Therapeutic role of deferasirox loaded niosomes against aluminium-maltolate induced Alzheimer disease: A study in Swiss albino mice

Background and objectives Aluminium, a common component in underarm deodorants, has been reported to increase oxidative stress when present in the bloodstream, and chronic exposure is considered a potential risk factor for Alzheimer disease. This study investigates the neuroprotective and chelating effects of deferasirox (DFX) and its niosome-based formulation (DFX-NS) against aluminium-maltolate (Almal)-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Methods Thirty male Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned into five groups: Control, Almal, Standard (STD), DFX, and DFX-NS. For 21 d, all groups except the control received Almal to induce neurotoxicity, followed by respective treatments for an additional 21 d. After the treatment period, cognitive function was assessed using behavioral tests such as the Morris Water Maze and Y Maze. An in vitro MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was performed on SH-SY5Y cells to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of DFX. In vivo analyses—including elemental analysis (ICP-MS), histopathology, oxidative stress parameters [Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT)], urine analysis, and protein estimation (Bradford assay)—were performed on the brain, which was isolated after cervical dislocation. Results The results obtained shows that the Deferasirox has optimum capacity to chelate the aluminium ions in the brains of the Alzheimer-diseased swiss albino mice. Though, the evidence obtained were not fully conclusive, but still the results from the niosomes group shows effective treatment option for the Alzheimer disease caused by the aluminium exposure. Interpretation and conclusions The efficacy of DFX and DFX-NS in reducing aluminium-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in the brain proves that DFX could be a possible candidate for treating Alzheimer’s patients linked with metal toxicities.