astaxanthin in its free form.

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