Yttrium-doped copper oxide nanoparticles: A promising combined therapeutic approach for chronic toxoplasmosis

Background: Current treatments for chronic toxoplasmosis lack efficacy, prompting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Yttrium-doped copper oxide nanoparticles (Y/CuO NPs) and undoped copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs), compared to Spiramycin, against chronic toxoplasmosis.Materials and Methods: Both nanoparticle types were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation and characterized. Swiss albino male mice chronically infected with T. gondii were treated orally with CuO NPs or Y/CuO NPs (100 mg/kg/day) for ten days in comparison with Spiramycin administration at similar dose and time. Drug efficacy was evaluated by quantifying brain cyst counts, assessing liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST), and conducting histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of brain and liver tissues. Markers such as Kiel antigen (Ki67) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were used to determine cellular proliferation and inflammatory responses, respectively.Results: The Y/CuO NPs exhibited smaller crystallite size (~18 nm), higher internal strain, and enhanced purity. Post-treatment analysis revealed a notable decrease in brain cyst count, inflammation, and neural damage, especially within the Y/CuO group. Histopathological and biochemical assessments showed reduced liver and brain inflammation, with decreased apoptosis in Y/CuO-treated mice. Immunohistochemistry indicated lower Ki67 expression in brain tissue and reduced NF-κB immunoreactivity in liver tissue, suggesting improved anti-inflammatory and regenerative responses.Conclusion: The Y/CuO NPs demonstrated superior therapeutic potential over CuO NPs, offering a promising adjunctive nanomedicine-based approach, especially when combined with established treatments, e.g., Spiramycin, to enhance its efficacy and reduce side effects in chronic toxoplasmosis.