CHITOSAN COATED SELENIUM-DONEPEZIL NANOPARTICLES AMELIORATE SCOPOLAMINE-INDUCED MEMORY IMPAIRMENT IN RATS

Objective: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of chitosan-coated Selenium-Donepezil Nanoparticles (SeNPs) in a scopolamine-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Chitosan-coated SeNPs were synthesized and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDAX). The therapeutic potential of SeNPs was evaluated in a scopolamine-induced rat model of AD by assessing spatial memory using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test and passive avoidance test, as well as measuring oxidative stress markers, including the Ferric-Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: The selected formula (F2) of chitosan-coated SeNPs significantly improved spatial memory and reduced oxidative stress markers compared to scopolamine controls, suggesting a synergistic effect. The average size of F2 was approximately 200 nm, with a zeta potential of-20.4 mV. The loading efficiency of donepezil into F2 was 42.3±0.57%. In the MWM test, F2 significantly improved spatial memory and learning compared to the scopolamine group (p<0.01). F2 also ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory deficits in the passive avoidance test (p<0.05). Furthermore, F2 significantly increased FRAP levels and decreased MDA levels in both serum and brain tissue compared to the scopolamine group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that chitosan-coated SeNPs may offer a promising therapeutic approach for AD by targeting both oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction, warranting further investigation.