Liposomal form of desferal as an effective chlamidial agent

Abstract

Des f eral is a free iron ions blocker used for heart attacks and strokes treatment for more than 30 years. In several in vitro studies it was also shown that desferal concentrations of 15–100 mM cause shortage of iron in Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis, affecting these bacteria growth and development. The main problems of this compound for treatment of chlamydia are its toxicity and low ability to pass through the cell membrane. In this research the in vitro toxicity and activity of desferal encapsulated in soybean phosphatidyl - choline liposomes were studied. It was demonstrated that the liposomal form of the chelator is less toxic and more active as compared to its solution.

Keywords

• chlamydiosis, desferal, liposomes, cytotoxicity.