extract-loaded liposomes ameliorate metribuzin-induced pulmonary and cardiac dysfunction in Wistar Albino rats

The objective was to develop liposomes as a new drug delivery system (NDDS) containing basil extract and to investigate their therapeutic and protective effects against toxicity caused by exposure to metribuzin in the lungs and heart. For in vivo study, 24 male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6), control group, metribuzin-treated group, Basil extract-treated group (BE) and Basil extract liposomes-treated group (BE-LPs). The weight gain of each organ was measured. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathion peroxidase (GPx), Glutation S transferase (GSTs), Catalase (CAT), Reduced Glutathion (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lugs and heart were measured in order to evaluate oxidative stress status. The tissue histology of the organs was examined. Various biochemical parameters and inflammation markers were estimated. Results of the in vivo rats' study showed that treatment with metribuzin induced increase in organs weight, oxidative stress, biochemical toxicity, inflammation, and histological changes in the lungs and heart, as well as a significant amelioration of BE and BE-LPs against the toxic effects induced by metribuzin by reversing all of the previous parameters. In conclusion, the application of BE-LPs appears to be effective in addressing the issues of oxidative stress and inflammation caused by metribuzin in the lungs and heart.