Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals (Dec 2022)
Sulfasalazine colon-specific drug delivery by selenium nanoparticle
Abstract
Background: The goal was to assess the specific colon delivery and investigation of synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of the selenium nanoparticle (SeNPs) as a bioactive carrier for oral administration. Material and method: The sulfasalazine (SSZ)- SeNPs functionality and the drug link to SSZ-SeNPs were investigated using chemical methods and characterized by conventional techniques including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used to induce colitis. Clinical symptoms were monitored every day. Colon samples were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and the antioxidant markers such as total thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase (CAT) activity of the colon homogenates were also determined. Results: A significant reduction in body weight, colon length and increase in disease activity index, colon and spleen weight/length ratio was observed in colitis group compared to control. Treatment with SSZ-SeNP and SSZ significantly improved these, although there was no significant difference between SSZ-SeNP and SSZ groups. Moreover, evaluation of histological changes including inflammation, crypt loss, mucosal damage and colon fibrosis indicated that treatment by SSZ-SeNP and SSZ significantly improved histological changes and SSZ-SeNP is much more effective than SSZ (P<0.05). In addition, treatment by SSZ-SeNP and SSZ significantly increased anti-oxidative and reduced oxidative. Conclusions: Administration of SSZ-SeNP attenuated tissue inflammation, improved histological changes and oxidative/anti-oxidative balance in colon tissue of colitis compared to SSZ and can be considered as a promising option for treating of ulcerative colitis.
