Ultraviolet B efficacy in improving antileishmanial effects of silver nanoparticles

Abstract

<em>Objective(s):</em>Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease caused by various species of the flagellated protozoan, <em>Leishmania</em>. Regardless of the numerous studies, there are still serious challenges in the treatment of CL. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of a low dose ultraviolet B (UV_B) radiation along with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on a mouse model of CL induced by <em>Leishmania major</em><em>[m1] </em>. <br/><em>Materials and</em><em> Methods: </em><em>L. major</em> promastigotes (MRHO/IR/75/ER) were extracted from infected mice spleens. Two months after subcutaneous injection of 2×10⁶promastigotes into the footpad of BALB/c mice, when the lesions were developed, the animals were divided into 4 groups including one control group and three study groups: AgNPs, UV_B and UV_Bplus AgNPs. Spleen parasite burden was assessed on day 40 after the first treatment. The data were analyzed by Instat, Elidaand SPSS16 software programs. <br/><em>Results: </em> The results showed the highest pronounced inhibitory effect in the group receiving AgNPs plus UV_B. In addition, a significant difference was obtained between the group receiving AgNPs alone and the one with combinational therapy. The findings on parasite burden showed a significant difference between the control group and other treatment groups. <br/><em>Conclusion:</em>It could be suggested that UV_B in the presence of AgNPs, by inhibiting the spread of CL lesions and reducing the rate of visceral progression of the disease, provides a serious anti-leishmanial effect. <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/>