Silver Nanoparticles with Mebeverine in IBS Treatment: DFT Analysis, Spasmolytic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Mebeverine hydrochloride (MBH) is an antispasmodic agent used to regulate bowel movements and relax intestinal smooth muscle, but its application is limited by specific side effects; therefore, this study investigates the effects of previously synthesized MBH-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on smooth muscle contractile activity and their anti-inflammatory potential as an alternative delivery system. <b>Methods:</b> The interactions of AgNPs with cholinergic inhibitors, selective antagonists, Ca<sup>2+</sup> blockers, and key neurotransmitters were analyzed. In vitro, albumin denaturation suppression and ex vivo assays evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of AgNPs-MBH, validated using a DFT in silico approach. To comprehensively assess the systemic impact and IBS treatment potential of AgNPs-MBH, we also examined in vitro their antimicrobial activity and hepatic cell responses, as the liver is a key organ in evaluating the overall safety and efficacy of nanoparticles. Additionally, the drug-release capabilities of Ag NPs were established. <b>Results</b>: Our findings indicate that AgNPs with MBH do not affect blocked cholinergic receptors, but their effects are more pronounced and distinct in amplitude and character than MBH. MBH-loaded AgNPs showed a lower anti-inflammatory effect than MBH but were still better than diclofenac. They also affected hepatic cell morphology and proliferation, suggesting potential for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Drug-loaded AgNPs are considered not bactericidal. <b>Conclusions</b>: Based on our results, drug-loaded AgNPs might be a promising medication delivery system for MBH and a useful treatment option for IBS. Future in vivo and preclinical experiments will contribute to the establishment of drug-loaded AgNPs in IBS treatment.
Authors
- Mina Pencheva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0411-2291)
- Vera Gledacheva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4155-956X)
- Kamelia Hristova‐Panusheva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8348-8336)
- Nikoleta Kircheva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6645-8319)
- Yulian Tumbarski (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1674-5333)
- Silvia Angelova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4717-8028)
- Miglena Milusheva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6224-7584)
- Milena Georgieva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2371-7544)
- Mihaela Stoyanova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8086-9094)
- Iliyana D. Stefanova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6553-6365)
- Stoyanka Nikolova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4649-7935)
- Natalia Krasteva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7423-7412)
- George Miloshev (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2979-8899)
- Mina Todorova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0850-0902)
- Bela Vasileva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8718-6412)
Institutions
- Plovdiv University (BG)
- Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BG)
- Medical University Plovdiv (BG)
- University of Food Technologies (BG)
- Institute of Molecular Biology (BG)
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering (BG)
- University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (BG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Pharmaceutics
- Published
- 2025-04-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050561
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.55